How Tel Hai and Startup Nation Central Are Shaping Israel’s Tech Talent 

Tel Hai Academic College, soon to become Kiryat Shmona University, plays a crucial role in driving the Galilee’s regional growth. More than an academic institution, it’s a hub for tech innovation and community development. Despite challenges, Tel Hai remains committed to enhancing its academic and tech infrastructure, with a strong focus on fostering innovation and developing top-tier talent. A key initiative is the “Excellenteam in Academia” program, which connects academia and the high-tech industry, shaping the future of Israel’s tech ecosystem.

Batsheva Meitav, Senior Manager of Industry & Academia Development at Startup Nation Central sat down to discuss human capital solutions for regional rehabilitation and continued economic growth with Eli Cohen, CEO at Tel-Hai.

How does Tel Hai see itself as a regional growth engine, especially in northern Israel? Can you share examples of the college’s contributions to the area’s development, particularly during challenging times?

Tel Hai is a regional anchor, producing highly skilled graduates ready for a dynamic job market. The college leads strategic initiatives in collaboration with key regional players, including:

• Galilyum: A regional partnership promoting STEM education from kindergarten to 12th grade.
• Tel Hai Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Fostering an innovative ecosystem with local, national, and international partners.
• Galil East: A leadership program building a network of changemakers.
• Regional Knowledge Center: Conducting research and data collection on socioeconomic trends in the Galilee.
• Agrifood Tech Directorate: Combining academic research, industry, and public-private partnerships to advance agrifood tech in the region and across Israel.

Tel Hai’s Computer Science Department graduates 100-140 students each year, many of whom secure roles in high-tech industries before graduating. Tel Hai’s presence also attracts tech companies to the Galilee, creating local opportunities for students and graduates.

What steps does Tel Hai take to keep academia relevant and adaptable, even in national crises?

Tel Hai has proactively aligned its programs with emerging workplace trends, ensuring that its graduates are ready for the future. Initiatives like the Education and Employment Center integrate employability into academic frameworks, offering tools, skills, and strong connections with industry.

Tel Hai’s Alumni Organization keeps graduates connected, offering career support and fostering a network of goodwill ambassadors. Even during crises, such as the ongoing war, Tel Hai remains committed, holding a boot camp at Google’s offices and Startup Nation Central. The shift to hybrid learning during COVID-19 has also made the institution more adaptable to current challenges.

How does Tel Hai bridge academia and the high-tech industry through initiatives like “Excellenteam in Academia”?

Tel Hai’s Computer Science Department maintains close ties with the high-tech industry, offering:

– Up-to-date knowledge and tech innovations.

– Hands-on projects and internships with companies like BMC and NVIDIA.

– The Excellenteam in Academia program, in collaboration with Startup Nation Central, which provides tailored programming, project work with companies like Google and Check Point, and soft skills training.

This year, Tel Hai is opening a new Computer Science building with a global software company set to establish offices, offering students internships and job opportunities.

How has the “Excellenteam in Academia” program adapted to security challenges, and how does it strengthen ties between academia and the tech sector?

Initially a hands-on program, “Excellenteam in Academia” adapted to a hybrid model when in-person activities became impossible. Courses are now delivered via Zoom, with remote and in-person workshops and project work continuing.

In which advanced tech fields does Tel Hai see itself as a leader, and how do these fields shape innovation in Israel and globally, especially during challenging times? 

Together with MIGAL Research Institute, Tel Hai leads in applied research on global challenges like food security and environmental quality. The Galilee’s rich resources offer unique opportunities in agrifood tech, environmental science, and more.

The college’s resilience programs, designed for the Galilee’s diverse communities, also position it as a leader in addressing regional and global challenges.

Has the security situation affected Tel Hai’s long-term goals, particularly regarding the “Excellenteam in Academia” program?

The coming years will bring significant challenges in rebuilding the region after the war. Tel Hai is committed to academic excellence and value-based leadership, equipping its students with the tools to lead in the region’s recovery.

Tel Hai ensures that all fields of study include practical experiences, preparing graduates to meet workforce needs. The college’s strong ties to the local tech industry, supported by Startup Nation Central, are crucial in growing the region’s tech ecosystem and driving national recovery.

A native of Kiryat Shmona, Eli Cohen lives with his wife and three children in Metula. Eli holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Sciences and a M.A. (cum laude) in Business Management from Tel-Aviv University. Prior to joining Tel-Hai Academic College in 2013, Eli served as Managing Director at Kiryat Shmona Municipality and earlier, as Head of the Education Department at the Gilboa Regional Council. After many years of service in the IDF’s Artillery and Armored Corps, Eli was released from the army with the rank of colonel.

Batsheva Meitav is the Senior Manager of Industry & Academia Development at Scale-Up Velocity by Startup Nation Central, where she leads initiatives to connect high-tech industries with academic institutions, promoting collaboration from strategy to execution. She also manages the Excellence in Academia program, fostering diverse talent integration into the high-tech sector and advancing the northern ecosystem. A committed social activist, Batsheva serves on the board of an NPO supporting at-risk youth and elderly populations and leads mental health initiatives for the Ministry of Health. She holds a B.A. in Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology from Bar-Ilan University and an M.A. in Non-Profit Management from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.