Ogen, Israel’s leading nonprofit social credit organization, is making waves with its new Bizz.AI program. This initiative is all about giving small businesses a boost using the power of artificial intelligence. What makes this program truly special is that it’s driven by students from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, especially those studying engineering, industrial engineering and management, and economics.
Two enterprising economics students, Rave Halfon and Tom Ben-Nissan, came up with the Bizz.AI idea. Their partnership with Ogen is a fantastic example of how academia and business can join forces. They’re not just pushing technological boundaries; they’re also giving students hands-on experience that’s crucial in today’s competitive job market.
Bizz.AI is set up as a lively network of student volunteers who get top-notch training in AI, thanks to Ben-Gurion University’s entrepreneurship center. Big names like Microsoft and BCG are backing this initiative, sharing their insights on how AI can transform business processes. These students are rolling up their sleeves to help small businesses by identifying their tech needs, implementing the right tools, and keeping track of the results. This practical approach means businesses can weave AI into their management, marketing, customer service, and operations seamlessly.
The program kicked off its pilot phase in Beersheba, pulling in 200 student applicants. Out of this talented pool, 36 standout students were chosen to assist around 120 local small businesses. A launch event at Ben-Gurion University celebrated the start of Bizz.AI’s first cohort, with founders Tom Ben-Nissan and Rave Halfon, Ogen executives, and university officials in attendance.
Sagi Balasha, CEO of Ogen, expressed his pride in the program, saying, “We’re thrilled to be part of Bizz.AI, which aims to create a cutting-edge technological infrastructure to support growth and assist small businesses in Israel.” The vision is to expand this model to every academic institution across the country, building a community of students ready to help small businesses succeed through technology.
Founders Rave Halfon and Tom Ben-Nissan highlighted the importance of this program, noting, “The business world is changing fast, and small businesses need to adapt to stay competitive and grow. Our unique model trains students in AI, gives them invaluable practical experience, and makes advanced technologies accessible to small businesses—many of which usually can’t afford the high costs of consulting in the open market.”
