How to Apply

Application opens on March 3^rd 2024.

Note: Zell is designed for undergraduates in their final year of study or the year immediately after their last year to the extent they have not closed their degree.

To apply students must be in their second to last, or last year of study.

It is critical to read through the instructions first and follow them carefully. You can start an application at any time and submit only when it is ready (as long as it is before the deadline).

We are using Coda for the online application form. You will be asked to provide your LinkedIn and Facebook accounts so it is a great opportunity to update your social platform.

The deliverables in the form include:

1. CV

2. Venture proposal (Yes, you must submit, and we take this seriously, read through below). As part of the application process, candidates are required to submit a one-page venture proposal of a venture idea. The proposal must be an innovative and unique idea of your own that answers a market need. It is advised to include nuts and bolts from validation to launch. The proposal must be written in English. If you are invited to an interview, you may be questioned on your venture proposal. The venture proposal is used to determine an applicant’s ability to think in an entrepreneurial manner. Some candidates go on to pursue this idea in the Zell Program; however, it is not required, as most candidates choose a new idea in their self-formed teams.

It is advised to proofread your proposal thoroughly. Creativity is key; however, we consider many aspects, and advise you to consider the following (not as a template, but as a frame of reference):

What problem are you solving?
Is it realistic and achievable?
Do the numbers make sense?
Where is the market located?
How can you make the idea become a reality?
What makes you different from your competitors?
Are you the right person to take on this venture?

3. Prepare a 20 second video elevator pitch:

Simple cell phone video introducing yourself. Nothing fancy, no-frills, only YOU and your voice facing the camera pitching yourself for the program (think, if I met faculty in an elevator, what would I say?). We are not looking for creativity here, save it for your venture proposal. Videos that do not comply with the above will not be viewed.

4. Choose recommenders and ask them to recommend you for the program:

As part of your online application, we require two recommendations (from two different sources). The Admissions Committee strongly prefers professional recommendations that come from current or former employers. Zell alumni are also acceptable to the extent they know you in a professional capacity. Give careful thought to choosing the person who will provide the recommendation letters. Please ask the recommenders to send their letters directly (to: zep@runi.ac.il).

Please consider the following when selecting a recommender:

How closely have your recommenders worked with you, and can they attest to your value as an entrepreneur, your leadership, and your personal qualities and interpersonal skills?
Recommendations should not come from family, co-workers, someone you have supervised, or personal and family friends, unless there is a valid reason why their recommendation makes sense. If you are not sure, shoot us a mail and consult (zep@runi.ac.il).
The letters should be addressed to the Zell Program, C/O Zell Entrepreneurship Program
Admissions Committee. Our email address is zep@runi.ac.il. They must be sent directly and there must be two.
The recommendation letters may be in either English or Hebrew.
They are due no later than April 4th, 2024.

5. When ready with the deliverables: Go to the Online Application

Application opens on March 3^rd 2024 and closes on April 2^nd, 2024.