The center for technological entrepreneurship of the Herzliya Municipality includes a workplace for start-ups, a platform for meetups, and competitions. As the first municipal accelerator in Israel, the HAC was awarded the Innovation Award in 2017 for its entrepreneurial and groundbreaking activities from both the Ministry of Local Affairs and Ministry of Economics.
The participating startups will enjoy a professional work-space accompanied by leading mentors in their fields, access to the municipal database, as well as connection to relevant municipal officials. To date, 20 startups have participated in three waves of the HAC, nine of which are still active. Some have penetrated the local and international markets, each contributing to the advancement of innovation in the urban space in Israel and abroad.
The accelerator is intended for entrepreneurs with technological visions, development, marketing and programming capabilities. With a capacity for 20 entrepreneurs, registration is open to everyone starting the age of 21. It is intended for early-stage projects who have received any investment from institutions. The nature of the start-up must be legal and moral. Priority is given to entrepreneurs with desire, passion, ability and commitment to the goal as well as residents of Herzliya.
The selected companies will participate in a unique acceleration program managed within the HAC. Using this structure, the adequate mentors will chose the work-plan, duration of the program, supervision, accompaniment of the participants and the parameters for success. In addition, the HAC will connect the relevant municipal officials with the program's participants and partners, as well as the entire circle of the HAC, such as leading companies, investors, venture capital funds and angels. The HAC space and infrastructure will be used by the participants for their ongoing work.
The program will take place over the course of 5 months, with professional support from leading mentors with connections in various sectors. Throughout the program, the entrepreneurs will be assisted in developing ideas and conducting tests for the final Demo Day where they will demonstrate their technology. In addition, the start-ups will be assisted in finalizing the business model, conducting market research, engaging in dialogue with investors and creating connections throughout the process.
The first month includes meetings and orientations with senior municipal officials and successful entrepreneurs, as well as meetups and workshops on the subjects that all the participants must be familiarized with.
Additionally, participants will focus on development and implementation of their technology and intensive work with UXI mentors.
Month two will focus on the business model, including preparation for pitches for the Go To Market.
The third month is dedicated to all aspects of marketing and investments.
Month four will focus on preparation for the Demo Day, including pitching, finalizing technology, as well as finalizing the demo.
Startups that are chosen on Demo Day have the potential to participate in an exchange delegation with SpinLab located in Leipzig, Germany, where there is a twin city program with Herzliya. The others will continue working in the open space at HAC where they will be assisted with all their necessary needs. HAC will also assist the start-ups that have been approved by the municipality with their POC and promote their implementation plan.
Completing the online application will be the first step in the filtration process, the followed by an interview in front of a panel of judges. Additional steps may take place in applying for particular batches of startups.