The Edge AI
Tech Challenge
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 innovators across industries to turn that dormant potential into real-world impact.
Led by Intel and Startup Nation Central, this challenge surfaces the breakthrough applications making edge AI indispensable.
What Will the Winner Gain?
Collaboration and Exposure
The winner will gain exposure to key stakeholders from Intel and Startup Nation Central’s networks, and present at a final showcase in front of leading industry figures, investors, and partners.
Funding & Developments Tools
Mentorship &
Guidance
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. But all applicants must submit at least a mockup or proof of concept, and participants must be based in Israel.
Ready to Apply?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Mauris efficitur quis urna ut tincidunt.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Mauris efficitur quis urna ut tincidunt.
Want to learn more about the challenge? Join the Launch Event on Feb 24
Timeline
April 23
Applications Open
June 3
Applications Close
June 12
Finalists Notified
July 1
Finalists Pitch for Advisory Committee
July 14
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.
Launch Event
Meet the Partners, Learn the Mission
Join us for the official launch event on February 24, 2026 in Tel Aviv.
Meet challenge leaders, discover use cases, and get inspired.
Advisory Committee
- All
- Hebrew University
- Rambam Health Care Campus
- Tel Aviv University
- Meir Medical Center
- Technion Institute of Technology
- Wolfson Medical Center
Prof. Benjamin Medalion
Rambam Health Care Campus
3D Antibacterial Catheter Dressing
Dr. Avishai Sintov
Tel Aviv University
אצבעות רטט בתפסניות רובוטיות למניפולציות מדויקות ועדינות
Prof. Natan Tzvi Shaked
Tel Aviv University
A method for followup of urine blader cancer
Prof. Ofra Benny
Hebrew University
Bioengineering and smart material for precise drug delivery
Prof. Shlomo Yitzchaik
Hebrew University
Sialosides-based Biosensing for Neuraminidase Discrimination and Drug Efficacy Analysis
Prof. Yoav Nahum
“Ksense”- First ever sensing technology that ensures accurate energy exertion during cataract surgeries, and protects the Cornea with real-time monitoring.
Prof. Yael Yaniv
Technion Institute of Technology
Signature in the ECG signal
Prof. Ester Segal
Technion Institute of Technology
Rapid clinical antimicrobial susceptibility diagnostic system
Prof. Alexander Golberg
Tel Aviv University, Meir Medical Center
Method and device for molecular biopsy of the skin (With Prof. Avshalom Shalom)
FAQ
What is "Edge AI Tech Challenge?
Edge AI Tech Challenge is led by Startup Nation Central and Intel, focused on identifying practical AI applications that run directly on devices, enabling faster, more efficient, and more resilient real-world systems.
Does AbbVie invest in or acquire equity in participating startups?
No. This challenge is not equity or investment contingent.
Which startups or solutions are eligible to apply?
Privately held companies formed and registered under the laws of Israel with a company ID (חפ), or technology transfer offices/entities of non-profit and/or governmental entities (such as universities, hospitals and sick funds) (“TTO/s”), which develop a project/solution as defined by the Challenge and who have applied for patent protection underlying the technology subject of such project/solution.
We welcome solutions with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5 and above.
In what language will the program be conducted?
English will be the official language of the challenge.
Where will the program take place?
The challenge will be both online and in person. This will be communicated in advance.
Who should attend?
One person will be required to pitch the startup and solution to the Advisory Committee and address all the questions from the Advisory Committee members.
For the mentoring meetings, we recommend that at least two team members from your startup attend, one business-oriented and another more tech-oriented, to cover a range of topics during the 1-on-1 sessions.
If my startup is selected as a finalist, what are the next steps?
- Complimentary pitch training and camera workshop prior to the final event
- 3.5 hour meeting with the Advisory Committee, AbbVie Israel & Start-Up Nation Central at Startup Nation Central HQ, 28 Lilienblum, Tel-Aviv . In person attendance is mandatory.
- Pitch to a local & global audience as part of the hybrid final event that will take place at Startup Nation Central HQ, 28 Lilienblum, Tel-Aviv ( Israel Time). In person attendance is mandatory.
If my startup is selected as the winner, what are the next steps?
AbbVie Israel will support a pilot program to implement the solution with a total value of up to 200,000 NIS.