January 6, 2025 — Alon Natanson, a business leader and alumnus of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has been appointed chief executive officer of Yissum, the Hebrew University Tech Transfer company.

He is succeeding Dr. Itzik Goldwasser, who was Yissum’s CEO and president for 15 years, led the establishment of dozens of companies, and expanded Yissum’s position as a tech transfer company leader.

“Itzik’s visionary leadership has set a high standard for excellence at Yissum,” said Barak Ben Eliezer, Chairman of the Board of Yissum. “We thank him for his transformative contributions and warmly welcome Alon to lead Yissum in an exciting new chapter.”

Natanson is a successful executive with a strong track record in transforming life sciences and technology companies. His deep industry experience includes digital health, biotechnology, and medical device companies. Natanson has served as CEO and president at Nonagon Ltd., Apos Medical Assets, and Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics, driving strategic growth, securing significant funding, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

“Yissum has a unique and pivotal role as the gateway between the brilliance of Hebrew University’s researchers and the needs of industries worldwide,” Natanson says. “I am honored to take on this responsibility and look forward to forging new paths of collaboration, unlocking the immense potential of our research, and delivering meaningful impact for the university, our partners, and society as a whole.”

Earlier in his career, he was director of marketing and finance at Teva Pharmaceuticals, where he was instrumental in launching Copaxone, a prescription medicine that is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

He is a proud alumnus of Hebrew University, where he earned an M.B.A. in Finance and a B.A. in Economics and Philosophy.