US-based internet compay Google Inc has launched a Tel Aviv start-up incubator with the goal of encouraging innovation in Israel. Campus Tel Aviv comes a year after Google announced plans to establish a start-up incubator and R&D center in Israel.
The Campus will give entrepreneurs access to Google’s teams and other experts, and will provide access to smartphones and tablets for developing and testing mobile apps. The main part of the program will be the Launch Pad, a two-week boot camp for training new start-ups.
The program works with partners, including tech incubators, accelerator programs, and educational institutions. The Launch Pad will operate in a range of fields, including user interfaces, product strategy, marketing, business development, and Internet measurement tools. The first programs will collaborate with Silicon Valley incubator Upwest Labs and The Junction, an Israeli open house for entrepreneurs. Also participating in the venture are the Zell Entrepreneurship Program at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, and the IDC Elevator and MEET organizations.
Google Israel has stated that the incubator will operate as a separate entity, and has no plans to invest in the startups through its corporate venturing unit, Google Ventures, or to necessarily form partnerships with the entrepreneurs.
Yossi Matias, Google Israel R&D Center managing director, said: “The Campus Tel Aviv joins Campus London. It is Google’s step to provide support for Israeli technological innovation, both because of the importance of encouraging entrepreneurship and the centrality of Israel in fostering these values. Israel’s leadership in initiating innovation is part of its DNA.”
The campus will be run by Amir Shevat, Google Israel program manager and Eyal Miller, the head for new business development.