Israeli Innovation Authority

The Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) is the Israeli government's agency for planning and executing national innovation policy, based in Jerusalem, Israel. It provides non-dilutive grants and programs to fund research and development for startups, growth companies, academic institutions, and multinational corporations, often requiring matching private funds to foster innovation across high-tech, knowledge-based, and traditional manufacturing industries. The IIA's divisions actively support early-stage entrepreneurs, advanced manufacturing initiatives, and critical innovation infrastructure. The organization maintains a staff of 101-200 employees. Key figures include Dr. Ami Applebaum, who serves as head and board chair, and CEO Dror Bin, following the tenure of former chief scientist and founding chairman Avi Hasson. The agency originated from the Office of the Chief Scientist, established in 1965, and was formally rebranded as the Israel Innovation Authority in 2016.