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BU | Be The Future You

About BU

Empowering talented young people from Israel’s geographic and social periphery through technology education, mentorship, leadership, and opportunity.

  • Our Mission

Our Mission

Turning potential into opportunity

BU creates opportunities for talented young people from Israel's periphery, enabling them to shape the country's future based on talent rather than location.

  • Our Vision

Our Vision

A future shaped by talent, not geography

We envision an Israel that leaves no talent behind, where a young person from any town can reach the frontiers of technology and leadership.

A future where the innovation economy reflects the full diversity of Israeli society, and where graduates use their skills, leadership, and sense of responsibility to strengthen their communities.

Our Story

1994

A legacy becomes a purpose

After Lt. Udi Elgrably z”l fell in Lebanon at the age of 22, his parents, Mordechai and Georgette Elgrably, chose to transform their loss into a living commitment to young people, responsibility, and community.

 

Over the decades that followed, BU carried Udi’s legacy forward through programs that brought young Israelis together around responsibility, community, leadership, and opportunity. In 2019, that foundation became the platform for a new phase of national growth through technology education.

2019

Nitzanim begins to scale

BU’s technology programs reached 270 students, laying the foundation for a national model that combines high-level STEM education with long-term personal support.

2023

Growing across Israel

BU expanded to more than 2,200 students, working with schools and communities to bring advanced technology education closer to talented young people outside Israel’s major centers. 

2026

A national platform for opportunity

Today, more than 5,000 students participate in BU’s technology programs across dozens of schools, supported by a growing network of educational, government, philanthropic, and industry partners.

The Team Behind BU

BU is led by experienced professionals, educators, and social-impact leaders who share a long-term commitment to expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and developing Israel’s next generation.

Founders

Mordechai Elgrably

קרא עוד על Mordechai Elgrably Mordechai Elgrably

Founder

Board Members

Shlomtzion Landau Halegua

קרא עוד על Shlomtzion Landau HaleguaShlomtzion Landau Halegua

Chairperson of the Board
Hillel Ben Zion

קרא עוד על Hillel Ben ZionHillel Ben Zion

Board Member

Management Team

Ofir Elgrably

קרא עוד על Ofir ElgrablyOfir Elgrably

CEO
Dr. Amir Harpaz

קרא עוד על Dr. Amir HarpazDr. Amir Harpaz

Chief Development and Marketing Officer
Korin Cohen Matok

קרא עוד על Korin Cohen MatokKorin Cohen Matok

VP of Operations and Director of Nitzanim
Yaniv Ossi

קרא עוד על Yaniv OssiYaniv Ossi

VP Strategy and Innovation
Itai Ben Chaim

קרא עוד על Itai Ben Chaim Itai Ben Chaim

Gar’inei Udi Program Manager

How BU Works

BU’s flagship technology program supports students through a long-term journey from first exposure to advanced education and career opportunity. 

Identify

We partner with schools and communities to identify talented students with curiosity, motivation, and potential in technology

Educate

Students receive intensive, hands-on learning in programming, AI, machine learning, cyber, product development, and creative problem-solving.

 

Mentor

Each student receives personal guidance, ongoing encouragement, and support from educators and industry professionals.

 

Advance

Graduates continue toward advanced studies, higher education, and careers in Israel’s technology and innovation sectors

Who We Serve

Geographic Periphery

Talented students from communities that have less access to advanced STEM education, industry exposure, and professional networks.
  • Northern and southern communities
  • Development towns and regional communities
  • Schools located far from Israel’s major technology centers

Social Periphery

Young people whose talent and motivation are not always matched by access to resources, guidance, and professional opportunities.
  • Students without the professional networks often available in Israel’s major centers 
  • Students from communities with limited access to advanced STEM education 
  • Young people from diverse and underrepresented communities

 

BU is designed for students with potential, motivation, and commitment whose opportunities should not be limited by geography or prior access.

 

  • Next Chapter

Next Chapter

Expanding Access

BU is continuing to bring high-quality technology education to more students, schools, and communities across Israel, while preserving the personal mentorship and program quality at the heart of our model.

Deepening the Pathway

We are strengthening the journey from early exposure to advanced studies, higher education, and meaningful careers in technology and innovation.

Building a Permanent Home

Beit Udi, BU’s planned national STEM hub in Be’er Sheva, will create a permanent space for learning, innovation, mentorship, and collaboration.

Our goal is not simply to teach technology. It is to ensure that talent from every part of Israel has the opportunity to shape the country’s future.