Pilot Programs in Advanced Agriculture in the Tkuma Region (Israel)

The program focuses on supporting research and development programs with pilots and product demonstrations at Beta Sites, advancing technologies to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 in a relevant operational environment, encouraging activities in the Tkuma Region, promoting collaboration with pilot sites, regional R&D centers, farms and other demonstration locations, enabling cooperation across the agricultural value chain, and supporting advanced agricultural technologies including precision agriculture, vertical farming, robotics and AI automation, water efficiency and irrigation technologies, variety evaluation and crop improvement, and agriculture-enabling technologies.

The call for proposals is open to industrial companies carrying out research and development for commercial purposes in the Tkuma Region, as specified in the incentive program. The initiative is being implemented by the Israel Innovation Authority in collaboration with the Tkuma Directorate and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Approved programs may run for up to 24 months and are expected to demonstrate technology at TRL 6 by the end of the project, validating product capabilities in real-world operational conditions and preparing them for commercialization in target markets.

Applications may include collaborations with pilot sites such as regional research and development centers, farms, or other Beta Sites. Companies may also work together to demonstrate a complete agricultural value chain. However, these collaborations are optional, and proposals are not required to include the examples provided.

The program supports a broad range of agricultural technology sectors. These include precision agriculture that uses positioning systems and data analytics to improve crop monitoring and resource management, vertical farming systems that enable efficient year-round crop production, robotics and AI automation for agricultural operations such as planting, harvesting and sorting, technologies that improve water efficiency and irrigation, innovations for crop improvement and variety evaluation, and agriculture-enabling technologies such as advanced machinery, agricultural films, natural pesticides and fertilizers, agricultural waste treatment technologies, and other solutions that enhance productivity and streamline agricultural processes.

Funding is intended primarily for demonstrating technologies in real-world environments. At least two-thirds of the requested budget must be allocated to activities that support technology demonstration at TRL 6. Up to one-third of the requested budget may be used for activities required to advance the technology from a lower readiness level to TRL 6.

Applications will be assessed based on technological merit, business potential, economic impact and applicant capabilities. The evaluation will consider the level of innovation, technological sophistication, feasibility of the proposed solution, product maturity for testing, and how closely the demonstration environment reflects real operating conditions. Business potential will be assessed through commercial opportunities, market growth prospects, competitive advantages, intellectual property strength, market validation and the suitability of the proposed Beta Site. The expected contribution to the Israeli economy, including the ability to overcome market-entry barriers and create meaningful business activity, will also be considered. In addition, applicants will be evaluated on their management, technological, engineering, business and marketing capabilities, previous achievements, ability to implement the program without support from the Israel Innovation Authority, and their potential to compete successfully in target markets.

For more information, visit Israel Innovation Authority.