In addition to completing the application form, you will be required to upload your CV, a venture proposal, a link to a 20-second video elevator pitch of yourself, and to provide two letters of recommendation separately. Please review the Application page thoroughly.

Record a simple, straightforward video introducing yourself. Just you, speaking directly to the camera—pitching yourself for the program (think of what you’d say if you met a Zell team member in an elevator). We’re not looking for creativity here—save that for your venture proposal. Videos that don’t meet these guidelines will not be reviewed.

As part of the application process, candidates are required to submit a one-page venture proposal outlining their unique, innovative business idea that addresses a market need. We recommend including details about the journey from validation to launch. The proposal must be written in English.

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If invited for an interview, you may be asked questions about your venture proposal. This proposal helps assess your entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving abilities. While some candidates choose to pursue their venture idea during the Zell Program, this is not a requirement, as most Fellows decide to explore new ideas within their self-formed teams.

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We encourage you to thoroughly proofread your proposal. Creativity is essential, but we also evaluate several key aspects. Consider the following questions as a frame of reference (rather than a strict template):

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• What problem are you solving?
• Is your idea realistic and achievable?
• Do the financials make sense?
• What is the target market?
• How will you bring your idea to life?
• What sets you apart from competitors?
• Are you the right person to lead this venture?

As part of your online application, you are required to submit two recommendation letters from different sources. The letters should be addressed specifically to the Zell Entrepreneurship Program and reflect your fit for the program. The Admissions Committee strongly prefers professional recommendations from current or former employers. Zell alumni are also acceptable if they know you in a professional capacity.

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When selecting your recommenders, please consider:

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• How closely they have worked with you and their ability to speak to your entrepreneurial potential, leadership skills, and personal qualities.
• Recommenders should not be family members, co-workers, people you have supervised, or personal/family friends, unless there is a compelling reason why their recommendation is relevant. If you're unsure, feel free to reach out to us at zep@runi.ac.il for clarification.

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PLEASE ASK YOUR RECOMMENDERS TO SEND THEIR LETTERS DIRECTLY TO zep@runi.ac.il. The letters should be addressed to the Zell Entrepreneurship Program, C/O Zell Entrepreneurship Program. Both letters must be submitted directly to us, and we require exactly two. The letters can be written in either English or Hebrew. While the submission deadline is April 2nd, we understand this process may not be entirely in your control, so we offer two extra days for flexibility.