T:start
Acceleration Program for Startups of the Technion Faculty Members, in Partnership with T3
Duration: 12 months
Open to: Technion Faculty and Lab Students
Funding: Receive up to $85,000 per project (based on the project's needs)
In short:
T:start is a 12-month startup acceleration program jointly led by T3 and t:hub, under the office of the Executive Vice President for Innovation and Industry Relations. The program is designed to transform promising Technion technologies into startups by combining T3’s expertise in technology commercialization and venture creation with t:hub’s expertise in faculty entrepreneurial development.
Who Can Participate?
The program is open to teams led by Technion faculty members, together with graduate students from their research labs. Preference will be given to ventures that already include a lead entrepreneur as part of the team.
Program Benefits:
Funding: Receive up to $85,000 per project (based on the project's needs) to assess the technological and commercial feasibility of establishing a startup company.
Business Development Support: Work closely with T3’s Business Development team throughout the program to develop your commercialization strategy, including IP strategy, target-market selection, business model development, market validation, engagement with industry experts and companies, preparation of marketing materials, entrepreneur recruitment, and connections with potential investors and commercial partners.
Entrepreneurship Training: Join a 6-month training program led by t:hub, featuring bi-weekly group sessions and hands-on workshops covering:
- Market and technology validation
- Intellectual property and commercialization
- Customer discovery and competitive intelligence
- Working with industry and developing pilots
- Investor readiness and pitching
Each team also receives personalized weekly mentoring and guidance throughout the program.
*** Please note: Attendance at all training sessions is mandatory for all team members, with the exception of the Principal Investigator (PI).
Program Details
Duration: 12 months
Frequency: 3 hours every two weeks, and one hour of weekly personal meeting
Place: t:hub, Ullmann building, 4th floor
Included: Workshops, lectures, mentoring, financing, T3 business support.
Additional Notes: The admission process is carried out through the Office of the vice president for research at the Technion.
Timline, Signing Up and How to Apply
Timeline:
T:start Q&A Session (Zoom): September 7, 2026 - Registration
Application Deadline: October 4, 2026
Program Start: December 1, 2026
Program Duration: 12 months
Program Completion: November 30, 2027
How to Apply?
Please send your application files to Ilana Shalev, Head of the T:start Acceleration Program: T-start@trdf.technion.ac.il
Cohort 1
2022
Assoc. Prof. Yoash Levron
Low-radiation, smaller,
affordable converter
The venture builds on Assistant Professor Yoash Levron’s advanced research in energy conversion, aiming to commercialize next generation power electronics and smart grid technologies. Its business objective is to translate cutting edge academic innovation into scalable products that improve the efficiency, reliability, and security of modern power networks. By developing compact, highly efficient power conversion devices and intelligent grid management solutions, the venture targets industries such as renewable energy, electric mobility, and high power integrated circuits. Leveraging Levron’s multidisciplinary expertise and collaborations with leading companies, the initiative seeks to create market ready solutions that address global energy challenges while positioning itself as a technological leader in the evolving energy ecosystem.
Assoc. Prof. Emanuel Cohen
Beam-steering
Antenna array
The venture leverages Associate Prof. Emanuel Cohen’s expertise in advanced CMOS based RFIC design to develop high performance, power efficient radio solutions for next generation wireless systems. Its commercial focus is to transform cutting edge research in mm Wave phased arrays, high speed mixed signal architectures, and digital RF techniques into scalable products that address the growing demand for faster, more reliable, and more efficient connectivity. By offering technologies such as RFICs for MIMO OFDM in the 5 to 7GHz range and specialized RFIC designs for narrow separation FDD communication, the venture aims to serve markets in mobile devices, IoT infrastructure, and communication equipment. Building on Cohen’s experience in both industry and defense communication systems, the initiative seeks to deliver robust, low power, and cost effective RF solutions that can be rapidly integrated into commercial platforms and drive competitive advantage in the wireless technology ecosystem.
