A new initiative, based on the vision of Israel's President Shimon Peres to promote science and technology excellence and in partnership with Israeli hi-tech leader Check Point Software Technologies, was launched in early July at the Tel Aviv University, within the Unit for Science-Oriented Youth. The program is intended for creative, highly talented youth who are not sufficiently challenged by the regular education system, and who should be stimulated and encouraged to realize their potential through hard work.

The program will offer accelerated academic-level science studies combined with work in research labs and in high-tech companies, in a rigorous 3-year course designed to create a group of leading scientists and engineers for Israel's academic institutes and industry, as well as the IDF. 
 

250 boys and girls aged 14-15 underwent the demanding selection process, aimed at identifying those with the required aptitude and motivation. 53 have qualified for the first stage, which includes summer studies. Among the participants, 25% are girls and 25% come from the northern and southern periphery; the group is comprised of both religious and secular youth, new immigrants from Russia and Ethiopia as well as Israeli-born youth – Jews and Arabs.