In Recognition of the Technion’s Longstanding Contribution to the State of Israel

Last night, the Technion was awarded the Yigal Allon Prize for 2026, presented by the Palmach Generation (Dor HaPalmach) Association to individuals and institutions that embody vision, leadership, pioneering spirit, and an exceptional contribution to society and the country. Now in its 45th year, the prize was dedicated this year to advancing groundbreaking technologies and scientific and technological excellence in Israel. The evening was hosted by Shiri Erlich, director of the Palmach Museum, where the event took place. Opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Hagit Messer-Yaron, chair of the Palmach Generation Association, and Maj. Gen. (res.) Noam Tibon, chair of the prize administration. The evening concluded with Miki Gavrielov’s performance, “Home and Guitar.”

Accepting the prize on behalf of the Technion were Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan and Shahar, a student in the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering and reserve duty coordinator at ASAT, the Technion Students’ Association. Since the beginning of the war, Shahar has completed more than 500 days of reserve duty while pursuing her studies at the Technion. Also attending the ceremony were Dr. Zur Shalev, chair of the prize committee; Technion Executive Vice President and Director General Dr. Rafi Aviram; and Vice President for External Relations and Resource Development Prof. Lihi Zelnik-Manor.

The Technion, which received the prize “in recognition of its longstanding contribution to the State of Israel” will donate the prize money to its special assistance fund for reservists, established to support students and academic and administrative staff who serve in the reserves while continuing their studies and work.

“The recognition of the importance of science and technology was at the heart of the vision to establish the Technion half a century before the founding of the State of Israel,” said Technion President Prof. Sivan. “This is a mission that we fulfill on an ongoing basis, driven by a deep commitment to the economic, security, and social prosperity of the State of Israel.” He added that the prize belongs to the entire Technion community, past and present: researchers, administrative staff, students, and alumni, who make excellence, professionalism, and social responsibility a way of life in service of the State of Israel and humanity as a whole.

The prize citation emphasized that since its establishment in 1924, the Technion has played a central role in building the State of Israel and strengthening its security, economy, and resilience. The jury noted the Technion’s ongoing contribution to the development of Israel’s high-tech industry and to advances in medicine, industry, and agriculture, as well as its leadership in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, cybersecurity, medical technologies, and sustainable energy. The citation also highlighted the Technion’s role in educating and training Israel’s next generation of engineers, scientists, and physicians.

Alongside the Technion, this year’s Yigal Allon Prize was awarded to Maya Hoffman Levy and to Col. (res.) Dr. Kobi Richter.