Business and Entrepreneurship in the Start-Up Nation

There is no better place to study business and entrepreneurship than in one of the most innovative cities to ever exist. Tel Aviv, dubbed the “Start-Up Capital” of the world, is highly recognized as a major player in the fields of innovation, R & D and entrepreneurship. Beyond Tel Aviv, the State of Israel has more venture capital per capita and more startups than any other country in the world. Israeli innovation and entrepreneurship has brought the world jump drives, instant messaging, cherry tomatoes, drip irrigation, and so much more.

But how do you transform an idea into a successful business? How does innovation translate into entrepreneurship? In this dynamic summer program, students will gain valuable insight into the many dimensions of innovative venture creation, development and financing through both intensive coursework and field visits. Students will have a chance to:

• Examine the entrepreneur’s role in the global economy as an agent of change and an accelerator of innovation and economic development.
• Explore idea generation and development, as well as the various business models used to successfully drive an idea forward and take it from a small seed to a global platform.
• Discuss the unique characteristics of start-up companies and their implications on development and strategy of a city, a region, a nation and the world.
• Dive into the concept of Minimal Viable Product (MVP) and discuss topics such business plan writing and IP protection.
• Take an in-depth look at the venture capital market including crowdfunding, startup accelerators, incubators, venture capital funds, corporate VC, and start-up financing by investors.
• Engage in interactive learning both inside and outside the classroom. Through course-related excursions, students will be able to witness first-hand the unique entrepreneurship environment in Tel Aviv.

In addition to the coursework, social activities and trips around the country, such as to the North, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem, are conducted by our Madrichim. Precise dates for these will be announced closer to the program start date.

Note: To gain even more insight into the city of Tel Aviv and Israeli culture, students may consider taking an additional 3-credit course as part of the program, “History and Memory in Tel Aviv-Jaffa”. Taking this course will give students a greater historical and cultural perspective as to how the city’s innovative culture emerged and continues to thrive. If interested in this option, please see application requirements tab of this page.