Dganit is an investor, active chairperson, board member, business leader, and mentor. She has extensive experience working with corporations and startups — from concept to execution. Her senior management background includes leadership roles at Intel, Perrigo, and Zeraim Gedera, in the fields of innovation, engineering, R&D, operations, and project management.

Later in her career, she turned to the startup world in agritech, foodtech, climate tech, deep tech, medical devices, and more — with a mission to create impact through technology. She has served as an investor, fund partner, chairperson, CEO, advisor, and mentor, collaborating with organizations such as Entrée Capital, Cibus LLP, Smart Agro, BWR, ViAqua, Arugga, J-Ventures, and J-Impact, among others.

As CEO of GAIA Partners, Dr. Noam Yosef leads the regional innovation center in the Galilee and the Golan, advancing climate tech, agrifoodtech, biotechnology, and water technologies.
He holds a Ph.D. in Marine Biotechnology and is a serial entrepreneur and early-stage investor (Pre-Seed and Seed) with extensive experience in deep-tech ventures.

Noam builds bridges between government, academia, industry, and philanthropy to drive regional growth, establish investment clubs, and promote innovation competitions.
He has an international network for implementing technologies and attracting investments to the Galilee.

Married and a father of three, he is passionate about nature, the sea, and extreme sports — combining vision with hands-on action to create regional and global impact.

Mira holds a master’s degree in Education Management and Policy from the University of Haifa and a bachelor’s degree in Education from Tel-Hai College.
She began her professional career at Tel-Hai University of Kiryat Shmona & the Galilee 12 years ago, after retiring from a managerial military career as a logistics officer in the IDF. Over the years, she established and managed the college’s Entrepreneurship Center, Career Center, and Alumni Organization.

For the past three years, Mira has served as Head of Entrepreneurship and Development, taking part in designing regional and academic programs and fostering cross-sector collaborations. Alongside her administrative role, she also taught at the college for five years, delivering courses in entrepreneurship and career management.

Mira has guided hundreds of students and graduates in their transition from academia to the workforce, built an extensive employer network, launched and managed an incubation program for ventures, and led academic entrepreneurship initiatives and student innovation projects.

Recently, she has been appointed Head of the GIL Innovation Center (Galilee Innovation Lab), the new innovation hub of Tel-Hai University of Kiryat Shmona & the Galilee currently under development.
The center will serve as a bridge between academia, industry, agriculture, and regional needs — leading entrepreneurship education and promoting science-based and hands-on initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive regional growth.

A resident of the Galilee, he has served since 2025 as CEO of MIGAL — an applied research institute leading innovation in the north in the fields of agriculture, health, food, and sustainability.
In his role, he leads MIGAL as a regional growth engine, combining scientific excellence with direct impact on the economy, community, and environment, while connecting academia, industry, government, and society.

Since joining MIGAL in 2019 as VP of Business Development and CEO of its commercialization arm, Gavish, he has led initiatives in knowledge commercialization, partnership creation, and the establishment of 15 startup companies that together have raised around $300 million, along with dozens of licensing agreements with companies in Israel and abroad.
He developed and led strategic projects in which MIGAL serves as a key player in addressing regional challenges in agriculture, food, and the environment.

Beyond his role at MIGAL, he actively works to strengthen regional innovation and local leadership as a founding partner of the Agrifoodtech Valley Management and the GAIA Innovation Center, and as Chairman of the Board of Kibbutz Snir.
During the Iron Swords War, he was among the founders of Lobby 1701 — a civilian coalition promoting security and resilience in the Galilee — while simultaneously serving in extended reserve duty.

He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Plant Science and Genetics from the Faculty of Agriculture at the Hebrew University and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Socio-Ecology at the Technion.
His vision is to position the Galilee as an international center of excellence that translates applied research into practical innovation, creating real change for the community and the region.

