CybersecurityIsrael cyber security incubator program established by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Israel has been named one of the top three world leaders in the field of cyber security; approximately twenty-five Israeli information security firms have been acquired by multinational organizations, and Israeli companies are counted among the world’s leading IT security providers; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and its technology transfer company, BGN Technologies, will create Israel’s first cyber security incubator in Beer-Sheva
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and its technology transfer company,BGN Technologies, will create Israel’s first cyber security incubator in Beer-Sheva under the Israeli Office of the Chief Scientist Incubator Program. The incubator program will be established in partnership with Israeli venture capital firm Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP).
“The exciting initiative is taking place in the wake of rising cyber threats, as well as increasing attacks on critical infrastructure in Israel and around the world,” says Doron Krakow, executive vice president, American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. “BGU is one of the leaders in academic applied research in cyber security, which is a critical component of our Homeland Security Institute.”
The incubator will be located in the new Advanced Technologies Park, adjacent to both the University and the new technology campus of the Israel Defense Forces Telecommunications Division. The incubator is expected to begin operations as early as the beginning of 2013.
JVP will select a number of start-ups each year within the cyber security and enterprise software areas to join the incubator. Once established, the incubator will also include another incubator for community-based social initiatives and a cultural arm.
Israel has been named one of the top three world leaders in the field of cyber security. Approximately twenty-five Israeli information security firms have been acquired by multinational organizations, and Israeli companies are counted among the world’s leading IT security providers.
“High-tech is the engine of the Israeli economy, and it’s important that we bring it to areas and population groups throughout the country,” said JVP founder and chairman Erel Margalit.
“Israel’s leadership in the area of cyber security is a strategic asset for the country, and we can leverage it not only for security purposes, but also economically and socially. Establishing the Beer-Sheva incubator alongside a social incubator and other cultural hotspots can create cultural and social change along with a thousand new jobs.”
JVP’s Yoav Tzruya, who will be heading the cyber security incubator, says that “Our vision is to turn Beer-Sheva into a center of innovation and creativity in the field of high-tech, and a leader in the field of cyber security.”
