Dr. Hilla Ben-Pazi is a senior neurologist, innovator, and founder of Avertto Medical Ltd., where she leads the development of a breakthrough stroke detection device that continuously monitors carotid pulse waves to alert before neurological damage occurs. Avertto is pioneering a new standard in ICU stroke prevention, integrating proprietary AI algorithms and biologically-inspired sensors to identify life-threatening events hours or days before clinical symptoms. With over two decades in clinical neurology and telemedicine, Dr. Ben-Pazi previously founded NeuroCan, Israel’s first tele-neurology company, extending specialist care to underserved regions.
Her work is mission-driven—to shift stroke care from reactive to proactive and prevent avoidable disability. In 2023, Avertto became the first company to join the Next October initiative, honoring the life and legacy of Amit Man, the 22-year-old paramedic who gave her life during the October 7th massacre. Avertto’s implantable device is named in her memory, embedding her spirit of courage and compassion in every life it strives to save.

Prof. Ofra Benny is an accomplished researcher with over a decade of experience in biological and medical research, specializing in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. Her work focuses on developing innovative therapies for cancer and ocular neovascular diseases, with a particular emphasis on solving clinically relevant challenges.

A pioneer in the field of slow-release drug delivery systems, Prof. Benny has deep expertise in designing nano- and micro-particle technologies for targeted therapies, including intracranial, oral, and ocular delivery. She is the inventor and developer of Lodamin, an antiangiogenic drug currently advancing through clinical development for cancer and age-related macular degeneration.

Prof. Benny’s specialties include managing drug discovery projects, preclinical proof-of-concept studies, and collaborating with contract research organizations to drive IND-enabling studies—including pharmacokinetics, ADME, and toxicity evaluations. Her leadership has positioned her at the forefront of innovative solutions for retinal diseases and complex oncological challenges.

Raissa Hacohen is a seasoned entrepreneur, operator and mission-driven investor. Raissa serves as the Managing Partner of Longevity Venture Partners, a $30M fund focused on early-stage opportunities within the Agetech space. Raissa is also the founder of HUR Partners, a boutique advisory firm building tailor-made early stage portfolios for private clients and corporations.
Raissa previously served as the founding managing partner at Arc Impact, where she was responsible for building the operating infrastructure and initial investment portfolio. Raissa has completed 50+ early stage investments in prominent companies across Healthtech, Silvertech, Edtech, Medtech, AgriFood and more.
Raissa completed her undergraduate degree at Brown University in 2006 and her MBA at Hebrew University in 2013. Additionally, she teaches an Entrepreneurship & Venture Creation course at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Yael Maizels is a passionate scientist specializing in women’s health and oncology. With a diverse background spanning academia, clinical research, the FemTech industry, and the nonprofit sector, she bridges the gap between research and real-world impact. Her work includes leading and collaborating on projects in areas like birth control, personalized cancer models, women’s cancers, and menopause. Yael is also an experienced educator, having taught courses in Anatomy and Developmental Biology with a focus on making complex information accessible and engaging. She is dedicated to amplifying and translating research into actionable insights for the public.

Helen Gottstein, Loud and Clear Training, boosts public speaking skills for people of ambition and corporate teams so they reach their speaking goals. She's a popular public speaker, a TEDX mentor and a lousy cook.

Mohr Wenger Michelson is a social entrepreneur, AI researcher, and data scientist at Intel. She holds an M.Sc. in Neuroscience from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where she was recognized in 2023 as one of the “40 Most Promising Young Alumni” (also referred to as “40 under 40 Young Leaders”).
She is the Co-Founder and CEO of ForStart, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Israeli youth by equipping them with programming and AI skills, and opening pathways to high-tech and academia .