

Israel next frontier in defense tech
New West: Defense Tech, AI & Geopolitics brings together investors, entrepreneurs, technology leaders, and policymakers for an intimate conversation about how defense technology, artificial intelligence, and shifting geopolitics are reshaping the global strategic landscape.
We’ll explore the next wave of defense tech and AI, the changing balance of technological power, and the new partnerships emerging between Israel, the United States, the Middle East, Asia, and other key markets. The conversation will also focus on where investors and entrepreneurs should be looking, which technologies will define the coming decade, and the people, companies, and markets they should know.
Agenda:
6:30 - Reception
7:00 - Talks & Q+A
8:00 - Networking
Speakers
Ofir Zigelman - Director of Global Expansion at Amazon Web Services (AWS), leading cloud and AI infrastructure expansion strategy across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Greater China. He is also a Visiting Scholar at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Geopolitics, where his research examines AI, world order, and statecraft.
Yagub Rahimov - CEO of Polygraf, an Austin-based AI and cybersecurity entrepreneur and investor working across technology, security, and international markets.
Amiad Cohen - CEO of the Herut Center for Israeli Liberty and founder of the Hertog Forum. He works closely with leaders across Israel’s policy, national security, technology, investment, and business communities.
About Herut
The Herut Center for Israeli Liberty is an Israeli policy and leadership institution working to strengthen Israel’s security, economic freedom, and strategic independence. Through its network across government, defense, technology, and capital, Herut convenes leaders and builds partnerships around the major strategic challenges facing Israel and its allies.