H1-2022
MAF's IMPACT REVIEW

I am delighted to update you about the exciting last six months of impactful activity at the Modern Agriculture Foundation.

 

Early this year, we launched the first Better Plate track within MassChallenge Israel's Accelerator, the only alt-protein accelerator in the Middle East. With the understanding that the most effective means of addressing the climate crisis and improving animal welfare is to proactively advance young alternative protein companies, MAF offered this unique zero equity program to Israeli and international startups. Out of 39 applicants, our expert judges selected five outstanding cohorts: one Greek and four Israeli.

​

The program included lectures and workshops on a range of topics from creating a killer pitch to commercialization, along with content specifically catered to alternative protein foodtech such as working with corporates, going to market and navigating the regulatory waters. Cohorts gained deep insight not only into the big challenges they may face, but also the tremendous opportunities. Each startup worked alongside multiple mentors among leading industry figures and top experts in relevant fields.

 

Out of a total 42 MassChallenge Israel cohorts, 10 earned a spot on the upcoming roadshow to New York and Boston. The announcement about the winners took place during last month's closing celebration. Stay tuned for our big news on the exciting outcome . . .

​

In addition to the accelerator, the last six months was packed with numerous lectures we hosted, some for the public at large, and some for specific audiences, including several groups of business leaders from Latin America. Encouraging investors to become involved in the field and manufacturers to further their development and production, we brought groups to companies and deepened our community relations.

 

We also dramatically stepped up our LinkedIn presence, publishing dozens of posts and attracting hundreds of new followers.

​

Our staff has grown, with the addition of a resource manager to assist with fundraising. We also welcome new volunteers, including Tamar Sternthal, who contributed immensely to our communications and social media activity.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all the foundation's donors and supporters. All this vital activity is happening thanks to you!

A special thank you to MassChallenge, to PROVEG International, to ACE Animal Charity Evaluators, to Sabina Fund, to the Parks Foundation, to Stray Dog Institute, to SecuriThings, to CheckPoint, to the Social Closet Fair, and to all our private donors. Thank you also to our accelerator partners, without whom we could not have managed this project: InNegev and Reinhold Cohn Group.

​

With your ongoing support, we are working to further expand our activity in order to make the planet a safer, better place for people and animals alike.

 

Yours,

Levana Shifman, Executive Director