SouthUp was founded to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the Western Negev, with the mission of building a vibrant ecosystem that drives long-term economic resilience in the region.
Established in 2017 as a non-profit incubator to provide entrepreneurs with the support they need to grow their startups locally—so they can stay, scale, and generate impact where it matters most.
By offering workspace, mentorship, access to funding, and a strong community, SouthUp enables early-stage startups to create quality jobs for local residents and generate economic opportunity for surrounding suppliers, service providers, and small businesses.
Today, SouthUp is the leading force advancing tech and innovation in the Western Negev, turning vision into ventures and ideas into regional growth.
Since its establishment, Southup has become a significant force in transforming the region into a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Total sq. meters of offices and labs in the two existing facilities - next to Sderot and in Kibbutz Nir Am
The Team
Shahar is a serial high-tech entrepreneur with extensive management experience, dedicated to fostering and advancing entrepreneurship in Israel’s southern tech ecosystem. As Chief Evangelist at ZutaCore, operating in the Western Negev, he combines deep technological expertise with a passion for building and nurturing innovative ventures. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Ben-Gurion University and lives in Kibbutz Bror Hayil in the Negev.
Gil brings extensive experience as an entrepreneur and in diverse management roles, driving innovation and growth across multiple sectors. A resident of Kibbutz Gevim in the Western Negev, he is dedicated to strengthening Israel’s southern tech ecosystem. He also serves in the IDF reserves as a Brigadier General and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration.
Dr. Yaarit Wainberg leverages 20 years of experience in AgTech and FoodTech to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures. At SouthUP Incubator in the Negev, she actively fosters entrepreneurship and growth, combining scientific expertise with business strategy. She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Science from the Hebrew University and an MBA from the College of Management.
The incubator offers startups a full range of support services designed to foster growth and innovation
The incubator serves as a vibrant and dynamic hub for knowledge sharing, enrichment sessions, Meetups and hackathon events.
The incubator offers mentorship programs led by experienced professionals from a variety of fields to support entrepreneurs throughout their growth journey, helping them build connections with investors and establish ties with relevant stakeholders
Guidance and support in the process of applying for enhanced R&D grants (up to 72%) for incubator companies due to their location in a development zone, as well as collaboration in establishing accelerators and acceleration programs.
The incubator provides a diverse portfolio of acceleration programs tailored to different verticals, developed in close collaboration with the regional innovation ecosystem.
The incubator operates across two campuses – one adjacent to the regional council and the other in Kibbutz Nir Am – offering 1,200 square meters of modern offices, laboratories, and collaborative workspaces."
The incubator operates across two campuses – one adjacent to the regional council and the other in Kibbutz Nir Am – offering 1,200 square meters of modern offices, laboratories, and collaborative workspaces."
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Join us at SouthUp to elevate your ideas into successful ventures. Whether you’re looking for guidance, resources, or funding, we’re here to support your journey. Let’s explore how we can work together and drive innovation in the Western Negev.
