Dita (Yehudit) Bronicki is an Israeli entrepreneur and philanthropist, widely recognized as a trailblazer in clean, renewable energy and a passionate advocate for education, innovation, and co-existence whose leadership continues to shape Israeli society—and beyond.
Born and raised in Israel, Mrs. Bronicki earned a degree in French culture and political science from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1965. That same year, she and her husband, Yehuda Bronicki, co-founded Ormat Turbines, Ltd. (now Ormat Technologies). The company pioneered innovations in electricity generation, becoming a global leader in geothermal energy technology, which soon gained widespread recognition as a viable alternative energy source.
For five decades, Mrs. Bronicki was instrumental in Ormat’s growth, serving as the group’s CEO for over 20 years until her retirement in 2014. She held leadership roles in Ormat’s subsidiaries and affiliated startups, including Orbotech, Orgenics, and Orad. Her visionary approach positioned Israel at the forefront of the renewable energy sector, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and contributing to the country’s rise as the Startup Nation. From 1994 to 2001, she also served on the Bank of Israel’s Advisory Council.
Following her retirement, Mrs. Bronicki dedicated herself to advancing vocational and technological education in Israel. She assumed leadership roles in several organizations, including the ORT-Ormat High School in Yavne and Insights in Education. She also serves on the Executive Board of the Davidson Institute of Science Education, the Schwartz Reisman Science Education Center, and other institutions. Alongside these efforts, she plays an active role in shaping national economic growth strategies as a member of the government-appointed employment initiatives committee for 2030.
Mrs. Bronicki and her husband are avid supporters of scientific research, education, and science literacy as drivers of a more equitable society. At the Weizmann Institute, they have supported major research initiatives, including Prof. Nachum Ulanovsky’s study of spatial orientation and navigation and Prof. Oren Tal’s research on electronic transport, material properties, and energy conversion at the atomic scale. Mrs. Bronicki also serves as a trustee of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv-Yaffo Academic College, and sits on the board of the Hebrew University’s technology transfer company. Both Dita and Yehuda Bronicki are longtime members of the Weizmann Institute’s Israeli Friends Association.
Dita Bronicki has received numerous honors for her achievements and contributions to industry, education, and research. In 2018, she and her husband were awarded the Israel Prize for Industry. Her other accolades include the 2017 Yakir Award from the Kinneret Academic College, the 1996 Geothermal Pioneers Award from the Geothermal Resources Council, honorary doctorates from the Technion, the Holon Institute of Technology, IDC Herzliya (Reichman University), and the 1978 Industry Award.