Immersion Experience - 2009 HBS Israel IXP
The Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Miracle
Kay Fukunaga (NJ), Contributing Writer
Issue date: 1/26/09 Section: Features
As the sun sinks below the horizon and the sky is transformed from a cloudless blue to a golden pink hue, we also find ourselves scaling the "Wall of Death" - a vertical wall of sand and rock, moving on to doing wind-sprints up and down sand-dunes, climbing a cargo net, and carrying a rock-laden stretcher (meant to represent an injured comrade) up a steep incline. A few hours later, I feel I can understand a little better the camaraderie and bond of solidarity that Israeli panelists have referred to as a result of the 2-3 years they spent serving their country.
That night, we make the transfer to Tel Aviv. After an eventful day (did I mention that I even have a battle scar inflicted from scaling the Wall of Death? A somewhat aesthetic crescent-shaped gash on my right knee), a scrumptious meal, and several glasses of red wine - we consider scoping out the famous Tel Aviv nightlife scene. Our tour guide has encouraged our aspirations: "Jerusalem prays; Tel Aviv plays." The hotel turns out to be located adjacent to a thick stretch of beach - in close proximity to both a number of bars and clubs, so we decide to down a Red Bull, dial up an Israeli sectionmate, and check out a few. I am amazed to discover that Tel Aviv clubs are just starting to warm up when most New York City clubs would be closing down for the night. Not to mention that people are out on a Sunday night! We stay out 'til 3 a.m. soaking up the atmosphere and the great music.
In the days that unfold, many opportunities to observe innovation in action arise. On a visit to a kibbutz (meaning "collective" or "gathering"), our group explores an Agritech Incubator. We learn about research being carried out to test the potential of using algae as a source of alternative energy. The Incubator is also experimenting with water conservation practices: using the same water to irrigate plants and to raise fish. Since the plants float in pots on the surface of the water, the fish waste naturally cycles through to fertilize the plants.
That night, we make the transfer to Tel Aviv. After an eventful day (did I mention that I even have a battle scar inflicted from scaling the Wall of Death? A somewhat aesthetic crescent-shaped gash on my right knee), a scrumptious meal, and several glasses of red wine - we consider scoping out the famous Tel Aviv nightlife scene. Our tour guide has encouraged our aspirations: "Jerusalem prays; Tel Aviv plays." The hotel turns out to be located adjacent to a thick stretch of beach - in close proximity to both a number of bars and clubs, so we decide to down a Red Bull, dial up an Israeli sectionmate, and check out a few. I am amazed to discover that Tel Aviv clubs are just starting to warm up when most New York City clubs would be closing down for the night. Not to mention that people are out on a Sunday night! We stay out 'til 3 a.m. soaking up the atmosphere and the great music.
In the days that unfold, many opportunities to observe innovation in action arise. On a visit to a kibbutz (meaning "collective" or "gathering"), our group explores an Agritech Incubator. We learn about research being carried out to test the potential of using algae as a source of alternative energy. The Incubator is also experimenting with water conservation practices: using the same water to irrigate plants and to raise fish. Since the plants float in pots on the surface of the water, the fish waste naturally cycles through to fertilize the plants.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Vaibhav Shah
posted 8/26/09 @ 9:31 AM EST
This article is very well written. It actually excited me about applying to HBS and being part of an immersion trip! And also maybe plan a trip to Isreal before that MBA. (Continued…)
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