Dr. Hadas Siboni-Benyamini resides in Moshav Ramot in the Golan Heights; she is married and the mother of three daughters. She holds a B.Sc. in Plant Sciences from the Faculty of Agriculture, an M.Sc. from the Weizmann Institute of Science, and a PhD from the Faculty of Medicine at Bar-Ilan University. She is a graduate of the Mandel Foundation’s Regional Leadership Program in the North and serves as a plenum and board member of the Golan Regional Council, as well as a board member of the local Community Center.
In recent years, Hadas has been a partner in establishing FoodTech and AgriTech startups and has provided technological consultancy to companies as part of her work at the Fresh Start FoodTech incubator. Simultaneously, she participated in programs focused on commercialization and Venture Capital (VC) to deepen her expertise in the business and investment landscape.
Currently, she serves as the VP of Business Development at the Shamir Research Institute. In this role, she oversees the commercialization of research, supports subsidiary companies, and manages business development for the institute's various auxiliary units. She leads research, technological, and commercial collaborations between the Shamir Research Institute, its researchers, and a wide range of regional stakeholders.
Hadas is a firm believer in regional responsibility and cross-sector collaborations as the foundation for leading meaningful processes and driving change that contributes to the prosperity of the Golan, the Galilee, and Northern Israel.

A mother of two teenagers from Moshav Elifelet, she grew up in the Galilee and chose to raise her children there.
She holds a Master's degree (MA) in Learning Technologies from the Open University (of Israel) and a Bachelor's degree (BA) in Education from Tel Hai College.
Over the last 25 years, she has served in various roles across several local authorities, including managing a Youth Department, directing a Municipal Computer Center, and providing regional guidance at the Jewish Agency. For the past decade, she has dedicated her work to regional economic development:
She established and managed for 10 years Ma'avarim, a joint Business and Career Center of the Ministry of Welfare and the Upper Galilee and Mevo'ot HaHermon Regional Councils. She is currently the Director of the Economic Development Division at the Eastern Galilee Cluster.
She operates with the strong conviction that it is our duty to develop the most beautiful region in the country and ensure a high quality of life for the residents and visitors on the northern border.

Yarden Erlich is much more than an economic manager—he is one of the voices shaping the future of the North. A third-generation descendant of Kiryat Shmona's founders, he grew up within the community that he is leading forward today. In his role as the Head of Economic Development for the Kiryat Shmona Municipality and as a partner in the Galilee AgriFoodTech Directorate, Yarden sees the connection between business, industry, and entrepreneurship as a genuine growth engine for the New North.

Since 2014, he has been driven by a deep belief that innovation is born from the ground up: through accompanying businesses, making resources accessible, promoting infrastructure, and creating a space where the next big idea can become a reality. With a Master’s degree in Public Policy and as a graduate of the ""Cadets for Civil Service"" program, Yarden combines strategic thinking with relentless action. Married and a father of three, and in his rare free time, he also serves as a full-time battalion commander in the reserves. Caring leadership, public responsibility, and a great love for the region are what motivate him every day to shape a better future for the Galilee.

A native and member of Kibbutz Amiad in the Upper Galilee, Yaara is married and a mother of two.
She holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from Tel Aviv University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communication from Bar-Ilan University.

As CEO of the council, she is responsible for managing large-scale systems, advancing regional development, and strengthening community resilience, while leading growth processes and fostering collaboration between governmental, economic, and community entities.

Yaara has held several senior positions in public organizations at both local and national levels, including Head of Communications and Public Relations for the Teachers’ Union. She has led projects in information systems, technology, and customer service; worked in Mateh Asher and the Upper Galilee in various roles; and was part of the founding team of the Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee.

Throughout her professional career, she has developed expertise in leading communication and marketing systems, managing public crises, developing digital systems, and coordinating complex technological infrastructures. She also has extensive experience in government relations, collaboration with financial institutions, partnerships with foundations and donors, and managing multidisciplinary teams and consultants.v

Founded and manages the Settlements Department at the Mevo’ot HaHermon Regional Council. Limor has 30 years of experience in public service and is an expert in managing rural communities.
Previously, she established and headed the council’s Department for Demographic Growth.

During the Iron Swords War, she oversaw the evacuation of six frontline communities within the council’s jurisdiction. Today, she leads the return program for these evacuated communities, addressing social, physical, and security challenges.

She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the School of Political Science at the University of Haifa and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminology from Bar-Ilan University.
Born and residing in Moshav Dishon, Mevo’ot HaHermon Regional Council. Mother of two.

Lior Ruchman, 49, from Kibbutz Ayelet HaShahar, is married to Gilat and a father of three.
He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management with specializations in financial report analysis and marketing, and is a certified director.
A results-driven professional with extensive experience in the northern region, he specializes in strategic thinking, prioritization, and identifying barriers. Lior is skilled in building partnerships and leading inclusive implementation of effective solutions.

He began his professional path in agriculture and later advanced into management and business development in tourism and content industries.