Prof. Esti Segal
Prof. Boaz Pokoroy
Antiseptic Wax: Bioinspired, sustainable non-toxic coating for passive prevention of microbial biofilms
The venture builds on the complementary expertise of Prof. Boaz Pokoroy and Prof. Esti Segal in bio-inspired materials and surface engineering to develop SafeWax, a next-generation multifunctional coating for sustainable crop protection. Its commercial objective is to translate fundamental insights from natural plant wax cuticles into a biodegradable, scalable technology that reduces fungal adhesion, mitigates environmental stress, and enhances agricultural resilience without reliance on conventional chemical pesticides. By combining superhydrophobic, UV-protective, humidity-buffering, and self-cleaning functionalities in a single coating, SafeWax is designed to improve crop health, water management, and productivity under changing climate conditions. Positioned at the intersection of materials science, agriculture, and climate-smart technologies, the initiative aims to deliver an environmentally responsible alternative aligned with the European Green Deal, enabling growers to lower pesticide use while maintaining robust yields and long-term ecosystem health.
Dr. Charlotte Vogt
Water demineralization,
bio-contaminant removal,
and carbon capture
The venture builds on Prof. Charlotte Vogt’s pioneering work in operando spectroscopy and catalyst design to develop next generation catalytic technologies for the energy and sustainability markets. Its commercial goal is to translate deep fundamental insights in heterogeneous, homogeneous, and electro catalytic processes into scalable solutions for carbon dioxide valorization, nitrogen fixation, hydrogen production, and advanced waste to value systems. By leveraging state of the art molecular level understanding to optimize performance, efficiency, and durability, the venture aims to deliver high impact catalytic materials and processes for industrial partners seeking cleaner production pathways and reduced environmental footprints. Positioned at the intersection of chemistry, energy transition, and climate technologies, the initiative seeks to create commercially viable, science based innovations that can accelerate the shift toward sustainable fuels and circular chemical processes.
Assoc. Prof. Shai Berlin
Targeted fluorescent and MRI-compatible probes for noninvasive multimodal imaging of diseases
The venture builds on Assoc. Prof. Shai Berlin’s expertise in chemical biology and molecular imaging to develop SNAP-tag-targeted multimodal probes that integrate MRI and fluorescence capabilities in a single, highly specific platform. Its commercial goal is to translate advances in protein tagging and contrast agent design into scalable imaging tools that overcome the inherent limitations of MRI signal strength and target specificity. By combining irreversible SNAP-tag labeling, bright cyanine fluorophores, and gadolinium-based MRI contrast enhancement, the technology enables precise visualization of genetically defined cells across complementary imaging modalities. Positioned at the intersection of chemical synthesis, biomedical imaging, and translational diagnostics, the initiative aims to deliver versatile, high-performance probes for research and clinical partners seeking improved sensitivity, cellular specificity, and multimodal insight in advanced imaging applications.
Cohort 2
2023
Assoc. Prof. Peleg
Hasson
Assoc. Prof. Hagay
Wolfenson
Inhibiting enzyme-mediated fibronectin fibrillogenesis as a novel strategy for blocking Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
The venture builds on the combined expertise of Assoc. Prof. Hagay Wolfenson and Assoc. Prof. Peleg Hasson in cell–matrix interactions, mechanobiology, and tissue development to advance next-generation solutions for tissue regeneration and disease modeling. Its commercial objective is to translate deep biological insights into how cells sense, remodel, and respond to the extracellular matrix into scalable platforms for regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and precision disease research. By leveraging advanced murine models and mechanistic understanding of extracellular matrix–modifying enzymes, the venture aims to enable more predictive models for muscular dystrophies, vascular pathologies, and related disorders, while supporting the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Positioned at the intersection of cell biology, biomechanics, and translational medicine, the initiative seeks to deliver science-based innovations that bridge fundamental research and clinical application in tissue engineering and regenerative health.
Prof. Yair Ein-Eli
Flexible ultra-lightweight
conductors
The venture commercializes an advanced composite conductor that embeds high purity nano copper within a porous carbon matrix, creating a lightweight, high performance alternative to traditional copper wiring. Its business objective is to deliver next generation electrical conductors with significantly higher ampacity, dramatically reduced weight, and improved mechanical strength and flexibility. By leveraging a cost efficient electrodeposition process, the technology enables cables that carry up to twice the current of standard copper while weighing only 15 percent as much, with an anticipated production cost roughly 40 percent lower. Positioned to serve high growth sectors such as aerospace, electric mobility, microelectronics, telecommunications, and medical devices, the venture aims to supply manufacturers with a superior conductor solution that enhances performance, reduces energy loss, and supports lightweight system design.
