The Israel Innovation Authority is launching a fast-track grant program as part of the R&D Fund, designed to assist Israeli technology companies affected by the strengthening shekel and the impact of exchange rates on their operations.
The strengthening of the Shekel eroded the value of capital raised and income received in foreign currency. As a result, technology companies may be required to advance their next funding round and raise larger amounts, even without a change in their operational plans and expenses.
The program offers grants for research and development programs and an accelerated review process. Receiving the grant requires matching funds from an external source.
The purpose of the program is to extend the companies' survival horizon by an additional six months, enabling them to continue their research and development activities, preserve technological and business assets, and advance towards their next milestones.
Who is the track intended for?
The track is intended for startups and early-growth technology companies with a runway not exceeding 12 months from the date of application.
Companies are required to present significant assets they have accumulated throughout their operations, including knowledge, intellectual property, products, infrastructure, professional staff, investors, customers, commercial contracts, or revenues.
As part of the application review, the technological and business potential, team capabilities, company's financial stability, and the grant's contribution to its continued operations are also examined.
A company with an approved plan, whose execution period has not yet ended, in greenhouse, Pre-Seed, or Seed tracks Ina May submit an application for the fast track.
Two submission tracks have been opened:
Fast track for startups
- The track is intended for companies incorporated in the last three years and whose expected expenses during the survival horizon extension period do not exceed NIS 4 million.
- The company's total expenses in the year preceding the application must be greater than NIS 1.5 million and not exceed NIS 4 million.
- The grant ceiling for the track is NIS 2 million.
Fast track for early-stage growth companies
- The track is intended for companies that were incorporated more than three years ago or whose expected expenses during the survival horizon extension period exceed 4 million NIS.
- The company's age cannot exceed 15 years.
- The company's total expenses in the year preceding the filing of the application must be higher than NIS 1.5 million and not exceed NIS 100 million.
- The grant ceiling for the track is 15 million NIS.
What can I get?
The grant may amount to 33% or 50% of the expected expenses during the survival horizon extension period, subject to the Research Committee’s decision.
To receive the grant, supplementary funding from an external source is required, such as equity fundraising, a SAFE, a loan, or future cash flow. that is not Guaranteed upon submission of the request.
A company that provides the required supplementary funding at the time of award may receive an advance payment of up to 35% of the approved grant, subject to the program’s terms and the committee’s decision.
Additional Key Terms
- Runway of no more than 12 months.
- The company's expenses in the year preceding the filing of the application must be higher than its income.
- At least 50% of the company's expenses in the year preceding the filing of the application must be incurred in Israel.
- Research and development expenses must account for at least 40% of the company's total expenses in the year prior to filing.
- A company that has not raised investment in the three years prior to filing the application is required to report revenue of more than 50%, of which a portion was received in foreign currency.
- The research and development included in the program must be carried out in Israel, subject to exceptions and the approval of the Research Committee.
Examination process
The track includes an expedited review process. Research committees are expected to convene weekly, except during holidays and other designated times.
A response is expected within 20 to 30 business days from the date of submission of a complete and valid application.
Submission deadlines
Submissions will open on July 29, 2026 and close on November 19, 2026 at 12:00 PM.
The Israel Innovation Authority will hold a financial webinar on August 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM, where program details will be presented and questions will be answered.
The submission deadlines are approaching and the budgets are limited. It is recommended to examine the company's suitability for the track as soon as possible and prepare the financial data, research and development plan, and required documents.
The Barzelit firm team is at your disposal to check eligibility for the track and prepare for the application submission.