In 2017, he joined the Golan Economic Corporation as VP of Development, where he wrote and executed a strategic plan for regional economic growth through a holistic development approach, expansion of the value chain, and the creation of innovation communities and advanced workspaces.

After three years, he was appointed CEO of the corporation and currently leads construction, development, and operation of diverse and innovative infrastructure and services that generate economic value for the region — including residential expansions, public buildings, transportation, tourism, and renewable energy projects.

For many years, Lior has been an active volunteer with the Canada Partnership Initiative, serving four years as Chairman of the CTC Steering Committee. He served as a combat soldier in Shayetet 13 (the Israeli Navy SEALs) and continues to serve in the reserves and as an active member of the unit’s veterans’ association.
An avid scuba diver, mountain biker, and passionate skier.

Married and a mother of three, she grew up in Tel Aviv and served in the Nahal unit. She was one of the founders of Kibbutz Ortal, where she lived for about 30 years, and currently resides in Yesod HaMa’ala.

With over 30 years of experience in economics and management, she has held senior positions in community management, finance, and business operations across diverse sectors — including industry, agriculture, tourism, services, energy, and real estate.
She has served, and continues to serve, as Chairperson and Board Member in several companies.

Atar Razi Oren founded Beyahad – the Carasso Family Foundation together with the Carasso family, led by Yoel Carasso, in 2015. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded its activities through the initiation of new programs, the building of cross-sector partnerships, specialization in key areas of focus, and the creation of broad social impact.

The foundation invests at the intersection of education, technology, and employment to promote youth mobility and strengthen Israel’s social and economic resilience — with an emphasis on the Galilee — while reinforcing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state guided by the values of its Declaration of Independence.

Atar brings extensive experience in initiating and managing social investments based on tri-sector partnerships, following nearly 25 years of leading major social organizations: she previously served as Director of the Center for Philanthropy at Shitufim, CEO of the Tirat Carmel Community Foundation, and Director of the Forum for Civic Consensus between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel at the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Philosophy from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Atar is an alumna of the Maoz Fellows Program and the Gvanim program for pluralistic Jewish leadership. She lives in Kfar Vitkin with her partner and their three children.

Irit leads the foundation’s education, employment, and youth programs, after previously managing the “Ma’aleh” initiative by the Rashi Foundation in partnership with the Ministry for the Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience, and the “Mekusharim” project with the Ministry of Welfare and Social Services.
Before joining the Rashi Foundation, Irit served as Head of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) at Amdocs.

Shira Halpert, 51, from Kibbutz Lohamei HaGeta’ot in the Western Galilee, is an experienced manager with a strong background in partnership development, marketing, and leading cross-sector projects — across business, public, and social fields.
Since 2024, she has served as Director of the Lauder Employment Center in the Galilee, which works to strengthen the local economy and create quality employment opportunities for residents of northern Israel.

Shira believes that the Lauder Employment Center is much more than a place for jobs — for her, employment is the foundation for economic growth, quality of life, a sense of purpose, and self-fulfillment.
The center’s work aligns with the vision of Mr. Ronald Lauder and JNF-USA, who have long been dedicated to developing the Negev and the Galilee — particularly in building a meaningful future for the people living here. The employment mission is an integral part of this vision: to create a reality of opportunity, resilience, and long-term prosperity.

In her role, Shira leads strategic processes connecting academia with industry, develops focused internship and training programs, and fosters collaborations with technology companies, industrial organizations, local authorities, and NGOs.
The center’s activities include initiating and participating in regional employment events, career fairs, interview days, spotlight days with employers, workshops, training programs, and more — serving three main audiences: employers, small businesses, and job seekers or academic professionals seeking career advancement.

Shira places strong emphasis on developing local human capital, filling quality positions with Galilee residents, and providing tailored solutions for diverse populations, including underrepresented groups.
When it comes to partnerships, she stresses the importance of collaborating with organizations that share common goals and values, believing that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts — and that through the right collaborations, it is possible to create a far greater impact than any individual effort could achieve.

Or Nadav serves as Head of Strategic Partnerships and Impact at GAIA Partners, where she leads community growth and supports the development of startups, small businesses, and the GALILADIES women’s entrepreneurship network.
GALILADIES is the first women’s entrepreneurial community to emerge from the Galilee and the Golan, now comprising over 2,000 Jewish, Druze, and Arab women.

