BGU | PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2026

36

BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

Prof . DAN BLUMBERG VICE PRESIDENT FOR REGIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

discussions, joint academic initiatives, and academic excellence programs for military personnel and their families relocating to the region. During the past year, several such programs were launched or expanded, including Ra’amim, Galaxy, Brakim, and a bachelor’s degree program in Information Systems and Software Engineering. Additional programs currently under development include a new dual bachelor’s degree in chemistry and chemical engineering; a chemistry program for pre-military cadets; an MBA program developed in collaboration with the IDF Intelligence Directorate; and Rakia 9900, a bachelor’s degree program in space and remote sensing. Additional initiatives include programs for pre-military cadets in collaboration with the Department of Middle Eastern Studies, as well as a training and employment program in cybersecurity and information security at the Eilat Campus, which opened in November 2025. The C4i Campus down the road has opened its gates. The 45 acre (180 dunam) campus includes approximately 200,000 m 2 of floor space and will house thousands of soldiers from the IDF’s Southern Command headquarters, the C4i Directorate, and the Air Force. These personnel are expected to play a significant role in the continued development of the Beer-Sheva Innovation District. Construction of the Intelligence Corps campus at Lakit Junction northeast of Beer-Sheva is also progressing at an accelerated pace. The 620 acre (2,500 dunam) campus with 500,000 m 2 of floor space is expected to hold over ten thousand Intelligence Directorate soldiers.

The Office of the Vice President for Regional and Industrial Development works to advance and sustain Ben-Gurion University of the Negev’s strategic role within the technological ecosystem of Beer-Sheva and the broader Negev region. The Office focuses on developing and strengthening partnerships between the University, government, and industry, while promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional economic growth. These collaborations help position the University as a key driver of technological development and innovation in southern Israel. Over the past year, the Office, together with regional partners, worked to advance Government Resolution 3474, a continuation of Resolution 625. The resolution aims to strengthen the Negev, and Beer-Sheva in particular, as a leading academic, technological, and innovation hub, while reinforcing cross-sector collaborations. As part of the resolution, resources were allocated to promote infrastructure that enables academic and research institutions to develop close partnerships with various stakeholders. These collaborations are expected to foster innovative academic initiatives and strengthen the Negev’s R&D ecosystem, positioning the region as a national center of knowledge and security. THE IDF’S MOVE TO THE SOUTH Over the past decade, the Office has worked closely with the Southern Relocation Administration at the Ministry of Defense, focusing on the civilian frameworks accompanying the move of IDF units to the Negev. Activities have included visits, tours, roundtable