While many Technion – Israel Institute of Technology alumni move all around the world taking on leadership roles across the technology sector, they often find ways to stay close to the Technion and Israel at heart.

I recently spoke with Lior Ron, founder and CEO of Uber Freight, about his journey from a child in Israel interested in computers to an executive at a major tech company in Silicon Valley, as well as the many ways the Technion has played a role in his life and career every step of the way.

Michael: I know that you’re in Silicon Valley now, but I’m curious to learn more about why you studied science, and why you wanted to do so at the Technion.

Lior: Like most Technion students, I found computers fascinating as a child, which drove my interest in technology from a young age. I also grew up outside Haifa and was very familiar with the Technion’s prestige as a hub of excellence and innovation. In fact, I spent a summer or two in astronomy camp at the Technion. When I was a teenager, the Technion started a new program to bring high school students into the university classroom. At the time, it felt like skipping school in a way, but I was replacing my high school courses with a few very rigorous lectures in math and computer science instead. These programs solidified my relationship with the Technion for the rest of my academic and professional careers.

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This article was written by American Technion Society CEO Michael Waxman-Lenz.