Dor Netzer
Architect, Urban Planner, Researcher, and Lecturer on AI, Language, and Architecture
A graduate of both bachelor's and master's degrees (cum laude) from the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning at the Technion, Dor is a young architect-entrepreneur-researcher. She is a lecturer and researcher in the fields of artificial intelligence, language, and architecture, and has won numerous competitions, awards, and grants — both for her teaching and pedagogical contributions, as well as for her innovative projects — representing the Technion and the State of Israel internationally.
During her master's studies, she initiated an innovative course titled "Between Coding and Decoding," which focused on artificial intelligence and architecture through the lens of language, for which she received a pedagogical innovation award.
In parallel with her academic teaching, lectures, and workshops in universities and architecture firms, Dor also works as an architect and researcher in the R&D department at "Yashar Architects". There, she leads projects both in Israel and abroad, while developing and applying new planning methodologies, including the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as parametric design using code and the implementation of advanced AI tools.
Photo by: Nir Slakman
Sharon Hornstein
Global Control & Learning Systems Lab Group Manager at General Motors
A graduate of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (BSc, MSc, and PhD), I currently lead the Global Control & Learning Systems research group at General Motors’ R&D center in Israel. The center employs around 650 people, including approximately 30 researchers across various disciplines. My team focuses on developing advanced algorithms for autonomous vehicles, including control systems for scenarios requiring ultra-fast responses (such as evasive maneuvers in all weather conditions), and optimal autonomous driving in congested environments through vehicle-to-vehicle communication and environmental data integration.
One of the most significant milestones in recent years was leading a collaborative research project with UC Berkeley to develop congestion-reducing algorithms for highways. This included a large-scale real-world experiment in Tennessee involving 100 autonomous vehicles.
Previously, I spent about five years at a startup that developed a micromechanical system based on MEMS technology, which included a micromirror for laser projection. My role involved developing algorithms to synchronize the mirror’s motion with the laser activation mechanism to produce precise, distortion-free images and videos.
Photo by: General Motors – R&D Center in Herzliya
Maor Diminsky
Founder and CEO of Sutok Environmental Engineering, Senior Environmental Engineer and Consultant
A graduate of the Environmental Engineering program (B.Sc) and holder of a master's degree in chemical engineering (M.E), he was twice awarded the Technion President’s Excellence Award and the Dean’s Excellence Award. Before founding Sutok, he served as Chief Technologist at an industrial wastewater treatment facility, where he was involved in regulatory licensing, solving operational and environmental challenges, and overseeing projects from market research to day-to-day operation.
As CEO of Sutok, he works to advance the field of circular economy both in Israel and globally, providing consulting and process guidance for industrial plants, fostering collaborations, and delivering lectures and courses to academic institutions, professional audiences, and the general public.
Photo by: Sutok Environmental Engineering
Inbal Zafir-Lavie
Scientist and entrepreneur passionate about translating innovation into improved patient care
A graduate of the Faculty of Biology (BSc, MSc, and PhD).
With a Ph.D. in molecular immunology, Dr. Inbal Zafir-Lavie has led groundbreaking research in antibody engineering and cancer diagnostics.
Her career spans pivotal roles in biotech firms such as Bio-Rad, Aevi Genomic Medicine, and Merck, where she spearheaded the development of novel therapeutics and diagnostic assays for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
During her career, she relocated to Philadelphia to work at Aevi Genomic Medicine, where she advanced diagnostic and therapeutic programs for autoimmune diseases in collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
In 2020 Dr. Zafir-Lavie co-founded Nevia Bio, a femtech startup dedicated to revolutionizing women's health diagnostics. Under her leadership, Nevia Bio has developed a machine learning–powered platform that analyzes biomarkers from secretions to enable early detection of ovarian cancer. Today she serves as a board member at Nevia Bio.
Dr. Zafir-Lavie also advises Arizona State University’s Clinical Research program, is a member of the 8400 Health Network and is a winner of the Mass Challenge prestigious competition. Inbal’s activity is dedicated to transforming healthcare through scientific innovation.
Photo by: Vadim Sukharevski
Rachel Lotan
Vice President of Planning and Assets at PEI – PIPELINE Energy Infrastructure
A graduate of master's degree in urban and Regional Planning.
In 2000, I completed my master's degree in urban and regional planning while serving as a reservist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Planning Division. Following this, I spent approximately seven years working in the private sector. With the discovery of natural gas reserves in Israel, I became part of the founding team of Israel Natural Gas Lines (INGL), where I advanced to the role of Director of the Planning and Environment Department. Subsequently, with the establishment of Noga Company, I assumed responsibility for managing the company's planning and environmental sector. My contributions included the development of this sector and the implementation of Israel’s 2030 development plan, which aims to facilitate the integration of 30% renewable energy sources into the national grid. Currently, I serve as the Vice President of Planning and Assets at PEI – PIPLINE Energy Infrastructure, overseeing efforts to ensure the functional continuity of Israel’s fuel economy.
Photo by: Rami Zarnegar