Kiryat Shmona University in the Galilee Is Approved

More than two decades after the initial government resolution to establish a research university in the Eastern Galilee, today marks a defining milestone: the birth of Israel's newest research university. This decision is not only academic in nature. It is strategic, national, and deeply regional. THU is designed to serve as a powerful engine for long-term growth in Northern Israel, integrating world-class research with industrial innovation, environmental sustainability, and community resilience.

At its core, the university represents a new model of excellence, one that does not separate academic achievement from national priorities and does not disconnect research from real-world impact. Instead, THU will build a modern institution where scientific breakthroughs, economic development, and social strength are developed side-by-side, specifically in a frontier region that has proven its importance to Israel's security, identity, and future.

A Strategic Hub for Applied Research

The University of Kiryat Shmona will not be a traditional "ivory tower." It is being shaped as an impact-oriented research university, rooted in the challenges and opportunities unique to the Galilee. Its mission is to translate academic excellence into tangible outcomes such as new technologies, stronger local industries, improved quality of life, and measurable long-term resilience.

The university will focus on several strategic fields aligned with regional strengths and global demand:

Agri-Food Tech and Regenerative Agriculture: Building on the Galilee's leadership in sustainable food systems, climate-smart farming, precision agriculture, and next-generation food resilience.

Biotechnology and Environmental Economics: Advancing the "Blue-Green Economy" through research that connects life sciences, environmental responsibility, public health, and economic growth.

Social Resilience, Education and Community Development: Creating frameworks for recovery, adaptation, and social stability in frontier regions, especially relevant after years of regional pressure and disruption.

This academic direction reflects an intentional approach. The goal is not to copy what already exists in Israel's center, but to build a university designed for the Galilee's real needs and for global relevance.

Global Philanthropic and Academic Synergy

The establishment of the university is supported by a dedicated government budget of 570 million NIS (over $150M) for its first five years. This significant commitment will support foundational development, infrastructure, and the formal transition into full university status.

However, the scale of this transformation requires far more than public funding alone. A major fundraising campaign is already underway to secure the resources needed to realize the full vision of THU as a globally competitive institution. The university is calling on visionary philanthropic partners, both longstanding supporters and new strategic allies, to become part of one of the most important national and social projects in Israel today: the elevation of the Galilee through education, research, and opportunity.

This is more than a donation effort. It is a chance to help shape the next decade of Northern Israel by strengthening local talent pipelines, attracting scientific leadership, and building an institution that will generate long-term returns for society, industry, and the region's future.

Expansion of Research and Academic Capabilities

Even before officially beginning operations under its new status, the university is already accelerating its academic and research footprint.

New doctoral programs (Ph.D.) have been submitted for advanced degrees in key fields, including: biotechnology, psychology, education and nutritional Sciences. These programs reflect the university's commitment to high-level research output and international academic standards.

In parallel, THU is developing an innovative engineering faculty focused on the applied sciences of the future, with emphasis on precision agriculture, knowledge engineering and artificial intelligence (AI).

This academic expansion is designed to support the growth of regional research and development, innovation hubs, and partnerships with industry, creating direct bridges between research and commercial implementation.

Another flagship initiative is the establishment of a Veterinary School and Hospital in the Golan Heights, strengthening Israel's capabilities in animal health, agriculture, rural ecosystems, and public health systems. This effort reinforces the university's broader mission: to serve the region through excellence while positioning Israel as a leader in emerging global fields.

The "University City" Model: Urban Integration and Regional Growth

A defining pillar of this vision is the "University City" model, in which the university is woven directly into the urban fabric of Kiryat Shmona. Rather than operating as a closed campus detached from its surroundings, the university will integrate into the life of the city, creating a dynamic ecosystem where students, faculty, researchers, entrepreneurs, and residents share the same physical and cultural space.

This model is designed to generate real outcomes: a surge of young talent and student life in the city, increased employment and housing demand, a stronger local economy supported by research activity, new innovation centers and partnerships with industry and a cultural revitalization that strengthens community identity and resilience.

"The University of Kiryat Shmona in the Galilee is a transformative milestone for Northern Israel," stated the leadership of THU. "We are building a bridge between high-level academic research and real-world application. This institution will attract thousands of students and researchers, create economic opportunity, and strengthen the long-term fabric of Israeli society."

Launch Timeline

THU will officially begin operations under its new status in the 2026 to 2027 academic year. Registration, branding, and institutional rollout under the new name are commencing immediately, signaling a new chapter not only for the university but for the entire Galilee.

This moment is the start of something bigger than an academic upgrade. It is a national investment in the North. A statement of confidence in regional growth. And a clear message: the future of Israel is not only built in the center. It is built where strength, resilience, and renewal matter most.

Partnered with Tel-Hai University of Kiryat Shmona & the Galilee