Assoc. Prof. Yoav Sterman
Printed personalized bra
The venture commercializes U·Bra, a post-mastectomy 3D-printed bra designed under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Yoav Sterman, leveraging advanced 3D scanning, design processing, and printing technologies to create a fully integrated prosthesis and garment. Its business objective is to deliver a patient-specific solution that enhances comfort, reduces skin irritation and pressure points, and improves confidence and mobility for women who have undergone mastectomy surgery. By combining lightweight, breathable materials with precise digital customization, the technology produces a soft, airy bra tailored to each individual’s anatomy, addressing common challenges of asymmetry, shifting, and discomfort associated with traditional silicone prostheses. Positioned to serve the growing medical and post-operative care markets, the initiative aims to provide women with a superior, user-centered garment that improves quality of life while demonstrating the transformative potential of digital fabrication in healthcare apparel.
Assoc. Prof. Shenhav
Shemer
Formulation development for the prevention of muscle wasting
The venture builds on Assoc. Prof. Shenhav Shemer’s leading expertise in muscle biology and the ubiquitin–proteasome system to advance novel approaches for understanding and ultimately targeting muscle atrophy and tissue wasting. Its commercial objective is to translate fundamental discoveries on myofibril disassembly and protein degradation into scalable platforms for therapeutic development, disease modeling, and biomarker discovery in conditions associated with muscle loss. By leveraging unique in vivo tools and mechanistic insights into the ordered breakdown of myofibrils, the venture aims to enable more precise intervention strategies for neuromuscular disorders, aging-related sarcopenia, and chronic disease–associated atrophy. Positioned at the intersection of molecular cell biology, physiology, and translational medicine, the initiative seeks to deliver science-based innovations that address a major unmet need in muscle health and regenerative therapeutics.
Emeritus Prof. Miriam Zacksenhouse
Brain computer interfaces for controlling external devices
The venture builds on Prof. Emeritus Miriam Zacksenhouse’s multidisciplinary expertise spanning mathematics, engineering, and neuroengineering to develop advanced technologies for intelligent robotics and neurorehabilitation. Its commercial objective is to translate bio-inspired principles of sensory–motor integration and neural error processing into scalable solutions for adaptive robot control, brain–computer interfaces, and rehabilitation systems. By combining machine learning–driven control algorithms with insights into neural feedback and motor learning, the venture aims to enable more robust robotic assembly and locomotion, as well as more effective brain-machine interfaces that support functional recovery. Positioned at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and neurotechnology, the initiative seeks to deliver high-impact innovations for industrial automation and next-generation rehabilitation platforms.
Cohort 3
2024
Assoc. Prof. Galia
Maayan
Assoc. Prof. Yosef
Shamay
A Novel walking aid for ankle/foot rehabilitation
The venture builds on the complementary expertise of Assoc. Prof. Galia Maayan and Assoc. Prof. Yosi Shamay to develop a novel walking aid for ankle and foot rehabilitation that combines advanced materials, bio-inspired design, and data-driven personalization. Its commercial objective is to translate principles from biomimetic chemistry, biomedical engineering, and intelligent systems into a scalable rehabilitation platform that supports recovery of mobility, strength, and motor control following injury or neurological impairment. By integrating responsive materials with sensor-informed feedback and adaptive support, the technology aims to improve gait training, accelerate rehabilitation outcomes, and enable more precise, patient-specific therapy outside of traditional clinical settings. Positioned at the intersection of rehabilitation medicine, smart medical devices, and translational engineering, the initiative seeks to deliver an effective, user-centered solution for restoring lower-limb function and improving quality of life.
