Shin Bet opens innovation program to recruit defense-tech and dual-use startups
The Magen initiative, run with OpenValley, offers growth-stage companies direct access to operational challenges, senior technology officials, and potential deployment opportunities within Israel’s security ecosystem.
The Garage, the innovation arm of Israel’s General Security Service (Shin Bet), and the OpenValley network of innovation centers have announced the opening of applications for the next cohort of Magen, The Garage’s northern innovation program.
The program serves as a key platform connecting Israel’s civilian technology ecosystem with the advanced operational needs of the intelligence community. It is aimed at startups and growth-stage companies (Post-Seed and Series A) with proven technologies and demonstrated implementation capabilities.
Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex security environment and the growing demand for dual-use technologies, the program offers participants direct exposure to real-world operational challenges, alongside professional guidance from senior Shin Bet technology officials. Participating companies will have the opportunity to test, adapt, and deploy their solutions in operational scenarios, potentially accelerating both product development and market adoption.
Ofir Dubovi, co-founder and owner of OpenValley, said: “Close collaboration with the intelligence community presents a unique opportunity for Israeli technology companies. The Magen program is much more than a traditional accelerator. It serves as a direct bridge between advanced technologies and real-world security applications, while creating a meaningful growth engine for companies operating in the DefenseTech and dual-use sectors.”
D., the Shin Bet’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “In an era of rapid technological advancement and increasingly sophisticated threats, the capabilities of Israeli industry are a critical component of Israel’s security, resilience, and independence. The service views technology as a force multiplier when combined with intelligence capabilities and operational expertise. Advancing innovative technological solutions through deployment in real operational environments creates significant value and serves as a true design partnership between the Shin Bet, OpenValley, and the broader innovation ecosystem.”
The Magen program is designed as a strategic platform for creating both business and security value. Selected companies will gain targeted exposure to venture capital funds, investment firms, and strategic partners, alongside opportunities to enter both security and civilian markets in Israel and abroad.
The program is built on the premise that collaboration between the public sector, the security establishment, and the private sector is a key driver of innovation and technological leadership.