In addition, Or leads the center’s arts and culture initiatives, in collaboration with an artistic committee that includes artists, tech entrepreneurs, and academics — bridging the unique connection between innovation and art.
One of her flagship projects is StartArt, a social-community program for children and youth designed to cultivate and inspire the next generation of Israeli innovators through exposure to tools from the worlds of art, technology, and science.

In her current role, Or focuses on building strategic partnerships within the Galilee ecosystem — connecting startups, academia, and local industry — while also developing collaborations with international corporations, venture capital funds, and impact investors.
Through these partnerships, she works to advance innovation, investment, and social impact across the region, with the goal of positioning the Galilee as a center of local talent and global opportunity.

Prof. Ofir Benjamin is a senior lecturer and researcher in the Department of Food Sciences at Tel-Hai University of Kiryat Shmona & the Galilee, specializing in food sensory science, food structure, and dairy technology with a sensory focus.
He holds a B.Sc. in Food Engineering (with honors) from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. He went on to complete an M.Sc. in Dairy Science at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, one of the world’s leading institutions in food and agricultural sciences. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Otago (New Zealand) in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute (Germany), as a research fellow at the prestigious Riddet Institute. His doctoral research focused on aroma release from emulsions and beverages under oral processing conditions.

At Tel-Hai University of Kiryat Shmona & the Galilee, Dr. Benjamin heads the Analytical-Sensory Laboratory, equipped with advanced instruments including electronic “nose” and “tongue” systems, a texture analyzer, and a rheometer. His current research focuses on extracting plant-based proteins (from sources such as quinoa, moringa, and edible insects) and upcycling food waste (for example, apple residues) for applications in functional foods. He was recently appointed head of the Physical-Chemical Food Laboratory, supported by the Glaser Foundation Fellowship.

Dr. Benjamin teaches and coordinates several undergraduate and graduate courses, including Dairy Science, Sensory Evaluation of Food, Product Development, and Alternative Proteins.

Beyond academia, he is considered one of Israel’s leading figures in food innovation. He is actively promoting a master plan for the establishment of Israel’s first National Institute for Food and Nutrition Innovation in the Galilee — a national center connecting academia, industry, investors, and startups. The institute aims to position northern Israel as a hub for foodtech, healthy nutrition, functional foods, and medical nutrition.

Dr. Lior Levy-Kojikaro serves as the VP of Business Development at the MIGAL Research Institute and leads the technology transfer and commercialization activities for both the institute and Tel-Hai Academic College. In her role, she acts as a strategic liaison, building strong bridges between the worlds of science and academia and industry, community, and the environment.

Lior believes that entrepreneurship and innovation must stem from the heart, driven by a desire to act where one can have a real impact on reality. She harnesses her professional expertise to transform scientific research into applied solutions that promote the economy and environment in the Northern region and beyond.

She holds a PhD in Environmental Chemistry from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, and both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Soil and Water Sciences from the Hebrew University. Lior is a graduate of the prestigious "Galilist" leadership program, which promotes place-based leadership in the Galilee region.

Lior lives with her partner and their three sons in the village of Kidmat Tsvi in the Golan Heights. Alongside her professional work, she is directly connected to the land through the joint management of their family agricultural farm, viewing agriculture as a way of life and a foundation for security and continuity.

Dina Gilead is a manager, entrepreneur, and regional leader in the field of research and development, innovation, and technology. Resident of the Golan, married and mother of five, acting for many years to strengthen the northern periphery through a connection between applied research, industry, agriculture, economy, and community.

Possesses a second degree in organizational consulting and a doctoral student at the University of Haifa, researching the promotion of partnerships between academia and industry. Serves as CEO of Shamir Research Institute, and leads the establishment and management of the application company 'Tura Developments Ltd.' and accompanying business companies, alongside development and management of wide-scale research and innovation systems. Within the framework of her role, promotes establishment of national R&D infrastructures, builds and strengthens an agri-foodtech and climatech ecosystem, and acts to strengthen the economic and community resilience of the Galilee and the Golan through a connection between scientific knowledge, industry, and application in the field.

Dina has rich experience in senior management in the public and academic sectors, in leading processes of development and growth, building strategic partnerships with government ministries, local authorities, industry, foundations, and donors, and in establishing innovative ventures connecting scientific knowledge to application in the field. Her expertise includes leading innovation systems, complex management of technological and scientific infrastructures, development of long-term strategic plans, and management of multi-disciplinary teams.

Acts out of a vision of knowledge-based regional development, strengthening food security, sustainability, and innovation, and turning the Galilee into a center of attraction for researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies from the country and from the world.