Meet the Team
shon Dana
CEO, Ignite the Spark
Shon leads Ignite the Spark, utilizing his background as a power energy systems engineer with entrepreneurship vision for building the next generation of ventures & innovators. Shon is a people and projects person, driven to foster the growth of the Israeli Energy Tech Innovation Ecosystem. He holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering with a major in Power & Energy Systems from Afeka College.
Roni Elhalal Givon
Founder and Director of Women in Energy
Environmental engineer graduated from the Technion. MA in Energy Management from Haifa University (with honors) and MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the Technion. In-depth acquaintance with the energy ecosystem in Israel.
aya ephrati
Strategic Partnerships Manager
Aya uses her corporate innovation and startup scouting experience, including work with global energy players like Enel, to build effective partnerships at Ignite the Spark. She focuses on strengthening Israel’s EnergyTech ecosystem by identifying high-potential technologies and connecting founders, corporates and investors. She holds a B.A. and an M.A. in environmental science and renewable energy.
Liya Tsipenyuk
Research Analyst
MA in Economics of Energy Resources with expertise in data analysis and research. A firm believer that no information is impossible to find – if you can't find it, you're either looking in the wrong place or for the wrong thing. Combines analytical precision with programming skills to drive sustainable initiatives through data-driven solutions.
Adir Gerassi
Head of Ignite Academia
"I’m driven by the search for the most meaningful ways to contribute to our world. Alongside my research in next-generation batteries as a direct M.A. student, I’ve come to believe deeply in the power of exponential influence, which led me to join Ignite the Spark. Through leading Ignite’s academic cells and shaping events and programs like ΔE Generation, I work to empower the next generation of energy leaders."
Eshel Lipman
Co-Founder, Chairman
"Hard to say anything but a pure energy geek and utility advocate. Ok, not really a big fan of the utilities, but of their challenges. Duct tape between entrepreneurs, backers and other interesting people. Host of Energy on Air podcast, and a co-founder of Ignite."
Eshel holds a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Ben Gurion University
Cody Norton
Co-Founder, Head of Ignite International
Cody Norton has had a passion for the Israeli Energy Tech Ecosystem since he moved to Israel in August 2018 and co-founding Ignite the Spark in 2019. Cody looks to grow the community internationally and represent the strength of the ecosystem to a global audience by hosting and MCing ITS events, speaking with delegations from around the world, and networking. Cody is originally from Los Angeles and studied at Indiana University Kelley School of Business receiving degrees in Economics and Business Entrepreneurship with a focus on small business innovation.
