The Edge AI
Tech Challenge
Apply to Startup Nation Central and Intel’s Edge AI Tech Challenge and scale your solution to real-world deployment.
About the Challenge
The next breakthrough happens at the edge.
From laptops and wearables to sensors, cameras, machines, and embedded systems, edge devices already have untapped AI compute power. This challenge invites Israeli innovators across industries to turn that dormant potential into real-world impact – and shape the future of AI on edge devices while building Israel’s position as a global leader in next-generation AI.
This challenge, in partnership with Startup Nation Central and Intel surfaces breakthrough applications making edge AI indispensable.
Who Can Apply?
Is This Challenge For You?
This challenge is intentionally sector-agnostic. You do not need to be an “AI infrastructure company” or a semiconductor startup to apply. If your solution benefits from fast, local intelligence, edge AI is already relevant.
Individuals and teams can apply, even if they are not registered companies. Even if your solution isn’t fully developed yet, we invite you to take part. By leveraging our dedicated engagement platform, you can share your interests, connect with other innovators, and shape your idea – turning early ambition into real-world impact.
To help us better understand your idea, please include a simple mockup as part of your application.
What Will the Winner Gain?
Collaboration & Exposure
Exposure to key stakeholders from Intel and Startup Nation Central’s networks, including at the final showcase to industry leaders, investors, and partners.
Funding
Opportunities
Up to $60K in cash prizes shared among top finalists.
Mentorship &
Development Tools
Office hours with top experts from Ignite, Intel, and leading VCs – plus an AI PC for each of the 10 selected ideas to build and test their solutions.
Ready to Apply?
Choose Your Path
If you're an individual or a part of an established organization or team with a clear solution, use case, or prototype - this is your track. Submit a formal application detailing how your product leverages edge AI to solve a real-world problem.
For individuals or early-stage teams without a fully developed concept yet. If you're exploring edge AI, looking to connect with others, eager to shape an idea together, apply here. We’ll guide your journey and connect you with like-minded innovators through our engagement platform.
Want to learn more about the challenge?
Join the Launch Event on Feb 23
Timeline
February 2
Applications Open
February 23
Launch Event
March 31
Applications Close
May 6
Finalists Notified & AIPC Distribution
June 2
Advisory Committee Review
June 10
Final Event
How Does the Challenge Work?
Startups and individual innovators apply through a dedicated platform, submitting a clear description of their solution, use case, and how AI runs locally on an end device.
Applications are screened by Startup Nation Central and evaluated by a professional advisory committee based on relevance, impact, feasibility, and scalability. A group of finalists is selected.
Finalists receive targeted guidance, including technical input from Intel experts and product and business support, to refine their solutions and prepare for final presentations.
Finalists present their solutions at a live showcase. Winners are selected and awarded cash grants of up to $60K, along with continued guidance and exposure.
The Edge AI Opening Event
Cloud is Dead?
The battle for the Edge
Meet the People
Explore Real-World Use Cases
Get inspired by what’s possible with Edge AI
Join us for the official launch of the Edge AI Tech Challenge – your opportunity to meet the people behind the program, explore real-world use cases, and get inspired by what’s possible with edge AI.
Whether you’re planning to apply or already submitted, this is your chance to gain early insights, connect with key stakeholders, and get a clearer view of what success looks like in the challenge.
Advisory Committee
Tzahi Weisfeld
Chairman
Ignite Deeptech
Tomer Sasson
VP, Platforms Execution General Manager
Intel Corporation
Sagi Frum
Technical Consultant
HP Israel
Dr. Moni Shahar
Scientific Manager
TAU Center for AI and Data Science
FAQ
What's Edge AI, anyway?
It’s simple. AI that works right where the data is created, on the drone, the camera, or the laptop, instead of a distant server. For example, instead of sending heavy video files to the cloud and waiting for an answer, the hardware on the edge analyzes everything locally, in real time.
Why join the challenge now?
Because the Cloud Only model is reaching its limits. With rising costs and strict privacy demands, the industry is shifting toward Edge AI. This challenge is your opportunity to pivot to a Hybrid or Edge first architecture, ensuring your product solves the market’s biggest pain points: Cost, Latency, and Privacy.
Who can apply?
The challenge is open to:
- Startup companies
- Individual innovators or teams
Individuals are required to submit at least a proof of concept, prototype, or mock-up as part of their application.
Do applicants need to be AI or hardware companies?
No. The challenge is sector-agnostic. We welcome applicants from health, mobility, industrial tech, climate, retail, security, consumer devices, and other domains, as long as AI running locally on devices is central to the solution.
What level of maturity is required?
Solutions may range from early proof of concept to deployed products. You must submit an initial mockup in your application.
What types of solutions are you looking for?
We’re looking for groundbreaking AI solutions that:
- Run directly on devices rather than relying primarily on remote compute
- Improve performance, latency, privacy, reliability, or cost
- Enable new use cases or significantly enhance existing ones
This is your chance to create something completely revolutionary.
Can you give us some concrete examples of Edge AI use cases?
- Autonomous Robotics: A warehouse robot that identifies obstacles and navigates around humans in milliseconds to prevent accidents- something impossible with cloud latency.
- Privacy First Healthcare: A bedside monitor that analyzes sensitive patient data locally to detect anomalies. The insights are shared, but the raw personal data never leaves the room.
- Offline GenAI: A travel assistant or translation tool running on a laptop that works perfectly mid flight or in remote areas, with zero internet connectivity.
- Smart Security & Safety: Cameras that instantly detect safety hazards (like a fire or a fall) and trigger an alert, even if the network is down.
- Industrial Inspection: Drones inspecting remote pipelines or power lines that process video on board, saving the massive cost and bandwidth of streaming 4K video to a server.
Want to make sure your solution stands out? Here are additional details and examples to help – no need to reinvent the wheel.
What’s required from the finalists?
All finalists are expected to participate in pitch training and business office hours to prepare for the advisory committee and the final event.
Each of the ten finalist companies will receive an AIPC, to be used to develop their idea and present a proof of concept (POC) to the advisory committee.
What do finalists and winners receive?
Selected finalists and winners may receive:
- Cash grants of up to 190K NIS, distributed among top finalists
- Mentorship and guidance, including sessions with Intel experts in AI, hardware, and product, as well as support from Ignite and venture capital professionals
- Exposure through participation in a final showcase with global and local stakeholders
- Potential partnership opportunities with Intel and challenge sponsors
Is this an equity-based program?
No. This is a non-dilutive challenge. No equity or intellectual property is claimed by the organizers.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed by a professional advisory committee and evaluated based on:
- Relevance to the challenge focus
- Potential impact
- Team strength
- Scalability and integration potential
The overall assessment balances feasibility and potential.
Do I need to be an Israeli entity to apply?
Yes, whether you’re an individual or a registered company, you must have operations or active presence in Israel.
Is physical participation required?
Yes. Finalists will participate in live events in Israel, including the final showcase. Travel and logistics details will be communicated in advance.
What happens after I submit an application?
Applications are reviewed following the submission deadline. Shortlisted finalists will be contacted with next steps, including mentorship activities and pitch preparation ahead of the final event.