Semiconductor technology producer Intel has launched an open innovation scheme called Ignite to support Israel-based early-stage companies developing artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems and data-focused technologies.
Intel will select up to 15 startups to join the 20-week initiative, providing mentoring in product, business, management and technical aspects. It will not acquire their intellectual property or take an equity stake.
The corporate has assigned Tzahi “Zack” Weisfeld, previously global head of corporate assistance scheme Microsoft for Startups, as general manager and managing director for Ignite. He will report to Intel Israel general manager Yaniv Garty.
Avner Goren, vice-president of Intel’s architecture, graphics and software group, will help Weisfeld liaise between Ignite and Intel’s technical units.
Bob Swan, Intel’s chief executive, said: “Intel has always worked in concert with open ecosystems to scale new technologies.
“Israel has the deep skill base in AI, autonomous systems and the underlying technologies critical to these inflections that make it a natural choice to launch our Ignite program.”
