How Bina Elevates Projects Through Industry Expertise - Advisor Spotlight on Dr. Or Rotem

Translating research into real-world solutions requires more than scientific insight. At Bina, the key has been pairing scientific project managers with experienced industry professionals, an approach that consistently drives projects to the next level.

One example is the collaboration with Dr. Or Rotem, whose career bridges microbiology, agri- and food-tech, and biotechnology. After earning his PhD in molecular microbiology at the Hebrew University, Or moved into industry. Over more than a decade, he led R&D programs at Evogene, guided product development at Seed-X, and served as CTO at Alagene. Today, he provides strategic consultancy and R&D support to biotech startups and research groups, in addition to leading business development at the emerging Israeli Biochip Corporation (IBCC). This breadth of experience gives him a wide perspective on biology product development and commercialization.

At Bina, Or works alongside the scientific project managers in a true dual track. Together, they help researchers explore the real-world potential of their ideas, align with industry expectations, validate market needs, and identify barriers.

The results speak for themselves. Or has worked closely with three Bina projects. Two have already successfully passed the evaluation committee, and one advanced from ideation to Technology Readiness Level 3 (TRL3), or experimental proof of concept. That project is now preparing for an Israel Innovation Authority grant application to reach TRL5, validation in a relevant environment. Or’s involvement shows how external expertise, combined with Bina’s structure, can speed promising ideas toward real-world potential. 

"It elevates translational research at Weizmann,” he says, “and creates real potential for market disruption.”

This model shows how Bina expands the innovation ecosystem. Together with Yeda, the Weizmann Institute’s technology transfer office, the program helps projects overcome early challenges and positions them for commercial activity. As Or explains:

“The combination of scientific and strategic thinking at Bina helps projects leapfrog hurdles that usually slow innovation.”

Ultimately, Bina’s strength is collaboration. Scientific project managers and industry professionals work side by side, giving researchers both technical direction and strategic foresight. That partnership is what turns promising science into solutions with real impact.