داهان عوزي

In Memory of Uzi De-Haan (of Blessed Memory) (April 17, 2026).

Today, I accompany my dear friend and esteemed colleague, Uzi De-Haan, on his final journey. While this marks a physical farewell, Uzi’s achievements and legacy remain deeply present in our lives.

Uzi was a visionary entrepreneur who founded Philips Israel, establishing it as an innovative research center dedicated to developing creative healthcare solutions aimed at improving quality of life. He was among the early pioneers to recognize and engage with Israel’s emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem. Guided by a clear strategic vision, he built Philips Israel through the acquisition of Israeli startups in fields aligned with the company’s long-term goals.

Today, Philips Israel stands as a central branch of a global medical technology leader, employing approximately 1,300 individuals. The organization focuses on the development and production of advanced medical imaging systems, including CT and MRI technologies, and serves as a global innovation hub with more than 25 years of sustained activity in Israel. It continues to integrate startups and cutting-edge technologies to advance human health.

Following his early retirement from Philips, I invited Uzi to join our faculty and establish the field of entrepreneurship—at the very institution where he had completed his doctoral studies and where we first met as fellow PhD students. Our professional and personal connection endured over the years, including during his tenure in senior leadership roles at Philips worldwide, where he oversaw operations in Japan and the Pacific region, while I continued my academic career at the Technion.

Uzi accepted this invitation to develop entrepreneurship education at the Technion with enthusiasm. After careful consideration, the faculty and the Technion leadership resolved to advance entrepreneurship education under his guidance, and he was appointed as a professor at the Technion.

With the generous support of Dita and Yehuda Bronitsky, the Bronica Entrepreneurship Center was established. Under Uzi’s leadership, the center became a cornerstone for entrepreneurship education at the Technion. He developed and advanced “BizTEC,” a program dedicated to the development and advancement of student-led entrepreneurial ventures, which continues to operate successfully to this day.

The Bronica Center has since evolved into the foundation of the Technion campus-wide entrepreneurship center.

When the Technion, in partnership with Cornell University, established the Jacobs Technion–Cornell Institute, Uzi was invited to contribute to the creation of the RUNWAY program. This unique initiative prepares postdoctoral researchers for entrepreneurial pathways, enabling them to translate their scientific discoveries into practical, impactful solutions that benefit society.

Uzi rose to this challenge and established RUNWAY as a one-of-a-kind program that continues to flourish and achieve outstanding results. RUNWAY reflects his enduring vision of bridging academia and industry through entrepreneurship. To date, it has raised $375 million, facilitated the creation of 120 companies, and generated more than 500 jobs.

Uzi De-Haan’s vision continues to endure and grow, and with it, his presence and legacy remain with us.

Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Uzi was also a dear friend, someone with whom one could share ideas, reflections, conversations, and moments of silence alike.

A true friend remains a friend.

Mia (Miriam Erez)