Most Visionary AI Leaders Shaping Innovation, 2026

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Edition January 2026

PIONEERING SIGNAL PROCESSING

INNOVATIONS AT THE WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE

Trueleadershipinscienceisnotmeasuredsolelyby breakthroughs,butbytheabilitytoshapeprogresswithpurpose. Prof.YoninaEldarexemplifiesthisrarebalance,whereintellectual rigormeetssocialresponsibility,andinnovationserveshumanityat large.Asapioneeringforceinsignalprocessing,artificial intelligence,andbiomedicalengineering,herworkisredefining howdata-driventechnologiestoucheverydaylives,from accessiblehealthcaretosaferautonomoussystems.

YetwhattrulysetsProf.Eldarapartisherdeeplyhumanapproach toleadership.Adevotedscientist,mentor,advocateforequity,and motheroffive,shechallengestheoutdatednotionthatexcellence requiressacrificeofbalance.Hercommitmenttoinclusion, whetherthroughadvancinggenderequityinhighereducationor empoweringunderservedcommunitieswithaffordablemedical technologies,underscoresavisionofsciencethatbelongsto everyone.

RootedinIsraelandrecognizedglobally,Prof.Eldarcontinuesto buildbridgesbetweendisciplines,cultures,andpossibilities.Her journeyremindsusthatthefutureofinnovationliesnotonlyin smartersystems,butincompassionateleadershipthatdaresto imagineamoreequitableworld.

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PROF. YONINA ELDAR

LOCATION IS NO LONGER KING: THE SMART METRICS SHAPING REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT IN 2026

RACHEL KORETSKY | FOUNDER AND CEO | UPACE

BEYOND AMAZON: HOW NICHE E-COMMERCE GIANTS ARE QUIETLY REDEFINING ONLINE RETAIL

PROF. YONINA ELDAR

PIONEERING SIGNAL

INNOVATIONS

COVER STORY

In an age defined by data and smart technologies, Prof. Yonina Eldar stands out as a scientist whose innovations not only advance knowledge but also transform lives. Her team of 30 researchers at the SAMPL Lab at the Weizmann Institute of Science, partnering with leading hospitals and global tech companies, deploys prototypes in clinics worldwide. Her research in signal processing, biomedical engineering, and intelligent systems has redefined what is possible in diagnostics, communications, and autonomous technologies.

Yet, what truly distinguishes her is the unwavering commitment to mentorship, inclusion, and the social impact of science. Prof. Eldar's work bridges theory and practice, demonstrating that scientific innovation can and should serve humanity in meaningful ways.

A CHILDHOOD FUELED BY CURIOSITY AND PURPOSE

Yonina Eldar grew up in Israel in a home immersed in learning, conversation, and exploration. “My parents are both educators” she recalls. “They taught us to love knowledge and to use it for good. That value has guided me ever since.” Family road trips, long discussions around the dinner table, and books spanning science, literature, and philosophy shaped her early understanding of the world and planted the seeds for a lifelong pursuit of discovery.

Beyond her remarkable scientific achievements, Prof. Yonina Eldar is deeply grounded in family life. A devoted mother of five, she exemplifies the rare balance between academic leadership and a rich, meaningful home life.

Her fascination with mathematics and physics emerged at a young age. Yet it was during her undergraduate studies that she discovered her true calling: signal processing, the science of extracting meaningful information from complex data. Mentors such as Professors Arie Yeredor and Udi Weinstein inspired her to see mathematics not as abstract formulas, but as powerful tools for interpreting, understanding, and recreating the world. This intellectual curiosity eventually led her to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where, under Prof. Al Oppenheim, she honed her skills and learned to embrace bold, unconventional thinking. “MIT taught me that the best research doesn’t always follow trends; it creates them,” she says.

