Pharma Tech Forum in Conversation with Dr. Jeremy Levin 

Israel’s pharma tech sector is at a turning point. With world-class hospitals, cutting-edge biotech, and a thriving startup culture, the country is poised to lead the next wave of drug discovery. Pharma Tech Forum Israel, launched by Startup Nation Central, Arkin Digital Health, AION Labs, and NVIDIA, is accelerating this transformation—bringing together the brightest minds in pharma and biotech to shape the future of medicine. The program is designed to bring together the brightest minds in pharma and biotech. Through curated content, roundtable discussions, and high-impact networking, the forum is creating an environment where founders, investors, venture studios, and industry leaders can connect and collaborate to address pressing challenges in drug discovery and development. 

At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to empowering new pharma tech startups by providing access to customer insights, market needs, and industry expertise. More than just a gathering of professionals, this forum is about building the infrastructure for Israel’s next wave of transformative biotech companies. 

During the most recent event in our series, Dr. Jeremy Levin, former CEO of Teva Pharmaceuticals and a veteran leader in the biotech industry delivered the opening keynote. Following his address, Levin sat down with Matti Gill, CEO of AION Labs, for a candid conversation about his career, leadership in pharma, and the future of biotech innovation. 

A Fireside Chat with Dr. Jeremy Levin and Matti Gill 

Matti Gill opened the discussion by introducing Levin as not just a former boss, but also a mentor and friend. With a background spanning medicine, finance, and executive leadership, Levin has worn many hats over the years. Asked which role he enjoyed the most, his answer was unexpected. 

“It is to be a farmer. I am a farmer. I was born and raised on a farm. Here in Israel, I was looked after in Bet Alfa. And I was looked after also in Kibbutz Alonim… I have shoveled cow poop. That trains you well.” 

Levin’s humor set the stage for a conversation that blended pragmatism, vision, and deep industry insight. Reflecting on his leadership at Teva, Gill pointed out the company’s recent success in advancing a phase two drug, crediting Levin’s strategic approach during his tenure. 

Levin described his “String of Pearls” strategy, a model he first implemented at Bristol-Myers Squibb and later brought to Teva. The approach was simple: rather than relying on a single breakthrough, a company should assemble multiple innovative assets—whether through acquisitions, internal projects, or partnerships—to create a diversified and resilient pharma company. 

“At Bristol, all they needed to know was: failure is acceptable. Not trying is not acceptable.” 

This belief in risk-taking and continuous innovation shaped his leadership style. Large organizations, he noted, are often filled with brilliant individuals who simply need an opportunity to push forward new ideas. His job was to find those people and open the doors they needed to walk through. 

Israel’s Opportunity in Phase One Trials 

Levin shifted the conversation toward Israel’s unique advantages in pharma tech. While regulatory challenges often slow down drug development, he argued that Israel is uniquely positioned to turn regulation into a competitive edge. 

“The minute you want to put [a drug] into a human being, you’ve got to pass through a thing called the FDA. When you do that, you’re entering into another land of regulation which no other industry has. That is an obstacle. It’s also a fundamental opportunity.” 

He pointed out that Israel has world-class hospitals, access to vast patient data, and a healthcare system deeply integrated with technology. These factors create a rare opportunity: 

“If Israel is able to construct and harness the phase one capabilities with a regulatory approval, then you have something very unusual. You have the ability to say, ‘We in Israel can test certain drugs, not all, but certain.’ And if one’s able to do that, then you crack open an enormous sandbox. It’s actually a treasure box.” 

Phase One is the critical early stage of clinical trials, where a drug is first tested in humans to evaluate its safety and dosage. Levin’s vision is that Israel, with its infrastructure and expertise, could become a global hub for Phase One trials, attracting biotech companies worldwide to test their breakthrough drugs. 

Israeli “Impatient Innovation” in Action 

Gill then turned the conversation to the Israeli approach to innovation, a culture defined by speed, adaptability, and a relentless drive to solve problems. This led to one of the most defining moments of the discussion, as Levin articulated what makes Israeli innovation unique. 

“I would tell you the most important thing that you can learn about innovation is: never don’t dare to do something. You have to. You have to learn and be ready to fail.” 

His words captured the essence of “Impatient Innovation,” the term use to describe Israel’s ability to break through bureaucracy, challenge conventions, and bring ideas to life faster than anywhere else. 

This mindset, Levin argued, is what makes Israel not just a leader in pharma tech, but also in agritech, cybersecurity, AI, and other deep-tech fields. He urged entrepreneurs to embrace risk, stay resilient, and never wait for permission to innovate. 

“When you join the journey, it’s not just you, it’s your whole family. And that journey requires that when you believe in yourself, don’t ignore them. Because they’re the pillars of your strength.” 

Final Thoughts: Israel’s Pharma Tech Moment 

Levin’s insights reinforced the larger purpose of Pharma Tech Forum Israel. More than just an event, the forum is laying the groundwork for Israel to become a powerhouse in biotech innovation.  

By fostering collaboration, leveraging the country’s unique strengths, and promoting bold, impatient problem-solving, this initiative is helping Israeli startups accelerate drug development, tackle regulatory challenges, and build the next generation of life-changing treatments. 

The future of pharma tech isn’t happening elsewhere, it’s happening here and now. 

Want to be part of it? Learn more about the Pharma Tech forum HERE!