A $50 million fund to accelerate Israeli breakthrough technologies
Dvash Group and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have announced the creation of a new independent venture capital fund targeting $50 million in capital, with a primary focus on breakthrough technologies emerging from Israeli research.
The fund will be established and managed by Dvash Group, led by Yoram Dvash, in strategic cooperation with the Hebrew University and Yissum, the university’s technology transfer company. Yissum will represent the university within the partnership.
The fund will initially focus its investments on several strategic technology sectors, including deep tech, quantum technologies, dual-use technologies and cybersecurity.
It will be able to invest in external deep-tech startups with significant growth potential, technologies developed at the Hebrew University, and companies founded by the university’s alumni.
Turning research into companies
One of the initiative’s main objectives is to address a persistent challenge in deep tech: moving scientific discoveries from the laboratory to the market.
Academic technologies often require years of development, significant investment, specialized infrastructure and commercial support before they can become viable products or companies.
Under the new model, Dvash Group will contribute its investment, business development and international partnership expertise. Yissum, meanwhile, will provide access to the Hebrew University’s scientific ecosystem, including researchers, laboratories, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers and alumni.
The goal is to create a more direct link between private capital, scientific research and entrepreneurship.
The Hebrew University has a long track record of commercializing academic research. Its research has contributed to the development of technologies and products associated with Mobileye, the cancer treatment Doxil, and the Alzheimer’s disease drug Exelon.
Quantum technologies and dual-use innovation
The fund’s focus also reflects the changing priorities of the global technology sector.
Quantum technologies could transform computing, communications, cryptography and sensing, while cybersecurity remains a strategic priority for companies, governments and critical infrastructure operators.
Dual-use technologies, which can have both civilian and security applications, are also playing an increasingly important role in Israel’s technology ecosystem. These technologies can include artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, communications, sensing technologies and advanced materials.
A new investment platform for Israeli innovation
For Dvash Group, the creation of the fund represents a new stage in the development of its investment activities.
Yoram Dvash, chairman of Dvash Group, is also a former president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and the current chairman of Okavango Diamond Company, the Botswana government-owned diamond company.
“The creation of this fund represents an important milestone in the development of the group and reflects our commitment to investing in the next generation of Israeli innovation,” Yoram Dvash said.
According to Dvash, the partnership will help identify promising technologies both within the Hebrew University and across Israel’s broader innovation ecosystem, while giving entrepreneurs access to capital, commercial expertise and international networks.
Prof. Tamir Sheafer, president of the Hebrew University, described the initiative as a way to strengthen the transition from academic research to entrepreneurship.
The partners also plan to eventually launch new companies based on research and technologies developed at the Hebrew University. Events bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and industry representatives are also expected to be organized as part of the initiative.
Caroline Haïat
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