NITUP #1 Recap: A Bold Step Forward for Northern Innovation
Something real happened in the North this week.
Over 100 entrepreneurs, investors, and tech professionals came together at the Kinneret Innovation Center for the first-ever NITUP, hosted by NIT – The Northern Israeli Tech Fund in partnership with Norterra and as part of the IMPACT365 initiative by the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation.
What began as an evening of networking and short talks quickly transformed into something much deeper – a demonstration of the North’s momentum, talent, and potential to lead the next chapter of Israeli innovation.
From early-stage founders to high-level policymakers, the room was filled with energy, curiosity, and shared purpose. And that’s no accident.
Real Conversations, Real People, Real Vision
Uriel Perman, CEO of Norterra, presented a transparent and data-driven picture of the northern tech landscape, mapping out key growth zones and active innovation hubs.
Ori Ben-Herzel, CEO of MIGAL – Galilee Research Institute, reframed the very idea of national borders, declaring that “where the last startup sits – there the border will be drawn.” Ori gave us a powerful, future-facing perspective on the role of deep tech, science, and agri-innovation in the northern ecosystem.
Dganit Vered, CEO of Fresh Start Incubator, emphasized the power of ecosystem collaboration and why the North is not just ready for innovation — it’s hungry for it.
Nisan Zeevi, a longtime builder of northern communities and ventures, reminded us of the human layer behind every startup success story.
Emma Vardimon, from Startup Nation Central, translated macro-level insights into actionable advice for local entrepreneurs seeking global traction.
Einav Peretz, Head of the “Tnufa for the North” Implementation Headquarters – Northern Project Manager and Northern District Manager at the Ministry of the Interior, brought a strong government perspective into the conversation — but more than that, she brought presence. Einav stayed for the entire evening, listened closely, and engaged in genuine dialogue with founders, investors, and local players alike. Her remarks on stage centered around enabling innovation from within: creating fertile ground for northern entrepreneurs by cutting bureaucracy, connecting public initiatives with private drive, and ensuring that government support reaches the people who need it most. Her willingness to be present, transparent, and collaborative reflects a new kind of public leadership — one that’s not just observing the ecosystem, but actively helping it grow.
A Community That’s Ready
At the heart of the evening was a sense of momentum — not hype, but substance. It wasn’t just about what was said from the stage, but what happened after: conversations between founders and investors, researchers and operators, old friends and new collaborators.
This is exactly what we believe in at NIT. Being close to the ground. Listening. Convening. Creating the kind of spaces where great ideas meet the people who can make them real.
From Gathering to Movement
NITUP was never meant to be a one-off. It’s part of a growing platform to strengthen the northern tech ecosystem — not just with capital, but with connectivity, visibility, and trust.
As co-managing partner Eldar Sivan and moderator Shai Cohen reminded the audience, this region has everything it needs to thrive: talent, purpose, and a community that shows up. What it needs now is continuity.
We’re already working on the next NITUP. More conversations. More collisions. More action.
Official photos by Alon Levite are available now — and the energy speaks for itself.
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