Ayal Somech leads the Applied Innovation team with the mission of Bringing Outside-In Innovation into Boeing. Reporting to the CTO Ayal is responsible for helping drive external innovation adoption and partnerships with Boeing. In this role Ayal and the Applied Innovation team oversee the partnership with AEI HorizonXVentures group - scoping new investments and connecting portfolio companies with Boeing’s technical capabilities while helping bridge the new innovations into the company.
Prior to this role Ayal was part of the Boeing HorizonX VenturesLeadership team holding multiple roles. Most recently Ayal led the Portfolio Development team which was responsible with the traction and success of the Portfolio Companies while working to introduce their various tech and capabilities inside of Boeing and across our supply chain, demonstrating the additional value-add for the startups besides investment dollars.
Before taking on the Portfolio Development team Ayal was Director, Global Engagement at Boeing HorizonX Ventures. In this role, Ayal was responsible for cultivating relationships with Boeing partners, startups, accelerators, and incubators to ensure that HorizonX is connected to and supporting early-stage startup communities globally; builds upon and supports Boeing International’s efforts to engage the global entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Previously, Ayal served as the IT Regional Leader for Europe and Israel and had overall responsibilities over the Boeing IT organization operating in the Europe and Israel region.
Prior to joining Boeing Ayal was CEO of "Street Smart" – an IoT themed startup which disrupted the parking industry by utilizing sensors, robust wireless network, intelligent edge-devices, device management tools and a full suite of applications for turning data into community insights.
Ayal obtained a BA in Government and International Relations from the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy at IDC Herzliya.
In the Israeli Defense Force, Ayal served as a Combat Officer within the Israeli Air Force commanding a platoon and maintains active reserve duty as a Major in the Arrow - Anti Ballistic Missile unit to this day.
Ayal is based in Tel-Aviv, Israel
SPEAKER SESSION
Vista
13 November 2023 | 11:30 - 11:45 | Boeing Applied Innovation & AEI HorizonX: Driving Technology Transitions Through Strategic Partnerships
Join the leaders from Boeing Applied Innovation and AEI HorizonX for an engaging discussion as they explore the history, evolution, and accomplishments of the Boeing and AEI HorizonX partnership over the past two years. Discover how this unique venturing model operates to drive innovation in the aerospace industry and gain insights into the valuable lessons learned, offering a roadmap for strategic partnerships and innovation in the aerospace industry.
