Israel Launches INBI: Pioneering Biotech Innovation Center with Anat Cohen-Dayag at the Helm
On September 8, 2026, the Israel National Biotech Innovation Center (INBI) Ltd. officially launched its operations, marking a prominent step forward in the country's biotech landscape. The center aims to unlock the full potential of Israel's renowned biomedical research and accelerate the development of innovative therapies. At the helm of INBI is Dr. Anat Cohen-Dayag, an accomplished leader in the biotech industry with nearly three decades of experience. Her extensive background includes leading Compugen, where she successfully transitioned the company into a clinical-stage developer specializing in cancer immunotherapy.
INBI is uniquely positioned as a non-profit organization formed through a collaboration of Israel's leading universities, research institutions, and healthcare organizations. Notable founding partners include Bar-Ilan University, Beilinson Hospital, Ben-Gurion University, Tehcnion-Israel Institute of Technology, and the Weizmann Institute of Science, among others. This unprecedented consortium is expected to foster innovation by bridging the translational gap between groundbreaking academic research and clinical application.
"INBI stands as a transformational hub designed to ignite Israel's biomedical advancements," stated Samuel Moed, Chairperson of INBI. He emphasized that the center's goal is to create a pathway from research discoveries to marketable medicines that make a difference for patients.
Dr. Cohen-Dayag echoed this sentiment, pointing out that while Israel is rich in world-class academic research, only a small fraction successfully translates into scaled economic value or patient impact. Thus, INBI's establishment is set to transform this dynamic. By creating a centralized translational engine, INBI will provide essential tools, infrastructure, and expertise necessary to develop potentially life-saving therapies.
Through this initiative, INBI aims to cultivate a world-class team specialized in early-stage drug development. With the ability to consolidate resources across various stakeholders, the Center will also enhance capital and commercialization opportunities for emerging Israeli biotechs. This concerted effort is in alignment with the strategic vision under the umbrella of 8400 The Health Network, which is committed to advancing healthcare innovation in Israel.
Inspired by successful biotech hubs around the globe, INBI adopts a collaborative framework tailored to amplify the unique strengths of Israel's innovation ecosystem. By operating a structured multi-year cohort lifecycle, the center is designed to manage risk, refine project leads, and prepare early-stage assets for commercial uptake.
Dr. Cohen-Dayag's leadership is anticipated to play a crucial role in realizing the ambitions of INBI. With her rigorous scientific qualifications and notable achievements in securing global partnerships, she is well-positioned to guide INBI in fulfilling its mission. Similarly, Moed's extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry will further bolster the strategic direction of the organization.
In an era marked by rapid advancements in biotechnology, the establishment of the Israel National Biotech Innovation Center enables the country to stay at the forefront of scientific innovation. This collaborative initiative not only highlights the commitment of Israel's academic and healthcare institutions but also reinforces the potential for transformative developments in healthcare that could benefit patients worldwide.
As INBI positions itself as a national center of excellence, it represents a bold leap forward for Israel's biotech sector, bringing together diverse talents and resources aimed at translating innovative ideas into impactful health solutions.