RESEARCH WITH A REAL-WORLD PULSE

Today, Prof. Eldar leads the SAMPL Lab at the Weizmann Institute of Science, where her team of 30 researchers, including undergraduate students, engineers, AI specialists, and clinicians, pioneers technologies with tangible societal impact. From affordable, portable ultrasound systems to sub-Nyquist sampling technologies that overcome traditional data limits, her innovations are transforming healthcare, communication, radar, and autonomous systems.

Her lab works in close collaboration with leading hospitals and global technology companies, deploying prototypes in clinics and testing realworld applications. Their portable ultrasound devices have reached underserved areas, providing mobile diagnostic solutions where traditional imaging tools are impractical. Lowpower analog-to-digital converters, developed in her lab, enable resource-efficient medical imaging, enhancing both accessibility and affordability.

Prof. Eldar's work in radar and automotive sensing is equally groundbreaking, powering safety systems in autonomous vehicles and nextgeneration navigation technologies. “Our mission is clear,” she explains. “We aim not only to advance science but to bring its benefits to real people, in their communities, and in ways that improve their daily lives.”

Her lab embodies a culture of collaboration and inclusion. Researchers from diverse backgrounds work side by side, often volunteering together in outreach programs and workshops. The lab serves as a hub for interdisciplinary innovation, combining engineering, physics, and biomedical

science to address pressing challenges. “We dream big together,” Yonina says. “And we make sure that dream includes everyone.”

But for Yonina, scientific excellence and social responsibility are inseparable.

The bridge between research and social impact is central to Prof. Eldar's philosophy. While the lab pushes the boundaries of signal processing and biomedical technology, she simultaneously champions equity, mentorship, and empowerment. As Chair of Israel's Council for Higher Education Committee on Gender Equity, she advocates tirelessly for fair representation in science and engineering.

She is also the co-founder of Inbar, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities form meaningful relationships and live fully empowered lives. “Science should serve all of humanity,” she insists. “That means creating opportunities across genders, backgrounds, and abilities.”

Her mentorship philosophy is deeply human. She believes in fostering independent thinking, giving students ownership over projects, and cultivating trust. “True mentorship isn't about having all the answers,” she explains. “It's about asking the right questions, guiding curiosity, and empowering others to find their own solutions.” This approach is reflected in the lab's vibrant culture, where undergraduate students, graduate researchers, clinicians, and engineers collaborate as equals, bringing diverse perspectives to every challenge.

Groundbreaking Innovations

Prof. Eldar's research portfolio is both vast and impactful. Among her most significant contributions are

• Portable, Affordable Ultrasound Systems: These devices make advanced diagnostics accessible to rural and underserved communities, allowing real-time imaging outside traditional clinical settings.

• Sub-Nyquist Sampling and Sparse Signal Processing: By defying conventional data acquisition limits, these techniques enable faster, more efficient signal processing for applications ranging from medical imaging to radar.

• Autonomous Sensing and Communication Technologies: Her lab's innovations in radar, imaging, and sensor networks contribute to safer autonomous vehicles and improved wireless communication systems.

Beyond developing new technologies, Prof. Eldar ensures that her lab's work reaches people who need it most. Prototypes have been deployed in hospitals, mobile clinics, and disaster zones, illustrating her commitment to science with a purpose. Her research has resulted in more than 20 patents and collaborations with industry giants such as Intel and Elbit, while her scholarly output includes three influential books and numerous peer-reviewed articles.

Innovating from Israel, Impacting the World

Despite numerous offers from world-renowned universities, Prof. Eldar remains deeply committed to Israel. “This country gave me everything,” she says. “I want my work to strengthen it from technological innovation to social progress.”

Her national dedication is matched by global recognition. She has served on advisory boards across Europe and the Middle East, collaborated with top-tier institutions such as Stanford, MIT, and Duke, and has been featured internationally for her transformative work in medical device innovation.

In 2025, The Silicon Leaders magazine named her among the “10 Key Women Leaders in Medical Device Innovation,” citing her ability to translate cutting-edge research into accessible, life-changing technology.

