How Two College Freshmen Built a Bridge to Israeli Entrepreneurship

In 2007, two freshmen at the University of Michigan set out to connect American students with Israeli entrepreneurship. Sasha Gribov and Eitan Ingall, both interested in social entrepreneurship, initially planned an investment club focused on Israel. Their idea soon evolved into something much bigger—a hands-on learning platform for undergraduates.

Gribov and Ingall shifted their focus from investment to practical experience. By 2010, they had registered Tamid Group as a non-profit organisation. That same year, the first group of TAMID Fellows travelled to Israel for a summer programme.

The organisation grew steadily under Yoni Heilman, who became CEO in 2015. By then, Tamid had expanded to 23 university chapters with over 1,100 undergraduates involved. Today, it boasts 4,000 members across 63 chapters, mostly in the U.S. and Canada.

Tamid's approach begins with a semester-long introduction to Israel through business education, similar to a condensed MBA. Students then take part in internships, consulting projects, or managing a live stock portfolio focused on Israeli companies. Each summer, around 100 to 150 fellows work with leading Israeli firms in sectors like high-tech, cybersecurity, fintech, and venture capital.

The selection process is rigorous. A 'beta' phase tests new members for motivation and commitment before full acceptance. One student, with no prior ties to Israel or Judaism, later described how the programme introduced them to the bold, problem-solving mindset—often called chutzpah—of Israeli entrepreneurs.

Tamid now connects thousands of students to Israel's innovation ecosystem. Through internships, mentoring, and real-world projects, undergraduates gain direct exposure to industries like cybersecurity, fintech, and venture capital. The programme continues to expand, offering more opportunities for hands-on learning in global entrepreneurship.