How YEDI’s Innovation Bridge Program Connects Global Markets
13 January 2026
YEDI students at the future site of YEDI’s upcoming campus in Modi’in, Israel.
At YEDI, entrepreneurship is global by design. Through the Innovation Bridge Program and its broader international programming, YEDI has delivered initiatives across Canada, the UK, the European Union, the former Soviet Union, China, Japan, and Israel, connecting Canadian entrepreneurs with innovation ecosystems worldwide and helping founders think beyond borders as they build for scale.
This year’s Innovation Bridge Program focused on strengthening innovation pathways between Canada and Israel, giving entrepreneurs firsthand exposure to one of the world’s most dynamic startup ecosystems. The program began with preparatory sessions in Canada, exploring Israel’s innovation landscape, global scaling strategies, cross-border investment structures, and international business communication.
From there, 20 selected entrepreneurs traveled to Israel for an immersive, on-the-ground experience. Participants visited leading Israeli universities to understand how academic research translates into commercial innovation, and engaged directly with founders and operators building globally competitive ventures.
The mission included visits to Israeli startups and innovative companies, including Waze and Check Point, where participants gained practical insight into how data, AI, and adaptability are embedded into products and operations at global scale. These site visits sparked discussions around real-world application, market readiness, and scaling strategies across borders.
Throughout the program, the focus remained practical and collaborative – opening doors between the Canadian and Israeli markets and exploring opportunities for partnership, growth, and long-term value creation. Participants also gained cultural and historical context, deepening their understanding of how resilience and purpose shape innovation in Israel.
The mission concluded with a wrap-up session focused on applying these insights back in Canada, particularly around AI, agility, and ecosystem-driven growth. Participants returned with expanded networks, global perspectives, and concrete ideas for cross-border collaboration.
The Innovation Bridge Program reflects YEDI’s ongoing commitment to connecting entrepreneurs with the people, markets, and ideas that help ventures grow – locally and globally.
