CyberSpark– Is the name of the Israeli Cyber Innovation Arena in Beer-Sheva. It  is a joint venture of the Israeli National Cyber Bureau in the Prime Minister’s Office, Beer Sheva Municipality, Ben Gurion University of the Negev and leading companies in the cybersecurity industry..

CyberSpark Industry Initiative – Is a non-profit organization, designed to be the central coordinating body for joint cyber industry activities with all stake holders,  to leverage the region and maximize its potential as a global cyber center, to encourage joint academia industry partnerships and to support the plans to draw other companies, whether international or Israeli, to establish projects or base themselves in the region.

Governmental involvement and commitment to the Ecosystem:

The Prime Minister’s Office National Cyber Bureau is located at the ATP.

The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT) is strategically located at the ATP in collaboration with representatives of the industry.

Comprehensive incentive policy for Cyber businesses in Beer-Sheva.

Funding for the Research Center which houses research by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

Funding for Cyber educational programs in Beer-Sheva.

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) is geared toward the industry to meet its needs.

BGU is the leading university for cyber research in Israel.

BGU generates highly skilled graduates.

BGU focuses on applied research. The academic syllabus is synchronized with the dynamic needs of the industry

BGU and cyber companies at the ATP share research facilities to further advance cyber solutions

Unique features of the industry as part of the Ecosystem:

A collective mix of small, medium and multi-national companies:
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Interact based on a Coopetition model

Joint facilities (Gav-Yam Negev Park)

Open discussion and knowledge sharing without IP exposure

Highly qualified workforce comprised of:

● BGU researchers and students

● Industry subject matter experts

● IDF elite IT Unit veterans

There are two elite IDF cybersecurity groups:

• The intelligence group (including Unit 8200) that is the Israeli equivalent of the NSA
• The C4I group

These two groups currently encompass more than 10,000 soldiers. The plan is to move both of these units down south, adjacent to CyberSpark’s campus within the next few years.

This source of Human Capital is expected to feed CyberSpark with 2000 – 3000 new talents per year, eager to join both the industry and academia venues.

The 8200 Unit plays an illustrious role in Israeli tech history: its former members have gone on to establish numerous companies such as Checkpoint, Palo Alto Networks, and CyberArk, to name just a few. People from these units could ultimately become the engine driving the entire Beer-Sheva ecosystem, since most men and women finish their mandatory military service in their early 20s: then they are well placed to start their civilian careers.