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The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) (Hebrew: לשכת המדען הראשי) of Israel’s Ministry of Economy is the support arm of the Israeli government, charged with fostering the development of industrial R&D within the State of Israel. The mission of the OCS has been defined through the country's "Law for the Encouragement of Industrial Research and Development—1984" (The R&D Law) and its operations are facilitated through Israel's R&D Fund, as well as a variety of international programs, agreements and collaborations. Its mission is to assist the advancement of Israel's knowledge-based science and technology industries in order to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship while stimulating economic growth.

Legal aspects of agreements which may include R&D funding, as well as royalties, are governed under the Regulatory Framework of Office of the Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of the Economy.

Background
The Office of the Chief Scientist was established in 1974. The  main aim of the department is to increase economic empowerment within the civilian sector of the Israeli economy. Main activities include the funding of research and policy-making within its sphere of influence. The development and  prominence of the OCS was further strengthened by the development of the Venture Capital industry within Israel in the 1990s.

OCS Structure
The OCS manages three distinct frameworks. The  R&D Fund ( Tmura), an  Incubator Program and the  Magnet Program. The OCS is responsible for   Iserd management within the European Union Framework as well as Matimop, which governs international agreements partnerships in the USA, Canada and the rest of the world. The  Magnet Program was established in 1994, and manages the partnership between academic and commercial R&D programs. Significant activities include facilitation of the transfer of knowledge between academia and commercial R&D companies. Under the auspices of the Magnet Program, the  NOFAR program was established to provide support and funding in the field of biotechnology, nanotechnology and development of medical equipment.

Incubator Programs
There are  24 incubators in Israel funded by the OCS, with 22 of the incubators in the field of technology. All incubator programs are run as  grants that are repayable to the OCS on successful completion of the project. Each project in the Incubator Program lasts for up to two years. Grants are repayable to the Israeli government at a rate of 3-5% of royalties from revenue.

OCS Support Programs
A variety of ongoing support programs offered by the OCS provide financial and developmental resources to entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes and stages performing industrial R&D research within Israel. Other funds and support programs include:   Heznek-Seed Fund, Tnufa Program, Magneton  Program and Nofar Program.

List of Chief Scientists
The following is a list of Chief Scientists of the Ministry of Economy (formerly referred to as the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor or the Ministry of Industry and Trade).

Category:Government of Israel Category:Israel