CEO Insights Magazine

As technological advancements permeate every sector, agriculture is no exception. These advancements are increasingly focused on tackling global hunger and malnourishment. However, o ne o ften o verlooked a spect i s t he environmental impact of these technologies. It's crucial to develop tools and technologies that not only enhance food production but also maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

Nature Growth Agtech Incubator embodies this ethos by pioneering innovative solutions that bridge the gap between effective agricultural and environmental sustainability. Oren Heiman is at the forefront of Nature Growth, creating new agricultural methods which are fully aligned with sustainability. With expertise spanning law, business, and impactful ventures, he seamlessly integrates technology with sustainable practices. Recognizing the crucial relationship between food security and environmental health, Oren is on a mission to revolutionize agricultural norms and address global sustainability challenges head-on.

Give a brief account of your professional background and experience? What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?

I have a diverse professional background with experience in law, business, and impact-oriented projects. With a Bachelor and Master degree in Law from Tel Aviv University and licenses to practice in Israel and the US, I spent 18 years in New York leading a global law firm, primarily focusing on corporate and high-tech. Alongside my legal career, I led several businesses and organizations in NYC and pursued a dual MBA from Columbia Business School and London Business School, specializing in global leadership.

Eight years ago, I returned to Israel, motivated by family and a desire to make a difference. Currently, I lead Nature Growth – an agricultural technology incubator based in southern Israel, leveraging my legal, business, and leadership expertise to drive innovation.

My motivation stems from two main sources. First, I am driven by concern for global issues including environmental degradation, geopolitics and widespread hunger. I feel a responsibility to contribute positively to the major challenges facing the world. Second, my deep love for Israel motivates me to actively participate in shaping its future, guided by its foundational moral principles.

What shaped your path to success and what is your success mantra?

My journey to success has been heavily influenced by people. Finding and enrolling exceptional individuals around me has always been my guiding principle. In modern Israel, nicknamed the ‘Startup Nation’, financing, science and business opportunities are abundant and the real challenge lies in assembling the right team. Initially, we began with a group of 35 individuals collaborating on our project. Since then, I have engaged with over 1000 people globally, each bringing their own expertise and perspective. My success mantra revolves around harnessing the knowledge, experience, and values of a diverse group of people to drive my endeavors forward.

How would you define Nature Growth as an organization and its current position in the market?

Nature Growth is physically located in Sderot, a town situated in the underpopulated Negev region, about an hour south of Tel Aviv, Israel and very close to the border with the Gaza Strip. Sderot is located in an agricultural region, surrounded by many types of farms, which serve as an ideal platform for experiments. Sderot has recently taken a heavy toll from the Israel-Gaza animosities and is expected to enjoy significant government funds and programs in the upcoming years.

When we began, our focus was solely on technologies addressing major agricultural gaps, such as new environmentally friendly inputs, robots for planting and harvesting, pollination solutions, drought-resistant vegetable varieties and optical sensors and computational tools for precision agriculture. However, we soon realized that merely improving agriculture was not sufficient. Technologies entering our incubator must not only combat hunger but also mitigate the negative environmental impact of agriculture. If our efforts to alleviate hunger exacerbate climate issues, it defeats the purpose. Thus, we established guidelines requiring innovators to demonstrate how their technologies reduce global hunger and malnutrition but also help the and environment. Agriculture currently contributes over 25 percent of global carbon emissions, a figure we aim to significantly reduce using Israeli-based science.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

My leadership approach is centered on listening and collaboration. While I do not possess a scientific degree myself, I lead by leveraging the expertise of our team members who are global experts in biology, chemistry, genomics, computation, robotics and agronomy. We operate an incubator that thrives on their knowledge, on science, and on business methodologies.

As a leader, I prioritize active listening to everyone involved, from team members to investors to stakeholders worldwide. By understanding global needs and available resources, we aim to harness Israeli applied science to tackle significant agricultural challenges globally. Listening is not just a management tool for us; it is the cornerstone of our approach, guiding us in identifying problems and crafting impactful solutions.

What is the future destination you are heading towards?

Over the next eight to ten years, we will focus on creating solutions to address the challenges facing the future of agriculture. Our physical center houses laboratories, offices, and common areas, serving as a hub for innovation. Our scientific team evaluates numerous ideas from Israeli universities and science centers to identify solutions to global agricultural problems. Once a promising idea is identified, it undergoes a rigorous investment committee process, and we assemble a team, provide resources, allocate offices and lab-space and support them in developing the envisioned product. Our goal is to create between 8 to 10 new successful global leaders in agricultural technologies, every year. I expect that at least a dozen of our incubated technologies will join the 135 Israeli companies already traded on Nasdaq.

What advice would you give to the budding industry leaders?

My advice to budding industry leaders would be to understand and leverage the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a roadmap for addressing global challenges. By aligning your endeavors with specific SDGs, you can make a meaningful impact and contribute to filling these gaps. Focus on understanding the needs identified by the SDGs related to your industry, whether it is climate action, sustainability, or agriculture, and tailor your initiatives accordingly. This approach ensures that your efforts are directed towards addressing pressing global issues and creating positive change.

Oren Heiman, CEO, Nature Growth Agtech Incubator

Oren Heiman blends legal acumen, business expertise, and a passion for positive impact to lead groundbreaking initiatives in agricultural technologies. With a visionary approach and a collaborative acumen, he drives innovation to address global challenges in hunger and environmental conservation.