CALL FOR APPLICATIONS · SPRING 2027
Innovation & Strategy Workshop
Spotted an important problem in security, infrastructure or demography? Turn it into research or an initiative in one semester, with a small team and AI tools
4 credits
plus a seed grant for the top team
Apply by January 1, 2027 · 15–20 places
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
From idea to output in one semester
One four-hour session a week, interdisciplinary teams, and freedom to act with minimal bureaucracy.
Two to four people from different fields. Students, faculty and staff work side by side.
Small teams, no hierarchy
Hands-on training and intensive, ethical use of AI tools. No prior experience needed.
AI for real work
A research proposal, business plan or policy paper, and a seed grant for the top team.
An output that goes further
WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
Bring your own idea, or choose a challenge from a bank submitted by partners in the security, public and business sectors. For example:
Your own idea, or a real-world challenge
How can AI provide early warning of threats to ports and maritime infrastructure?
Maritime infrastructure
How can real-time analysis of Persian- and Arabic-language open sources reveal developments in Iran and the Gulf?
Open-source intelligence
How does a small country build civil resilience against cyberattacks and influence operations?
Civil resilience
Note: These are examples only. Ideas from any field are welcome.
THE SEMESTER
Three stages, 13 weeks
1
2
3
Weeks 1–3
Weeks 4–10
Weeks 11–13
Training and teams
AI training, choosing a problem and forming teams.
Building the initiative
Team work, with expert and partner meetings.
Output and Demo Day
Writing the output and presenting it at Demo Day.
One 4-hour session a week · [Day, time and location]
WHAT YOU'LL GET
What participants receive
Advanced hands-on AI training
Connections to organizations that can take your initiative forward
For students, or professional-development hours for staff (subject to unit approval)
4 credits
Certificate of participation
Seed grant for the top team
WHO CAN APPLY
The whole University community
Students at all degree levels, faculty and administrative staff, from every faculty. We’re looking for people who spot important problems and aren’t afraid to think outside the box.
We select on four criteria:
Originality
Importance
Feasibility
Commitment
KEY DATES
Timeline
Info session
[December 2026]
Application deadline
January 1, 2027
Decisions
[Mid-February 2027]
Workshop starts
First day of the spring semester
Before you apply
FAQ
APPLY
Ready? Submit your application
The form takes about 15 minutes. You may answer in Hebrew, Arabic or English. Fields marked * are required.