About us

About Us

Welcome to YEDA, the dynamic commercial force propelling the transformative research of the Weizmann Institute of Science into the global marketplace. As the exclusive commercial arm of the Institute, YEDA plays a pivotal role in identifying, protecting, and commercializing the unique intellectual property developed by our world-class scientists.

OUR MISSION

YEDA's mission is deeply rooted in advancing scientific discoveries for the benefit of society. By fostering an innovation ecosystem, we aim to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world applications. The income generated from our commercial activities not only sustains the continuation of basic research at the Weizmann Institute but also contributes to the advancement of science education.

Our Mission Pillars:

Research Assessment: YEDA actively identifies and assesses research projects with commercial potential, ensuring that promising breakthroughs receive the attention they deserve.

Intellectual Property Protection: We are dedicated to safeguarding the intellectual property of the Weizmann Institute and its esteemed scientists, securing the foundation for future innovations.

Business Relationships: YEDA is at the forefront of creating strategic business relationships and licensing agreements, facilitating the seamless transition of the Institute's inventions and technologies into the industry.

Funding Channel: We play a crucial role in channelling funding from industry partners to support ongoing research projects, enabling the pursuit of cutting-edge scientific endeavours.

WIN

WIN (Weizmann Innovation Nest) is the startup hub of the Weizmann innovation ecosystem. Backed by Yeda, Weizmann’s tech transfer company, WIN provides essential infrastructure and resources to incubate promising and applicative Weizmann inventions through the venture creation stage.

Such Resources Include:

Early-stage funding
Mentoring
Support by industry experts
Industry and investor networking
Office and lab workspaces
Other support services

Over 120 spinoff companies have been founded to commercialize Weizmann IP in the fields of pharma/biotech, Agrotech, Foodtech, cleantech/energy and materials/chemistry. WIN aims to build upon this tradition of innovation and to leverage Weizmann’s world-class research into cutting-edge businesses serving urgent needs of humanity.

BINA

BINA (Bridge, Innovate, Nurture, Advance) provides mentoring, guidance and funding to transform basic science into applied research. Bina also runs active outreach programs and collaborations to encourage applied research across campus, and educational programs to equip researchers with applied science skills.

Additional information can be found here

father of the weizmann institute's technology transfer tradition

Scientist and statesman, Professor Chaim Weizmann was also an accomplished entrepreneur who knew how to turn important scientific breakthroughs into successful business ventures. A pragmatist, he understood that new discoveries can break out of the halls of academia and be turned into viable, marketable products. By the year 1916, the Russian born Weizmann was a scientific researcher at the University of Manchester in England and owner of numerous patents.

The Man Behind The Technology: A Sample Weizmann Discovery

The highlight of Professor Weizmann's scientific business savvy was a 1915 invention that earned him kudos among the British. Weizmann developed a new biotechnological method to produce acetone from starch through a fermentation process. After patenting his invention in 1916, he offered it to the British Navy, knowing that it required great quantities of acetone for the production of explosives. Weizmann was appointed by Churchill to head the British Navy's laboratories. He moved to London with his students, and was responsible for the successful production of acetone for the British war effort during WWI. After the war, Weizmann's method became the common Industrial method for acetone production.

Yielding Patently Positive Results: The Establishment of a Scientific and Entrepreneurial Foothold in Israel

Professor Weizmann's contribution to the British war effort in WWI yielded more than a successful product. An ardent Zionist, Weizmann set his sights on helping a fledgling Jewish entity achieve nationhood. With the British government ever grateful to him, he prompted it to issue the Balfour Declaration in 1917, the world's first official diplomatic move recognizing Zionism. Seventeen years later, Weizmann synthesized his Zionist fervor with his love of science by establishing the Daniel Sieff Institute. Located in Rehovot, it later evolved into the world-renowned Weizmann Institute of Science.

YEDA: Continuing the Legacy of Chaim Weizmann

One hundred years after Chaim Weizmann's first patent, YEDA is continuing the legacy of turning technological breakthroughs into profitable ventures for the public benefit. Established by the Weizmann Institute of Science in 1959, YEDA is Israel's first, and one of the world's original technology transfer (TT) organizations, promoting the commercial development of Weizmann Institute research studies with huge success.