Mamram Alumni Association launches first blockchain incubator in Israel, targeting early-stage Web3 startups to boost innovation

• Partnerships with industry leaders like StarkWare and FireBlocks offer startups unparalleled mentorship and access to blockchain expertise.
• The programme is designed for startups at the ideation phase, aiming to transform ideas into viable blockchain ventures.

The Mamram Alumni Association, known for its affiliation with the Israeli Defense Force’s Centre of Computing and Information Systems, is taking a significant leap forward in the blockchain domain. It announced the launch of the Mamram Blockchain Incubator (M.B.I) for 2024, the first blockchain incubation programme in Israel dedicated to early-stage blockchain and Web3 startups. The M.B.I programme is poised to bolster Israel’s reputation as a leading hub for blockchain globally.

M.B.I stands as a pioneering initiative designed to furnish blockchain and Web3 ventures with the essential tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the highly competitive and dynamic tech industry. To achieve this, the Association has forged partnerships with blockchain frontrunners such as StarkWare, FireBlocks, Collider VC, and Gornitzky & Co., granting participating teams unparalleled access to some of the industry’s most esteemed figures.

These experts will serve as mentors, guiding the startups through their developmental journey with a bespoke programme tailored to each team’s specific needs. The curriculum is crafted to imbue participants with a deep understanding of blockchain technology, coupled with the entrepreneurial acumen necessary to attract investment and build a community around their projects. The incubator aims to be for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering a personalised approach that acknowledges the unique path each team takes from conception to proof-of-concept.

Targeting blockchain startups in the ideation and exploration phases, M.B.I leverages the vast technological knowledge and entrepreneurial experience of Mamram alumni. This alumni network is formidable, having founded over a quarter of all Israeli unicorns in 2021, demonstrating their profound impact on the tech industry..

Yossi Melamed, Chairman of the Mamram Alumni Association, expressed a commitment to supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, particularly in the blockchain and Web3 sectors, which he views as underrepresented in Israel’s current sector. 

“This year, we decided to take action by launching a pioneering course for tech enthusiasts, introducing them to the critical technologies in these fields. M.B.I is a direct extension of our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and assisting founders in developing the right products to address market needs effectively,” said Melamed.

Among the notable Mamram alumni are individuals who have significantly influenced the tech industry, including Adam Singolda, Dror Shimoni, Amir Jerbi, and Roey Eliyahu, founders and leaders of successful companies like Taboola, Honeybook, Aqua Security, and Salt Security, respectively.

Professor Eli Ben-Sasson, CEO and co-founder of StarkWare Industries, highlighted the importance of blockchain education, stating:

“It’s about learning to collaborate and construct the technology of tomorrow. That’s why I founded StarkWare, and why I support the M.B.I programme.”

Matan Roginsky, Co-Founder and CEO of Novia101 and Mamram Alumnus who initiated the programme, emphasised the convergence of education and technology. 

“This programme not only enhances Israel’s position as a blockchain leader but also ensures entrepreneurs receive guidance from top mentors and companies in the industry,” said Roginsky.

The Mamram Alumni Association, with its rich history and connections within the Israeli tech industry, supports the establishment and growth of hundreds of ventures annually. Its four entrepreneurship and acceleration programmes – Mamram Seeds, Mamram Space, Mamram For Founders, and Mamram Growth – have played a role in transitioning Israel from a Startup Nation to a Scaleup Nation.

M.B.I is set to integrate into this ecosystem, bridging the gap between the Seeds and Space programmes, and focusing on a critical stage in a startup’s life cycle. For more information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Mamram Alumni Association on LinkedIn.