The Asper Prize is a startup competition hosted by the Hebrew University that celebrates startups that utilize innovative technologies with the aim of creating positive impact on a global scale.
Our compass, Your Compass
Our compass, Your Compass
For the first time, The Hebrew University is celebrating startups that utilize innovative technologies to create a positive impact on a global scale. The winning startup will receive a 100,000 ILS cash prize and be named The Hebrew University Rising Startup of the Year.
The competition is hosted in memory of Israel and Babs Asper.
We use the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) as a compass to define the sectors that need more focus. As part of your application process you will elaborate which of the SDG Goals you are solving and the scale of your potential impact.
Prizes
100,000 ILS,
equity free
equity free
“The Hebrew University
Rising Startup of the Year” Title
Rising Startup of the Year” Title
meet the Finalists
Kinoko-Tech is growing the next generation of superfood using the power of fungi and deep-tech fermentation to produce sustainable, delicious, and highly nutritional food.
Daika gives a solution
to the huge amounts of unutilized wood waste streams by offering a sustainable alternative to wood and plastics, offering a versatile material that offers mass manufacturing potential and true design freedom.
Antidote is creating the first AI based virtual HMO, designed for the 38 million uninsured Americans.
Developing technology
to fight pests with pests.
Immunyx Pharma has developed a platform technology for neutrophil modulation in chronic disease.
The Process
Online Application & Interview
Conducted by the ASPER-HUJI Innovate team
Investors Speed-Dating Day
All 12 semi-finalists will receive a unique opportunity to meet with top investors for one-on-one meetings.
Final Event
The 5 finalists will pitch at The Hebrew University Board of Governors meeting in front of dozens of respected and senior executives from around the world who will select the winner.
Timeline
Mar 01- Apr 02
Application Period
May 10
Semi-finalists announced
May 24
Investors Speed-Dating
May 26
Finalists Announced
June 12 (TBD)
Final Pitch Competition at the BOG
Application
Period
Semi- finalists announced
Investors Speed-Dating
Finalists Announced
Final Pitch Competition at the BOG
Eligibility
- At least one of the founders is a Hebrew University Student / Faculty Member / Alumni or the technology is based on Hebrew University IP
- Aiming to solve one of the targets of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)
- An Incorporated company - 2018 and onwards
- Raised a pre-seed/ seed round or generates revenue (at least $100K ARR)
- Technology based
Judging
Criteria
- High potential for large-scale positive impact
- Innovative technology
- Problem-solution fit
- Pitch & presentation quality
MEET THE VCs
Sandrine Montsma
Managing Partner
Bridges Israel
Yaron Daniely
Partner and Head,
aMoon Alpha
Laly David
Partner, Head of Business
Development, OurCrowd
Itay Rand
General Partner
10D
Julia Kagan
Partner
JVP
Eran Bielski
General Partner
Entrée Capital
Omri Amirav-Drory
General Partner
NFX Fund
Barak Ben-Eliezer
Founder and Managing Partner
Deep Insight
Barak Ben-Eliezer
Founder and Managing Partner
Deep Insight
Itay Rand
General Partner
10D
Hamutal Meridor
Partner, Vintage
Investment Partners
Frayda Leibtag
Partner, Head of Investor Relations and Communications
PICO Venture Partners
Hamutal Meridor
Partner, Vintage
Investment Partners
The Organizers
ASPER-HUJI Innovate – The Hebrew University’s center for innovation and entrepreneurship, leverages the University’s innovation potential to solve substantial problems through entrepreneurship. The center promotes the University as a supportive environment for entrepreneurship, cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset and skills among students, researchers and staff and serves as a catalyst for the development of startups and social enterprises.
Founded in 1983 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada by Israel Asper, O.C., O.M., Q.C., L.L.D. (1932 – 2003) and Babs Asper (1933 – 2011) who believed that philanthropy is a driving force behind positive change in people’s quality of life. The Asper Foundation supports major initiatives in the areas of Jewish charity as well as culture, education, community development and human rights locally, nationally, and internationally.
Have a Question? Contact: asperprize@innovate.huji.ac.il