Course Summary

A unique pre-accelerator program offering University of Haifa students across all disciplines theoretical tools and hands-on experience in building a startup, from problem identification to product development. Held in collaboration with 5050 startups tech accelerator, and Northeastern University, the program provides professional mentorship, multicultural teamwork, and exposure to the global entrepreneurial ecosystem. Upon completion, outstanding teams will have the opportunity to advance their venture toward the US market and participate in an entrepreneurship course in Boston, led by Northeastern University. Participation is open to both individuals and teams, with or without a prior idea.

• Target Audience: 3rd-year undergraduate students and graduate students.

• Acceptance: Subject to a personal interview.

About the Course

Schedule: Fall Semester, Monday 16:00-20:00
Credits: 4
Lecturer: Elik Almog
Office Hours: By appointment, before or after class
Location:  Port Campus
Eligibility: Graduate and Undergraduate students (from the third year of their studies)

Course Description

This pre-accelerator gives the students the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship, develop innovative ideas, and take their first steps toward building a startup.

Participants will work through the early stages of venture development, from identifying a real problem and understanding users and customers, to developing, testing, and refining potential solutions. Through hands-on learning, teamwork, mentoring, and practical tools, students will gain experience navigating the entrepreneurial process and turning ideas into viable ventures.

No prior startup experience or existing idea is required. Students may apply individually or as a team, with an existing idea or simply with the motivation to find a problem worth solving and build a venture around it.

The program runs throughout Semester A and consists of three stages combining learning, experimentation, and venture development, supported by professional mentors and industry experts.

At the end of the program, 8–10 leading teams will be selected to continue to an online entrepreneurship course led by Northeastern University, with a focus on developing their ventures for the U.S. market. Selected teams will also travel to Boston to meet customers, investors, and members of the startup ecosystem.