Financial decisions are rarely driven by numbers alone. They are shaped by uncertainty, strategy, incentives, leadership, and the judgment required to make informed decisions when the path ahead is anything but certain.
This perspective was at the heart of Taming the Risk, a two-day financial masterclass hosted by Haifa Innovation Labs (HIL) at the University of Haifa, in collaboration with Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
The program reflected a shared commitment to equipping entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovation leaders with the financial knowledge, practical tools, and decision-making capabilities needed to navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain world.
Connecting Finance, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
Over two intensive days, the program brought together entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and industry professionals to explore how financial thinking can support better decision-making throughout the innovation journey, from developing an idea and building a venture to evaluating opportunities, managing risk, securing investment, and making strategic decisions for growth.
The diversity of perspectives in the room was an essential part of the experience. By bringing together people from different disciplines and sectors, the program created opportunities to challenge assumptions, exchange knowledge, and develop a broader understanding of the financial and strategic dimensions of innovation.
Bridging Theory and Practice
We were privileged to welcome Prof. Effi Benmelech, whose ability to connect rigorous financial theory with real-world decision-making encouraged participants to look beyond financial models and develop the judgment needed to navigate uncertainty.
The program was further enriched by an outstanding group of speakers and experts:
- Sharon Zaid — leadership, organizational strategy, and executive decision-making.
- Prof. Mahmoud Qadan, Ph.D., C.P.A. — investment feasibility and risk management.
- Adv. Eyal Bar-Zvi — equity allocation and startup stock options.
- Or Lustig — negotiation as a strategic leadership skill.
- Experts from PwC Israel — translating financial frameworks into practical tools and insights for entrepreneurs.
Together, these perspectives provided participants with both conceptual frameworks and practical insights that can support more informed decisions across the entrepreneurial journey.
Where Knowledge Meets Community
What made the program particularly meaningful was not only the expertise shared throughout the sessions, but also the dialogue and connections created among participants.
At HIL, we believe that innovation thrives at the intersection of people, knowledge, and diverse perspectives. Bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and industry professionals creates an environment where ideas can be challenged, knowledge can be shared, and new connections can emerge.
These cross-sector connections are an important part of building a vibrant innovation ecosystem, one in which collaboration extends beyond individual programs and creates opportunities for future partnerships, ventures, and impact.
We extend our sincere thanks to all our speakers and participants for their curiosity, thoughtful questions, and active engagement throughout the program.
A Shared Commitment to Innovation
The collaboration between Haifa Innovation Labs at the University of Haifa and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the capabilities of the people driving innovation forward.
By connecting academic excellence with entrepreneurial practice and industry expertise, partnerships like this help create new pathways between knowledge, decision-making, collaboration, and real-world impact.
At HIL, we believe that innovation is not defined solely by the ideas we generate.
It is defined by the decisions we make, the connections we build, and our ability to turn ideas into meaningful impact.
