Shin Bet Launches Northern Innovation Program for Dual-Use Technologies

The Shin Bet’s innovation arm, known as The Garage, together with the OpenValley network of innovation centers, has opened applications for the next cycle of Magen, its northern innovation program. The initiative is designed to link Israel’s civilian tech ecosystem with advanced operational needs from the intelligence community, and is aimed at startups and later-stage companies, specifically Round A and post-seed firms, with proven technology and implementation potential.

Against the backdrop of a complex security environment and growing demand for dual-use technologies, the program offers a distinctive track that gives companies direct access to real operational challenges. Participants will also receive professional guidance from senior Shin Bet technology personnel, allowing them to test, adapt and integrate their solutions into operational scenarios while speeding development and market adaptation.

OpenValley co-founder and owner Ofir Dubovi said the close partnership with the intelligence community is “an unprecedented opportunity for Israeli technology companies.” He added that Magen is “much more than a classic acceleration track,” calling it “a direct bridge to the implementation of advanced technologies at the heart of security work” and a growth engine for DefenceTech and Dual Use companies.

A senior Shin Bet CTO identified only as D. said that in an era of rapid technological progress and rising threats, “blue-and-white” capabilities from Israeli industry are a major component of Israel’s security, strength and independence. He said technology is a force multiplier alongside intelligence thinking and operational action, and described the effort with OpenValley and its supporting ecosystem as a significant design partnership. The selected companies will also gain targeted exposure to venture capital funds, investors and strategic partners, with opportunities to enter security and civilian markets in Israel and abroad.