The Technion: Where AI Trailblazers Begin

At the heart of Israel’s innovation ecosystem stands the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, a place where curiosity meets ambition and ideas become world-changing realities. The Technion’s legacy is not just in its classrooms and labs, but in the remarkable journeys of its graduates, who are shaping the future of artificial intelligence across the globe.

This year, the impact of Technion alumni was spotlighted on the global stage. At the TechCrunch Disrupt Conference in San Francisco, Greenfield Partners released its prestigious 2025 AI Disruptors List, highlighting the most important new companies in artificial intelligence. Out of 60 companies recognized worldwide, an impressive 16 hail from Israel — and six of those were founded by Technion graduates. Their breakthroughs in AI are changing industries, improving lives, and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger.

One such trailblazer is Itamar Friedman, chief executive officer of Qodo, which uses AI to automate code review and testing for developers. Growing up in Karmi Yosef — a moshav in central Israel — Friedman’s fascination with technology began early.

Itamar Friedman, CEO of Qodo

“Even as a teenager, I started learning software development — specifically website building, said Friedman. “I started a company in the field with several friends, and we reached 40 clients before I enlisted in the army.

“Technology has always fascinated me, and during my military service, I was exposed to the world of robotics, which drew me to the intersection between software and the physical world, and from there to electrical and computer engineering at the Technion.

“Already in my first year, I began to realize that almost every problem in the physical world boils down to an optimization problem. That fascinated me and pushed me to learn more and more about learning systems.”

He completed his B.Sc. in electrical and computer engineering with highest honors and an M.Sc. in machine learning and computer vision under the supervision of Prof. Zelnik-Manor, now the Technion’s vice president for external relations and resource development. His journey from a curious teen to a global innovator embodies the Technion spirit: relentless curiosity, rigorous learning, and a drive to make a difference.

The other five Technion alumni-led companies recognized as AI disruptors are:

• DustPhotonics: Pioneering ultra-fast communication in data centers
• Emerix: Transforming supply chain and inventory management
• Exodigo: Mapping the world beneath our feet — without excavation
• Decart: Creating real-time interactive video generation
• PhaseV: Accelerating and optimizing clinical trials

The Technion’s influence extends far beyond individual success stories. Its excellence is recognized globally: CSRankings places the Technion first in Israel and second in Europe for AI research, and PitchBook ranks it among the top 10 universities worldwide for entrepreneurial achievement. With a global alumni community of 100,000+ strong, the Technion continues to be a launchpad for visionaries who are redefining what’s possible.