Arieli Group and Shaare Zedek Open SHAAR Healthcare Innovation Hub

Arieli Group and the Jerusalem's Shaare Zedek Medical Center (SZMC) announce the official opening of the SZMC-Arieli Healthcare Innovation Hub (SHAAR), a new physical innovation and co-working space within the medical center, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of the city's healthtech ecosystem. The partnership, established in 2023, is led by Shaare Zedek Scientific-Madait (SZS), the research and innovation arm of SZMC, and Arieli Group.

SHAAR combines SZMC's medical expertise and world-class facilities with Arieli Group's investment experience and track record of fostering innovation and growth platforms. The Hub builds a gateway between innovation and capital, creating an environment where cutting-edge medical research, pioneering projects, and forward-thinking startups can thrive.

Since its launch, SHAAR has been active in facilitating advanced innovation programs, providing startups with access to funding, business development opportunities, and clinical development advancement. To date, 19 companies have participated in SHAAR's innovation programs. Since the completion of the first cohort in April 2024, graduating companies have achieved significant milestones. One company secured FDA approval for its device, and six companies have initiated clinical trials, two of which are being conducted at Shaare Zedek Medical Center. Additionally, six companies have successfully raised follow-on funding, and three graduates have received patent approvals.

Prof. Dan Turner, Vice President for Research, Development and Innovation at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, said: "Innovation and progress are the result of huge collaborative efforts, perseverance, and endless hours. Yet still only 10% of startup companies in the health industry succeed. We firmly believe that the likelihood of success can be much improved with a backwind of a professional, focused, and coordinated system like the SHAAR Hub. We harness the know-how, team and infrastructure of Shaare Zedek to advance ideas and improve patient care. This is our mission and vision."

Evan Renov, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Arieli Group, said: "At Arieli Group, we're committed to bridging the gap between pioneering healthcare solutions and the capital that can bring these technologies to life. At SHAAR, we have created a physical space for innovative ideas and startups alongside a powerful ecosystem that bolsters companies' success with the resources and expertise needed to scale. With the official opening of SHAAR, we are excited to expand our platform for working alongside the global investment and healthcare community to further drive innovation and success in the healthcare sector."

The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in the attendance of SZMC Director General, Prof. Ofer Merin; SZMC Vice President for Research, Development and Innovation, Prof. Dan Turner; CEO of Shaare Zedek Scientific, Dr. Renana Ofan; and Evan Renov, Eric Bentov, Lisya Bahar Manoah, and Or Haviv, partners at Arieli Group. Additional guests included members of the SZMC Board of Directors, representatives from the Jerusalem Municipality, the Jerusalem Development Authority and the Israel Innovation Authority, and international investors and members of the healthcare community.