LET'S INNOVATE

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, renowned for its innovative approach and commitment to excellence. By launching NeuSPHERE in India, IAI aims to foster a robust ecosystem of collaboration, driving technological advancements and propelling Indian startups onto the international stage.

Our Story

The IAI Innovation Center is where ambition meets execution. It’s built for doers—whether you’re an early-stage startup looking to scale or an intrapreneur inside IAI ready to bring bold ideas to life.

This is your launchpad for building real solutions to real-world challenges—powered by deep tech, global experience, and Israel’s vibrant startup spirit.

Our Vision

We believe innovation happens when ideas meet the right people, tools, and momentum. Our vision is to shape the future of aerospace, defense, and beyond by connecting startup agility with IAI’s technological edge.

Together, we create tech that makes a difference—faster, smarter, and with purpose.

Our Mission

To empower early-stage startups and internal innovators to build, test, and launch impactful solutions.

We connect cutting-edge ideas with IAI’s know-how and infrastructure—helping you move from concept to MVP, and from MVP to market. Whether you’re inside or outside IAI, we’re here to break silos, speed up development, and deliver real results.

Organic Innovation

Inside IAI, innovation is a team sport. We work across divisions to unlock hidden ideas, support creative risk-taking, and turn internal know-how into powerful solutions.

It’s how we turn “what if” into “what’s next.”

LET'S INNOVATE

Open Innovation

We partner with bold startups bringing fresh thinking and breakthrough tech. Through collaboration, mentorship, and real-world testing, we help ideas take flight—and bring new energy into IAI’s mission.

If you’re building something with impact, let’s do it together.

LET'S INNOVATE

Our Team

Eytan Eshel- BG (res.)

EVP Technology, innovation and R&D (CTO)

Brigadier General (Res.) Eytan Eshel is the Executive Vice President for Technology, Research & Development, and Innovation (CTO) at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)

Full Bio

Lea Alon

Director of innovation & entrepreneurship, CTO HQ

Lea Alon is leading IAIs Innovation strategy both organic and Open Innovation. Managing the Innovation Center – an international accelerator, led close to 40 projects to reach an MVP

Full Bio

Alon Hoenig

Director of Dual use Technology & Business development ,CTO HQ

Alon Hoenig currently works under the CTO office at IAI, where he scouts for companies ranging from startups to large corporations with emerging technologies 

Full Bio

Have a groundbreaking idea? 

Let’s bring it to life together!

Leave a message below to connect with our team and explore how our accelerator can help you scale, innovate, and succeed!

Eytan Eshel- BG (res.)

EVP Technology, innovation and R&D (CTO)

Brigadier General (Res.) Eytan Eshel is the Executive Vice President for Technology, Research & Development, and Innovation (CTO) at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Since 2021, Eshel has led IAI’s technological strategy, driving innovation, advancing R&D investments, and fostering collaborations with academic and research institutions worldwide. He also oversees the company’s Innovation Center and Space Incubator, which are central to IAI’s efforts in nurturing groundbreaking technologies for aerospace and defense applications.

Throughout his distinguished career, Eshel has been instrumental in shaping Israel’s defense innovation ecosystem. During his tenure as Head of Military R&D in Israel’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), he spearheaded large-scale technological initiatives and international collaborations, significantly enhancing Israel’s defense capabilities. His expertise extends to overseeing dual-use technologies that bridge defense and commercial applications, ensuring a robust and innovative technological foundation.

Before joining IAI, Eshel was Vice President at Elbit Systems, where he managed advanced technology portfolios, including Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), Electronic Warfare (EW), and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I). In these roles, he gained valuable experience in aligning cutting-edge technologies with operational needs, contributing to his deep understanding of the global defense and aerospace industries.

Eshel holds a B.Sc. in Electronic Engineering and an MBA in Business Management, both from Tel Aviv University. His extensive leadership experience, coupled with his passion for technological advancement, positions him as a key force behind IAI’s commitment to driving innovation, fostering global partnerships, and maintaining technological leadership in the rapidly evolving aerospace sector.

Lea Alon

Director of innovation & entrepreneurship, CTO HQ

Lea holds an MBA, major in organization behavioral with excellence award. And BA in social Sciences. 

Lea Alon is leading IAIs Innovation strategy both organic and Open Innovation. Managing the Innovation Center – an international accelerator, led close to 40 projects to reach an MVP.  Established a Space Incubator – ASTRA, first ever established in Israel.  

Promoting collaborations with start-ups, the IDF, and academia – for joint projects in disruptive technologies. 

Lea also leads the corporate Knowledge Management field, as part of her responsibilities she leads the digital transformation in the divisions, and provide solutions for knowledge Centers for IAI. 

Lea has A lot of business experience, strategy development and experience in building and leading management change processes from previous companies where she worked and she applies her experience in her current role.

Alon Hoenig

Director of Dual use Technology & Business development ,CTO HQ

Alon Hoenig currently works under the CTO office at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), where he scouts for companies ranging from startups to large corporations with emerging technologies aligned with IAI’s technology vectors. Alon is responsible for engaging these companies and building commercial relationships to integrate their technologies into IAI products.

Previously, Alon was the CTO of IAI’s unmanned group, leading pioneering R&D projects in unmanned VTOLs and autonomous technology.

Alon also served in the IMOD DDR&D for over a decade, managing strategic radar and UAV programs.