Cultivating an Entrepreneurial
Mindset 

Through engaging discussions and hands-on projects, aspiring student entrepreneurs will gain valuable, real-world experiences in product and service innovation. Starting this semester, the University of Haifa is launching a new program that will teach students to think and act like entrepreneurs. The Haifa Innovation Labs (HIL) Program will combine academic coursework and hands-on practical experiences with exposure to Israeli’s successful start-up ecosystem. “What sets our program apart is our commitment to multidisciplinary education. By working in multidisciplinary teams, with different academic and cultural backgrounds, students will be better equipped to develop comprehensive solutions that address critical healthcare, social and environmental challenges,” explains Professor Ofer Arazy, head of HIL.

Prof. Ofer Arazy, of the Department of Information Systems,
is head of the new Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program.
Prof. Arazy has held various positions in Israel’s private sector,
including Operations Manager for the software house Jacada.

Haifa Innovation Labs
Innovating Solutions for Societal Challenges

Start-up Haifa

The new program is designed to tap into the University’s centers of excellence in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and our new academic emphasis on data sciences. “The problems facing humanity today – environmental sustainability, climate change, poverty, food and water, disease and human suffering – are best solved using a multidisciplinary approach,” notes Rector Gustavo Mesch.
According to Professor Ofer Arazy, “The entrepreneurial program will bring theory in practice by learning and doing. We anticipate that each cohort will produce up to ten projects, with a uniquely Haifa flavor, that make a difference in society. A further goal of the program is to prepare students for lifelong learning and career management in the 21st century.”
The Program’s Steering Committee will include key faculty members from data sciences, health sciences and management. 

Teaching Innovation and Entrepreneurship: From concept to launch

The Program is currently open to undergraduate students with an entrepreneurial spirit. The curriculum includes courses and workshops on innovation and entrepreneurship led by experienced industry professionals. Students will hone their creative thinking and learn to take their ideas from concept to launch. In the next phase, a select number of third-year undergraduate students with “high potential” projects will participate in the incubator stage, working directly with experienced professionals and industry experts to test and implement their product or service.
We are currently seeking support for various HIL activities, including scholarships and prizes for innovation competitions. For more information, please contact the Office of the President.