image: Prof. Dafna Kariv, Head of the Entrepreneurship–Business Administration track at the Adelson School of Entrepreneurship at Reichman University
Credit: Reichman University
Congratulations to Prof. Dafna Kariv, Head of the Entrepreneurship–Business Administration track at the Adelson School of Entrepreneurship at Reichman University, on being awarded the Inspiration Award in the ETF New Learning Award 2026 competition, presented by the European Training Foundation (ETF), an agency of the European Commission, to groundbreaking initiatives in teaching and learning.
Prof. Kariv received the award in the category “Entrepreneurial Learning in the Digital Age” in recognition of her development of an innovative approach to cultivating entrepreneurial skills through AI-based simulations.
The research, conducted in collaboration with Prof. Zohar Elyoseph of the University of Haifa and Yuval Haber of Bar-Ilan University, and developed using the cesura.ai platform, addresses one of the central challenges in entrepreneurship: bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and the ability to perform effectively in complex, real-world situations. While academic institutions excel at imparting professional knowledge, many entrepreneurs struggle with developing essential soft skills such as communication, operating under pressure, and the ability to read situations.
To address this gap, the team developed a unique system built on multiple AI agents: one simulates a demanding investor who engages students in realistic discussions about their ventures; another simulates a mentor who helps analyze emotional and communicative dynamics and refine response strategies; and two additional agents operate behind the scenes, mapping the user’s applied skills during the interaction and providing a structured space for reflection and processing of the encounter with the “investor.” The system enables repeated practice, immediate feedback, and measurable progress over time.
The pedagogical approach integrates experiential learning, real-time simulation, and data-driven analysis, fostering critical skills such as entrepreneurial thinking, resilience, interpersonal communication, and the ability to navigate uncertainty. The system has already been implemented among approximately 300 students and entrepreneurs in Israel, Canada, and the United Kingdom, demonstrating a significant impact on the development of practical skills, alongside increased confidence and a stronger sense of self-efficacy among participants.
According to Prof. Kariv, “Success in entrepreneurship is not measured by knowledge alone, but by the ability to act under pressure, communicate with precision, and build trust in real time. By integrating artificial intelligence into the learning process, we enable students to experience complex, real-world scenarios and develop the skills that truly determine success.”
The ETF New Learning Award is regarded as one of Europe’s leading distinctions in the field of educational innovation. Its aim is to advance teaching methods that integrate key competencies for a rapidly changing world, including digital, entrepreneurial, and social skills. Beyond Prof. Kariv’s personal achievement, this award reflects Reichman University’s commitment to advancing innovation in teaching and integrating cutting-edge technologies, positioning it among the leading academic institutions on the global stage.