Call for Proposals Launched for Advanced Agricultural Technology Pilots in Tekuma Region

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Tekuma Administration, and the Innovation Authority have launched a call for proposals to establish pilots of advanced agricultural technologies (agtech) in the Tekuma region. Approximately 4.5 million shekels will be allocated to the project, with grants of up to 50% of the budget for companies that will conduct pilots in the field. The program aims to test technologies such as autonomous robots, artificial intelligence, water conservation, and precision agriculture, and to strengthen Israel's food security.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Tekuma Administration, and the Innovation Authority have launched a new call for proposals to establish pilots of advanced agricultural technologies (agtech) in the Tekuma region. The project will allow agtech companies to test groundbreaking technologies in the region's agricultural fields. Approximately 4.5 million shekels will be allocated for the program, and grants of up to 50% of the budget will be given to companies that conduct pilots in the field. The program aims to help companies turn innovative developments into reality in the field, through trials and demonstrations under real conditions: in fields, orchards, and farms, and to prove their technological and commercial maturity before going to market. The call for proposals will allow promoting and demonstrating a wide range of innovative technologies, including autonomous robots for harvesting, planting, and pruning; artificial intelligence systems for crop management and disease detection; water-saving technologies; precision agriculture based on sensors and data analysis; vertical farming; new varieties resistant to drought and pests; and additional solutions that will help increase yields and strengthen the food security of the State of Israel. Selected companies will be able to receive grants for pilot and demonstration programs lasting up to 24 months, aiming to bring developments to an advanced technological and commercial readiness level, accelerate their market penetration in Israel and worldwide, and connect Israeli innovation with the real needs of agriculture. Dr. Michal Levi, Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said: "Anyone interested in a glimpse of what agriculture will look like in ten years should look at what is happening today in the Tekuma region. We are investing in innovation that will allow growing more food, with less water, less manpower, and more technology. This is a move that strengthens farmers, Israel's food security, and Israel's status as a global agtech power." Aviad Friedman, Head of the Tekuma Administration, added: "Agriculture is one of the pillars of the Tekuma region, and the connection between it and innovation and technology is a significant engine for growth and development of the region. The call for proposals will allow turning the region's fields into an arena of initiative, experimentation, and breakthrough, while addressing the real challenges faced by farmers. We seek not only to rehabilitate the damaged agriculture but to build here advanced, efficient, and more resilient agriculture that will attract companies, entrepreneurs, and investments, strengthen the local economy, and establish the Tekuma region as a leading hub of agricultural innovation in Israel and worldwide." Dror Bin, CEO of the Innovation Authority, said: "The next generation of agriculture will be built on deep technologies – from artificial intelligence and bioconvergence to robotics, automation, and advanced sensors. This call for proposals will allow companies to turn technological breakthroughs and product developments into solutions tested under real conditions, preparing them for a breakthrough into global markets. The connection between Israel's technological innovation and agriculture in the Tekuma region will create a unique demonstration arena that will accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and establish the region as an international hub of agricultural innovation." The call for proposals is open for submission until August 5, 2026.