Dr. Dana Solav
AI-designed peptoids as penetration enhancers for solid tumors
The venture builds on Dr. Dana Solav’s expertise in biomechanics and human–device interfaces to develop next-generation patient-specific prosthetic and orthotic devices. Its commercial objective is to translate advanced numerical modeling, experimental biomechanics, and human-centered design into scalable solutions that enhance comfort, function, and long-term health for users of biomedical assistive devices. By combining precise biomechanical analysis with tailored device engineering, the venture aims to optimize the interface between the human body and prosthetics or orthotics, improving mobility, reducing injury risk, and enhancing quality of life. Positioned at the intersection of mechanical engineering, biomedical innovation, and personalized healthcare, the initiative seeks to deliver high-impact, clinically relevant technologies that transform rehabilitation and mobility outcomes.
Prof. Benjamin
Podilewicz
Development of hSPICER, a novel male infertility diagnostic tool
The venture commercializes hSPICER, a novel diagnostic platform for male infertility developed under the guidance of Prof. Benjamin Podbilewicz, leveraging advanced insights into sperm function and cell fusion mechanisms. Its commercial objective is to provide clinicians with a precise, rapid, and reliable tool to assess sperm quality, fertilization potential, and functional defects, enabling more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies for couples facing infertility. By integrating high-throughput assays with mechanistic understanding of sperm-egg fusion, the technology identifies subtle dysfunctions that traditional semen analysis may miss. Positioned at the intersection of reproductive medicine, biotechnology, and personalized healthcare, the initiative aims to improve fertility outcomes, reduce time to conception, and provide actionable insights for assisted reproduction clinics worldwide.
Prof. Dario Dekel
Assoc. Prof. Charles
Diesendruck
Practical anion-exchange membranes using stable isoindolinium salts
The venture commercializes practical anion-exchange membranes based on stable isoindolinium salts, developed through the complementary expertise of Assoc. Prof. Charles Diesendruck and Prof. Dario Dekel. Its commercial objective is to deliver highly durable, chemically robust membranes for alkaline fuel cells and other electrochemical applications, addressing key challenges in conductivity, stability, and long-term performance. By integrating mechanochemistry, advanced polymer synthesis, and rigorous electrochemical testing, the technology produces membranes that resist degradation under operational stress while supporting platinum-group-metal-free electrodes and sustainable energy systems. Positioned at the intersection of polymer chemistry, materials science, and energy conversion, the initiative aims to provide scalable, cost-effective solutions that enhance fuel cell efficiency, prolong device lifetime, and accelerate the adoption of clean, high-performance electrochemical technologies.
Assoc. Prof. Omer
Yehezkeli
Continuous glucose and lactate monitoring
The venture leverages the expertise of Assoc. Prof. Omer Yehezkeli in the interface between nanomaterials and biological systems to develop next-generation biosensing and bioelectronic technologies. Its commercial objective is to translate cutting-edge nanomaterial design and biofunctionalization strategies into scalable, high-sensitivity devices for medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and energy applications. By integrating advanced nanofabrication, electrochemical engineering, and biological recognition elements, the technology enables rapid, accurate, and robust detection of biomolecules and analytes in complex environments. Positioned at the intersection of biotechnology, materials science, and electrochemical sensing, the initiative aims to provide commercially viable solutions that enhance analytical performance, accelerate real-world deployment, and support precision diagnostics and sustainable bioelectronics.
Cohort 4
2025
Prof .Eitan Yaakobi
Practical and commercial DNA-data storage with nanopore sequencing and emerging synthesis methods
The venture leverages the expertise of Prof. Eitan Yaakobi in information and coding theory to develop advanced data storage and retrieval technologies with applications in non-volatile memories, DNA storage, and private information retrieval. Its commercial objective is to translate cutting-edge theoretical insights into practical, high-performance storage solutions that optimize capacity, reliability, and security for modern computing and biotechnological systems. By combining novel coding algorithms, memory system design, and efficient data retrieval strategies, the technology enables robust, scalable, and privacy-preserving storage platforms. Positioned at the intersection of computer science, information theory, and bioinformatics, the initiative aims to deliver commercially viable solutions that enhance data integrity, accelerate access speeds, and support the growing demands of digital and biological data storage.
