A 6-month Fellowship for American Tech, AI & Finance Leaders
THE ISRAEL TECH EXPERIENCE YOU CAN’T GET ANYWHERE ELSE
Zin Innovators, a program of Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU), is a highly curated 6-month fellowship for mid-career leaders in technology, AI, cybersecurity, and finance who want unprecedented access to Israel’s innovation ecosystem—and the relationships, ideas, and perspective that come with it.
Centered around Ben-Gurion University of the Negev —Israel’s emerging AI and cyber capital—this program brings together founders, investors, operators, and technologists for immersive learning, behind-the-scenes access, and meaningful engagement with researchers shaping the future.
WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE
- One-on-one engagement with BGU researchers and graduate students in your field
- Behind-the-scenes access to leading AI, cybersecurity, neuroscience, robotics, and digital health labs
- An immersive 6-day experience across Tel-Aviv, Beer-Sheva, and Sde Boker
- Curated conversations with founders, investors, innovators, and policy leaders
- A cohort of 10-15 peers of founders, operators and investors
- Monthly virtual programming with leading scientists, researchers, thinkers and innovators
- Opportunities to deepen your relationship with Israel through innovation, ideas, and impact
Read below for eligibility, applications, cost, and program dates. Download flyer – If you’d like to nominate someone for the Zin Innovators Cohort, please contact [email protected]
WHY “ZIN?”
The program is named for the Zin Valley in the Negev Desert— home to the gravesite of David Ben-Gurion, whose vision helped shape the future of southern Israel. Ben-Gurion believed the Negev would become the engine of Israel’s innovation and resilience. Today, that vision is coming to life through the groundbreaking research and technological development emerging from Ben-Gurion University.
WHY NOW?
Israel is entering a defining moment in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital health, robotics, and computational neuroscience. At the center of that future is Ben-Gurion University of the Negev— where researchers are building technologies with global implications. Most American tech leaders never gain direct access to these labs, researchers, and ideas. Zin Innovators provides that opportunity and more.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Leaders ages 35 – 60 working across: AI, tech, VC, finance, cybersecurity, startups & innovation
STRONG CANDIDATES INCLUDE
- A track record of professional achievement
- Intellectual curiosity
- A strong interest in Israel’s tech sector
- Building meaningful relationships and long-term impact
- A desire to learn more and connect with BGU
COMMITMENT
Participants are expected to:
- Commit to monthly webinars and an in-person 6-day immersive experience in Israel
- Make a $5,000 philanthropic gift upfront at the start of the program in support of BGU
- Bring your voice, curiosity and commitment to the cohort
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Participation in the Americans for Ben-Gurion University Zin Fellows Innovators Program is by nomination only. Nominations are coordinated through Americans for Ben-Gurion University. If you’d like to nominate someone for the Zin Innovators Cohort, please contact [email protected]