In the past 5 years: 50% increase in Arab students studying Computer Science and Engineering

The Innovation Authority awarded more than NIS 65 million as part of a special program for ventures from Arab society. In the past five years there has been a 50% increase in the percentage of Arab students studying Computer Science and Engineering, The Director General of the Innovation Authority spoke this morning at the High-Tech Conference of the Arab Society held in Nazareth, at the initiative of the Ministry of Social Equality and the US Embassy.

"We believe in the tremendous potential existing in Arab society for integrating into the high-tech industry, both as employees and as entrepreneurs," Aharon said.
In 2018, the Innovation Authority expanded the support track for entrepreneurial and entrepreneurial ventures in Arab society. Following research and survey conducted among the Arab population, the Authority expanded the program to a two-year plan with high funding rates in the first year (75%) and in the second year (70%).
The Authority's data indicate that during the year the number of projects submitted under the program increased by more than 10%. From the launching of the track to the present, grants of more than NIS 65 million have been awarded to entrepreneurs from the Arab society. This year, the Innovation Authority in the Arab sector also joined the Ministry of Social Equality headed by Minister Gila Gamliel and through the Economic Development Authority of the Minority Sector.
The aim of the program is to increase the number of entrepreneurs in Arab society, strengthen and succeed the projects, and increase the ability of the Innovation Authority to support the growth of companies from the Arab population in the periphery, in order to encourage research and development among the Arab society.
The Authority's data indicate that there has been an increase in the integration of Arab society into the high-tech industry. Participation in the labor force in high-tech development is currently 3%, compared to less than 3% three years ago. The data also shows that within five years there has been a 50% increase in the number of Arab students studying in these subjects. The number of graduates from Arab society who complete Computer Science and Engineering each year is about 50%.
Aharon Aharon, Director General of the Innovation Authority: "The support of entrepreneurs from Arab society is essential for economic and social development and serves as a lever for the creation of jobs in the periphery. This dedicated track, which aims to encourage research and development among Arab society, enables these companies to promote innovative technological initiatives and to attract investments from the market.