Leading with Vision, Mentorship, and Inclusion

Prof. Eldar's leadership style is a defining feature of her career. She empowers her students and colleagues by fostering an environment that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and risk-taking. The SAMPL Lab is a place where ideas flourish and researchers are encouraged to challenge assumptions and explore interdisciplinary approaches.

She prioritizes diversity, recognizing that innovation thrives when multiple perspectives converge. Lab meetings often include discussions not just about algorithms and experiments but also about ethical considerations, social impact, and ways to make technology more inclusive. “We are building a community,” she says. “One where science is a shared journey, and every voice matters.”

Looking Ahead: Building for the Future

Prof. Eldar's vision extends far beyond her current achievements. She aims to establish an interdisciplinary powerhouse that merges engineering, biology, and physics to revolutionize diagnostics and treatment. Her future projects focus on cloud-based ultrasound systems, sparsity-driven imaging, and AI-powered signal interpretation. These innovations have the potential to deliver highend diagnostics to remote villages, disaster zones, and mobile clinics worldwide.

She envisions a scientific community where discovery and implementation occur in tandem, and where opportunities for leadership and contribution are accessible to all. Her commitment to inclusion is not merely philosophical; it's practical. By cultivating diverse talent and fostering mentorship, she ensures that the next generation of scientists can carry forward the torch of innovation with both skill and compassion.

Advice to the Next Generation

For young women and aspiring innovators, Prof. Eldar's guidance is both practical and inspiring. “Believe in yourself,” she says. “Don't follow someone else's path; build your own. You belong in science. You can lead. And your voice matters.”

She encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion as essential qualities for anyone hoping to make a difference in technology or research. “The future needs thinkers who are bold, imaginative, and empathetic,” she adds. “Your work should reflect not only intelligence but also humanity.”

A Life Bridging Science and Society

Prof. Yonina Eldar is more than a scientist or innovator. She is a builder of bridges linking disciplines, people, and possibilities. Her journey exemplifies how cutting-edge research, ethical responsibility, and humancentered mentorship can coexist in a single vision.

Through her work, she demonstrates that the true value of science lies not only in discoveries but also in their capacity to empower, transform, and unite. From affordable diagnostics to safer autonomous systems, her contributions touch the lives of people around the world. Yet, equally important is the culture she nurtures: one of curiosity, collaboration, and equity, where innovation is inseparable from social responsibility.

Her story is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose and when talent is coupled with empathy. In a world often divided, Prof. Eldar shows that science can serve as a common ground, a force for progress, inclusion, and hope. Her life and work remind us that the frontiers of technology are not only about data, signals, and algorithms; they are about improving human lives, fostering connections, and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

A Legacy in Motion

Even as she continues to break new ground, Prof. Eldar remains deeply connected to the communities she serves. Her lab's outreach programs, collaborations with hospitals, and partnerships with industry exemplify a research philosophy grounded in realworld impact. The SAMPL Lab is not just a place for experimentation—it is a living ecosystem where science, education, and social responsibility converge.

In the coming years, Prof. Eldar aims to expand her work further, scaling technologies that can reach more people, cultivating more talent, and inspiring global collaboration. Her vision is a world where advanced diagnostics are not a privilege but a right, where engineering solutions meet the needs of society, and where leadership in science is defined by inclusion, mentorship, and integrity.

Prof. Yonina Eldar's story is a vivid reminder that innovation is most powerful when it is paired with empathy, mentorship, and purpose. Her work, her leadership, and her unwavering dedication continue to shape a future where science serves not only knowledge but also humanity.

Conclusion

Prof. Yonina Eldar is more than a scientist; she is a mentor, innovator, and changemaker. Her work proves that technology can transform lives when paired with empathy and purpose. By bridging research, social responsibility, and inclusion, she inspires the next generation to dream bigger and reach further.

Yonina's journey reminds us that curiosity, courage, and compassion are as vital as knowledge. In every breakthrough, she shows that science can unite, empower, and truly make a difference.

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Edition January 2026

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