Frequently Asked Questions

1.Who is the program open to?
ASTRA is open to pre-seed and seed startups and mature research projects located in Israel or foreign projects looking to explore a proof of concept in Israel and create value for the local ecosystems.

2. What is the duration of the program?
7 months.

Is the program virtual or in person?
The program requires in person attendance for all key program milestones (Kick off, POC review, demo day events) at the ASTRA office, located in Tel Aviv —right where the action happens.While companies can participate virtually for the rest of the duration of the program, startups have full access to a prime Workspace in Midtown building, in Tel Aviv, where regular community/networking opportunities take place.

3.Does the program cost anything?
The program does not charge a fee for its support but asks for a small percentage of equity (from 2.5% to 5% depending on previous funding, if any) to participate in the program. The “value” of the ASTRA accelerator program is $100K in-kind (Starburst accelerator services).

4.Does ASTRA provide funding support?
Yes, some selected companies will have the option to receive an investment structured as a SAFE in exchange for equity in the startup. ASTRA will also prepare the founders to raise additional funds and provide ample opportunities to market their technologies to key players in the ecosystem.

5.What does the pilot project with IAI look like?
1.) Exploratory: Startups, Starburst and IAI begin discussions to assess alignment, exchange insights, and identify areas of mutual interest. This phase lays the foundation for deeper technical and business engagement; 2.) Validation: Startups work with IAI to showcase Proof-of-Concepts (PoCs) and technology demonstrations. This stage focuses on proving technical feasibility and highlighting the technology’s potential impact to IAI stakeholders; 3.) Alignment: As engagement deepens, both teams collaborate to define a clear Scope of Work (SOW) for a potential co-development project, aligning on objectives, timelines, deliverables, and resource needs; 4.) Co-Development: Startups and IAI work together to execute the agreed-upon project, achieving key milestones and developing solutions that address IAI’s strategic needs.

6.What is the time commitment for participating startups during the 7-month program?
Throughout the program, startups will engage with Starburst and IAI technical teams, mentors, and industry experts, working on business development, technical integration, and milestone preparation. Key touchpoints include weekly check-ins, workshops, and collaborative sessions.

7. The program runs 5 months of bootcamp (core curriculum + proof of concept) followed by 2 months of post-program support.
The time commitment will require a time commitment of 5-7 hours per week.

8.What kind of mentors are we looking for?
ASTRA is looking for expert industry mentors in a variety of tech related fields. Check our mentor page for more information and to apply.

8.Who can I contact with further questions regarding application submissions and/or general inquiries?
Please email ASTRA@starburst.aero with questions and to get added to a list to stay updated on upcoming events and program announcements. Be sure to include a link to your company’s website, a brief description of the technology you are working on, and anything else you think we may need to know so that we can better assist you.

9. Are travel, accommodation or relocation costs covered for in-person sessions?
No, travel, lodging and relocation expenses for bootcamp and Demo Day are the startup’s responsibility.

10.. How are POC pilots with IAI selected and scoped?
After your technology is concept-validated, ASTRA facilitates technical reviews with IAI engineers. Selection is based on:
Technical fit with an IAI platformOperational feasibility within IAI workflowsDefined pilot scope (deliverables, timeline, in-kind support)

11. What does post-program support look like after Demo Day?
For 2 months post-bootcamp, ASTRA continues to support and open doors12.How are mentors paired to startups, and what’s the expected mentor cadence?
Mentor matching is based on your tech and market needs. Expect:
One 1-on-1 session per week (30–60 min) . On-demand “office hours” with domain experts A backup mentor if scheduling conflicts arise

13. Can we bring additional team members (e.g. engineers, advisors) to workshops and sessions?
Yes! All workshops and in-person sessions are open to your core team—just let us know in advance who will attend.