Israel Innovation Authority

The Israel Innovation Authority previously known as the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) () of Israel's Ministry of Economy is the support arm of the Israeli government, charged with fostering the development of industrial R&D within the State of Israel. 
History.
The Office of the Chief Scientist was established in 1965. It was renamed the Israel Innovation Authority in 2016. The main aim of the Authority is to increase economic empowerment within the civilian sector of the Israeli economy. Main activities include the funding of R&D and policy-making within its sphere of influence. The development and prominence of the OCS was further strengthened by the development of the venture capital industry within Israel in the 1990s.
The mission of the Authority has been defined through the country's "Law for the Encouragement of Industrial Research and Development—1984" (The R&D Law) and its operations are facilitated through Israel's R&D Fund, as well as a variety of international programs, agreements and collaborations. Its mission is to assist the advancement of Israel's knowledge-based science and technology industries in order to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship while stimulating economic growth.
Legal aspects of agreements which may include R&D funding, as well as royalties, are governed under the Regulatory Framework of the Authority.
Structure.
The Authority manages three distinct frameworks. The R&D Fund (Tmura), an Incubator Program and the Magnet Program. The Authority is responsible for Iserd management within the European Union Framework as well as Matimop, which governs international agreements partnerships in the USA, Canada and the rest of the world. The Magnet Program was established in 1994, and manages the partnership between academic and commercial R&D programs. Significant activities include facilitation of the transfer of knowledge between academia and commercial R&D companies. Under the auspices of the Magnet Program, the NOFAR program was established to provide support and funding in the field of biotechnology, nanotechnology and development of medical equipment.
Programs.
Technological incubators.
The Technological Incubators Incentive Program is designed for entrepreneurs, interested in establishing a startup company based on an innovative technological concept. A technological incubator is a center for entrepreneurship intended to invest in new startup companies and provide them with technological, business and administrative support. The incubator offers a supportive framework for the establishment of a company and development of a concept into a commercial product. The incubators are selected through competitive processes for a license period of up to eight years and are spread across Israel. There are 22 incubators in Israel funded by the Authority. Startups in the Incubators Program can receive up to 8 million Shekels for up to 3 years.
Support programs.
A variety of ongoing support programs offered by the Authority provide financial and developmental resources for entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes and stages performing industrial R&D within Israel. Other funds and support programs include: The R&D Fund, Ideation (Tnufa) Program, Technology Transfer (Magneton) Program and Applied Research in Academia (Nofar, Kamin) Program.
Chief scientists and CEOs.
The following is a list of Chief Scientists of the Ministry of Economy (1965-2016).
The following is a list of CEOs of the Israel Innovation Authority (since 2016).