When does the program run?
The Israel-based program (exploration, ideation and creation stages) will take place in a hybrid model. Some sessions will be in person in Tel Aviv and others will be online facilitated by global experts. Sessions are on Thursdays from 18:00-21:00 and Fridays from 9:30-12:30. Fellows are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of the sessions.
The Pears Challenge is a staged program. At the end of each stage, fellows who wish to continue to the next stage will be selected on the basis of a submitted proposal. At the end of the Creation phase, an independent panel of international experts will select the fellows with the most promising venture ideas for field validation in Ghana.
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The Exploration phase runs from January 28th to March
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The Ideation phase runs from April to May
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The Creation phase will run throughout June
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The Validation phase and trip to Ghana will then take place in summer 2022.
Is there a program fee associated with Pears Challenge?
Participation in the Exploration phase costs 500 NIS for all sessions and events.
If I already have a venture idea or a working product, is the program right for me?
The Pears Challenge accepts a range of innovators - from those with outstanding experience who have yet to develop their next idea to innovators that already have a concept or even an early prototype. Whether you are looking for inspiration to start your next impact tech venture, or have an idea at the early stage of development, the Pears Challenge is a great way to move to the next level.
If you are passionate about creating meaningful impact through innovative technology-driven business then contact us and request an application. Someone will be in touch with you to discuss the program.
Does the Pears Challenge take any equity in my venture?
No. All of the support, mentorship, connections, and advising that you receive as a fellow are provided with no expectation of equity in your start-up.
Can I still work while participating in the Pears Challenge? How intensive is the program?
The Pears Challenge is a staged program where increasing levels of time commitment are expected as fellows pass from stage to stage (exploration,ideation, creation, field validation and beyond to startup formation). In the exploration and ideation phase, fellows are expected to attend sessions and work up to 1-2 hours a week on assignment preparation. After the ideation phase, the program becomes more intensive, as fellows develop their venture ideas and build their field validation plans.
Fellows who are chosen to progress to the creation and validation stages of their ideas will be expected to devote increasing amounts of time to working on their ventures. In general, by the end of the validation phase, fellows will have scaled back their work schedules in order to devote the time necessary to make it possible for their startups to succeed.
