The Innovation Exchange Pilot: Israel and US

This innovative pilot program bridges education, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange to foster young Jewish entrepreneurship and cross-cultural collaboration. Through a partnership among the Connecticut Invention Convention (an innovation-focused nonprofit), Ofanim (an educational nonprofit serving underserved regions in Israel), and two Connecticut temples, the program aims to connect Jewish youth from Connecticut with peers from Israel’s low-income communities.

• Collaborative Learning Experience:

  • Young Jewish entrepreneurs from Connecticut will engage with peers in Tel Aviv from underserved schools, working side-by-side to address real-world problems.
  • Participants will apply innovation skills to develop product ideas that offer practical solutions, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in a multicultural environment.

• Cross-Border Innovation and Exchange:

  • The program emphasizes the spirit of innovation as a universal connector, demonstrating how problem-solving transcends borders.
  • Connecticut and Israeli students will explore how global challenges can be tackled through teamwork and cross-cultural understanding.

• "Shark Tank" Style Competition:

  • The program will conclude with a competition where students present their projects to a panel of judges in a "Shark Tank" format.
  • Top-performing participants may receive recognition, mentorship, and even support for intellectual property rights, providing a real-world incentive for their efforts.

• Scalability and Broader Impact:

  • This program is designed to serve as a scalable model, with plans to expand to additional temples across the Northeast U.S. and multiple communities in Israel.
  • The long-term vision includes reaching hundreds of young Jewish innovators across the U.S. and Israel, teaching them not only entrepreneurial skills but also the values of global citizenship and community contribution.

Through this initiative, the program partners aim to nurture a generation of Jewish innovators who are equipped to become leaders in both their local and global communities.