Our Story
Our world is changing at the speed of light, presenting new challenges and opportunities every day. As the global population steadily increases, so too does our need to create sustainable food security. Transforming food systems at a global scale requires targeted investments in innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration and industry-specific expertise. That’s where the impact happens, and it’s why we created the Kinneret Innovation Center (KIC).
Strategically located in the heart of the Jordan Valley, on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, our living lab presents an ecosystem of possibility. By bridging the gap between academia, industrial and agricultural communities, we enable startups and key corporate players to build advanced technology solutions. We understand your urgency to make an impact. At KIC, we will empower you to transform your dreams into reality.
The Founding Partners
The Kinneret Innovation Center is a world-class technology hub designed to encourage global impact. KIC leverages its fertile setting to ignite industry innovation and was founded in partnership by:
Zemach Regional Industries, Ltd. (a cooperative owned by 33 agricultural communities in the North of Israel)
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael Jewish National Fund (has been developing the land of Israel, strengthening the bond between the Jewish people and its homeland.)
Kinneret Academic College (comprised of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Achi Racov School of Engineering)
Our Mission
By cultivating an enriching environment in which local and international stakeholders can create positive synergies, we will sow the seeds of prosperity for generations to come.
Our Vision
To become a world-renowned hub of innovation and a cornerstone of global impact.
Our Team
We are a group of entrepreneurs, who love Israel and aspire to bring prosperity to the North.
We dare to dream and are not afraid to make mistakes. We believe we can create both a local and global impact.
Kalman Kaufman
Chairman
Shani Biran
Director of Innovation Academy & Industry Innovation
Gadi Kliger
Startups Division Manager
Chen Ezra
Early Stage Accelerator & Academic Programs Manager
Matan Lev
Accelerator Manager
Ella Gur Rimer
T&E Coordinator
Reut Moskovich
Accelerator Program Manager
Elad Shamir
CEO
Uriel Perman
Director of Innovatin
Anat Vexler Israeli
Strategic Partnership Manager
Dr. Ran Suckeveriene
CTO
Liron Avraham
Coordinator
Dr. Yael Dubinsky
KIC-DEV Manager
Eli Smadar
CTO of KIC-DEV
Shahaf Josef
Innovation Events & Programs Manager
Tal Hakoki
Ecosystem Manager
Daniel Zeltzer
Accelerator Manager
Osher Cohen
Team leader at KIC-DEV
Thea Shahaf
Industry Innovation Operations Coordinator
Our Manifesto
We are here to make an impact.
We are inspired by the focused energy and entrepreneurial spirit of our peers. It’s through this lens that we see endless opportunities.
Linking sectors. Growing networks. Empowering inventive minds.
We will be responsible for nurturing solutions. We will encourage communities to flourish.
We believe in a world driven by innovation and motivated by possibility. We envision a future where people, prosperity and potential align with the sustainability of our planet.
This is the world we aspire to create.
This is why we exist.