About the Palestine Innovation Initiative

Anan A. Anabtawi is an automation and industrial engineer with an MBA, originally from Nablus, with experience across industry, investing, and entrepreneurship. He is an inventor and startup investor focused on consumer products, healthcare technology, blockchain, and cybersecurity. Anan is deeply committed to educational initiatives in Palestine, with particular emphasis on advancing AI and emerging technology skills and supporting the growth of outsourcing and startup ecosystems.

He holds a BSc in Automation Engineering from City University, London, a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University, and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Dr. Aref F. Husseini holds a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and is an electrical engineer, physicist, and technology-driven social innovator from Jerusalem, Palestine, with over 19 years of experience in industrial-oriented education, institutional leadership, and innovation ecosystem development.

Dr. Husseini has led and contributed to large-scale initiatives at the intersection of technology, education, and industry, with a strong focus on applied innovation, STEM systems, and workforce development. He has held senior leadership roles in education reform, technology curriculum design, and institutional governance.

Recognized regionally and internationally for excellence and impact, Dr. Husseini has received multiple awards for innovation and was selected by the Synergos Institute (USA) as one of the first Arab social innovators. He has worked extensively with public institutions, private sector partners, and international organizations to build scalable, industry-aligned programs and sustainable innovation models.

In addition, Dr. Husseini completed an executive program at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) focusing on artificial intelligence and future business strategies, and currently serves as a senior educational and innovation consultant, advising on technology adoption, institutional transformation, and knowledge-based economic development.

Dr. Amer Ghanem holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Cincinnati and is a technology and organizational leader with over 15 years of experience across research and development, data, artificial intelligence, and institutional operations, with a strong focus on healthcare, nonprofit, and educational environments.

He began his career as a consultant at Capgemini, supporting global clients such as GE Aviation and Johnson & Johnson, before joining Johnson & Johnson, where he held multiple roles across the company’s global digital, data, and technology teams. Throughout his career, Dr. Ghanem has built and led high performing teams in both enterprise and startup environments and has contributed to successful startup exits.

In parallel with his technical leadership, Dr. Ghanem has extensive experience in organizational operations, program support, and stakeholder coordination, contributing to the implementation and monitoring of institutional programs while ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and compliance requirements. He supports operational efficiency and cross-team collaboration, strengthening internal processes and mission-driven activities.

Dr. Ghanem continues to advise and serve on the boards of early-stage companies. His recent work includes applying blockchain technologies to digital merchandise and fan engagement platforms.