‘Next October’ Encourages Startups to Dedicate Services to Fallen Heroes

The initiative invites early-stage startups to dedicate their ventures to one of the roughly 2,000 Israelis killed in the Hamas invasion and ensuing war.

By Shula Rosen

In the days following the death of his son, Staff Sgt. Yaron Oree Shay, killed defending Kibbutz Kerem Shalom on October 7, 2023, former Science and Technology Minister Izhar Shay vowed to keep his son’s memory—and that of all the victims—alive through action.

From that commitment came Next October, a project that pairs Israel’s hallmark innovation with national remembrance.

The initiative invites early-stage startups to dedicate their ventures to one of the roughly 2,000 Israelis killed in the Hamas invasion and ensuing war, ensuring each life is commemorated while supporting economic renewal.

In just two years, Next October has connected 450 startups with bereaved families.

Companies express their dedication in diverse ways—through volunteer work, product naming, or symbolic seats on advisory boards. “There are 450 families that know their loved ones’ memories live on,” Shay told The Times of Israel.“These startups are carrying their stories and values forward.”

The effort has drawn support from major firms including Meta, OurCrowd, Pitango, Silvertech Ventures, TLV Partners, and Ibex Investors.

Participating startups receive mentorship and introductions to investors, while the project’s 90 volunteers and analysts oversee the pairing process between families and founders.

Shay’s vision took shape soon after his family’s loss. Initially intending to commemorate only Yaron, he realized the broader purpose: “For every fallen soldier, for every child, for every civilian killed that day—we will help build an innovative company that can change the world and preserve their memory.”

Some partnerships have already left a tangible mark. Tel Aviv-based startup Pery, which develops AI tools for parents of children with attention disorders, honors Yaron by maintaining a memorial space in its office and volunteering in the same Tel Aviv community where he once mentored children.

Another company, Avertto, dedicated its first product—a wearable stroke-detection device—to paramedic Amit Mann, murdered in Kibbutz Be’eri while treating the wounded.

“Each time the device saves a life, it’s as if Amit is saving another,” Shay said.

From grief, Next October has evolved into a movement of resilience. “We’re building a better world after October 7—one based on innovation, hope, and the values those we lost lived for,” Shay said. He aims to double participation to 900 startups within a year. “Next October will be better—and it’s up to us.”