Early Life and Education
Amnon Shashua was born in Ramat Gan, Israel, to parents of Iraqi origin. From a young age, he displayed a fascination with computers, a field then in its early stages of development. He received his B.Sc. in mathematics and computer science from Tel-Aviv University in 1985. He earned his M.Sc. in computer science from the Weizmann Institute of Science in 1989. In 1993, he completed his Ph.D. in brain and cognitive sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Rise to Success
Shashua's career is marked by significant contributions to the tech industry. In 1995, he founded CogniTens, which was later sold to Hexagon AB in 2007. However, his most impactful venture began in 1999 when he co-founded Mobileye. The company, which develops systems-on-chip and computer vision algorithms for driving assistance systems, had its IPO on the NYSE in 2014, raising approximately $1 billion. In 2017, Intel acquired Mobileye for approximately $15.3 billion. Shashua also co-founded OrCam Technologies in 2010, which develops AI-based assistive tools. In October 2022, Mobileye went public again on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, with Shashua as CEO. His work in AI and mobility earned him the 2020 Dan David Prize and the 2022 Mobility Innovator award from the Automotive Hall of Fame.
Key Business Strategies
Shashua's success can be attributed to several key strategies. His focus on computer vision and machine learning led to significant advancements in driver-assistance systems. He has demonstrated a keen ability to identify and capitalize on emerging technologies. Furthermore, his leadership at Mobileye and other ventures shows a capacity to build successful companies and secure strategic partnerships. His vision to create a company focused on the development of autonomous driving technology proved to be prescient.
Philanthropy
Shashua, along with his family, is engaged in various philanthropic activities through the Shashua Family Foundation. They have donated approximately $60 million to various charitable causes, promoting economic opportunities and supporting underrepresented populations in Israel, including ultra-Orthodox communities, Israeli-Arabs, women in STEM fields, and peripheral communities.
