Pears Program for Global Innovation

The Pears Program for Global Innovation works to increase Israel’s contribution to international development through technology-based, financially sustainable solutions to problems facing people affected by poverty. We believe in the transformative power of values-driven innovation to improve the lives of people all over the world.

The Pears Program convenes government, business, and international bodies in order to effectively harness Israel’s innovative capabilities. We provide policy guidance and host a wide range of workshops, roundtables, and events on issues related to innovation for development. For entrepreneurs and innovators interested in pursuing high impact business opportunities in the developing world, the Pears Program provides the connections, resources, and expertise to ensure success.

The Pears Challenge is the flagship initiative of the Pears Program.  Over the course of a year, a small group of outstanding, experienced Israeli entrepreneurs and innovators are guided through the process of generating new technologies and structuring business plans relevant to developing countries.  Fellows receive ongoing support for their innovations, beginning with prototyping, piloting and connecting with seed financing, through to successful commercialization and scale up.

The Pears Program also houses the IsraelDev community, a professional network in Israel and abroad dedicated to harnessing Israeli innovation to address critical barriers to international development.