About Us

HKU-Tel Aviv Innovation Hub is where the academic excellence of The University of Hong Kong meets the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of Israel.

We build bridges that connect global financial and business hubs, uniting Asia, the United States, and Europe with the vibrant innovation ecosystem of Israel.

  • Hands on programs: we bring together academia, startups, and multinational corporations to create a dynamic environment that fosters experiential learning and innovation.
  • Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship: our driving force is to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
  • Venture building initiatives: we are not just about ideas, we are about turning them into game-changes ventures.
  • Global academic collaborations: we proudly collaborate with academic programs at HKU (UG, MBA, Exec MBA, DBA), across Europe, and in the USA

The University of Hong Kong-Tel Aviv (HKU-TLV) Innovation Hub is the product of a focused effort to strengthen the relationship between Israel, with its Start-up Nation spirit, and the flourishing entrepreneurial and academic communities of Hong Kong.

Our Mission

Support Academic Learning and Innovation

We are committed to advancing education and innovation hand in hand.

Promote Entrepreneurship and Investment

We cultivate an environment where bold ideas translate into thriving businesses.

Connect and Engage Tech Ecosystems with Business & Investment Communities

We are the bridge between tech innovators and the industries that need them, across geographies.

Create Cross-Border Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships

Our goal is to transcend borders, bridge cultural gaps, and unite our tech ecosystems.

Establish a Network of Trusted Partners and Collaborators Across the Globe

Collaboration is at our core, and together, we are building a global network of trust.

Join us in our mission to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration on a global scale, shaping the future together!

Meet our Leadership Team

Professor Roni Michaely

Founder & Executive Director

Roni is a professor of Finance and Entrepreneurship at the University of Hong Kong and a research member at the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI). He has extensive teaching experience with MBA, executive MBA, DBA and PhD students, and has been recognized as one of the most prolific academic researchers in finance. Roni is the co-founder of two startups and serves on the board of several others. He was a Director at the Israeli Securities Authority (ISA) from 1998 to 2003.

Elysa Rapoport

Director of Programs

Elysa is a seasoned marketing and business development executive with 18 years’ experience in international business development and trade, marketing, strategic communications and events management, in the hi-tech, government and non-profit sectors in Israel and internationally. Over the past 15 years Elysa has designed and managed many high-level government, business and academic delegations to Israel.

Elysa is a founding member of B Corp Israel, where she assists Israeli social businesses to measure their social and environmental impact and gain access to international markets and impact investors. Elysa is also the founder and Chairperson of Candles of Hope, Israel’s national pregnancy and infant loss support organization. Elysa holds a Master’s degree in Political Communications from Tel Aviv University and Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of New South Wales, Australia. She was born and grew up in Australia, has lived in the UK and Spain and moved to Israel in 2008.

Liran Krisi

Project Manager

Liran is an experienced project manager both in the high-tech and non-profit sectors. Prior to joining HKU-TLV Liran worked as a data operations project manager in a healthtech startup and has also worked in the non-profit sector as a project manager, community manager and in events production.

Liran volunteers as the marketing lead “Give & Tech”, a non-profit that provides training in product management.  Liran holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Entrepreneurship from Sapir College Academy.

Tracy Divon

Office Manager

Tracy is an experienced office manager, having worked for many years managing offices in the import-export business and the insurance business. 

Tracy lives in the North of Israel and volunteers in her community. She is an avid photographer and costume designer/seamstress and a proud mother of two.

Tracy was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and moved to Israel in 1993.