Prof. Ron Kimmel
Histology AI image analysis for breast cancer treatment
The venture leverages the expertise of Prof. Ron Kimmel in geometric image processing, 3D data analysis, and computer vision to develop advanced imaging and modeling technologies for healthcare, security, and robotics applications. Its commercial objective is to translate state-of-the-art algorithms in model-based image and video analysis into scalable solutions that enhance precision, efficiency, and safety across diverse sectors. By combining 3D facial recognition, medical imaging, and algorithmic modeling, the technology enables novel applications such as infant-specific inhalation masks, enhanced airport security, and real-time robotic perception. Positioned at the intersection of computer vision, biomedical engineering, and applied mathematics, the initiative seeks to deliver high-impact, commercially viable systems that improve diagnostic accuracy, operational effectiveness, and human-centered design in both clinical and industrial environments.
Assoc. Prof. Roee Amit
Synthetic biology-based platform for developing room-temperature stable antiviral nanoparticles
The venture leverages the expertise of Assoc. Prof. Roee Amit in synthetic biology, single-molecule biophysics, and regulatory genomics to develop next-generation molecular tools for precise cellular analysis and manipulation. Its commercial objective is to translate large-scale synthetic oligonucleotide libraries and single-cell methodologies into scalable platforms for biotechnology, drug discovery, and personalized medicine. By combining high-throughput synthetic enhancer design with advanced single-molecule and single-cell analysis, the technology enables accurate mapping and control of gene regulatory networks, providing actionable insights for therapeutic development and synthetic biology applications. Positioned at the intersection of molecular engineering, genomics, and nanotechnology, the initiative aims to deliver commercially viable solutions that accelerate discovery, enhance predictive modeling, and expand the capabilities of precision biotechnology.
Prof. Moris Eisen
PFAS-free highly functional fluoropolymers
The venture builds on Prof. Moris Eisen’s expertise in organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and membrane technologies to develop advanced materials for water treatment, environmental remediation, and biomedical applications. Its commercial objective is to translate innovative hydrophobic-hydrophilic membranes and polymer-based capture systems into scalable solutions that remove pollutants, toxins, and pathogens efficiently and sustainably. By combining fundamental insights in catalysis, polymer design, and material engineering, the technology enables high-performance filtration, purification, and therapeutic platforms, including wearable artificial kidney applications. Positioned at the intersection of chemistry, environmental engineering, and healthcare innovation, the initiative seeks to deliver commercially viable, science-driven solutions that improve water safety, support sustainable practices, and enhance patient care.
Assoc. Prof. Yoav
Shechtman
Biomarkerflow: AI-based simple and fast protein biomarker detection and monitoring
The venture builds on Assoc. Prof. Yoav Shechtman’s expertise in nanoscale optics, super-resolution microscopy, and computational imaging to develop next-generation optical platforms for biomedical and life science applications. Its commercial objective is to translate cutting-edge imaging and signal processing methods into scalable, high-throughput solutions for biomolecular detection, single-particle tracking, and three-dimensional cellular analysis. By combining advanced optical systems with machine learning and computational reconstruction, the technology enables ultra-sensitive, multicolor, and high-resolution imaging under challenging conditions, unlocking insights in basic science and accelerating diagnostics development. Positioned at the intersection of optics, computational imaging, and biotechnology, the initiative seeks to deliver commercially viable tools that enhance research capabilities, improve assay sensitivity, and advance precision medicine.
Prof. Simone Engelender
Optimized decoy peptide therapy for Parkinson's and dementia with Lewy bodies
The venture builds on Professor Simone Engelender’s expertise in neurodegenerative disease and protein homeostasis to develop advanced therapeutic strategies targeting Parkinson’s disease and related a-synucleinopathies. Its objective is to translate discoveries in post-translational regulation, proteasomal degradation, and mitophagy pathways into scalable interventions that reduce a-synuclein aggregation, protect neuronal function, and slow disease progression. By leveraging molecular insights into ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and LRRK2/PINK1 signaling, the initiative aims to design precise, mechanism-based therapies with high clinical relevance. Positioned at the intersection of molecular neuroscience, translational medicine, and neurotherapeutics, the venture seeks to deliver innovative, patient-centered solutions for one of the most pressing challenges in neurodegenerative disease.
