Bentzion Levinson

Bentzion Levinson is the founder and CEO of Heven AeroTech, an aerospace and defense technology company specializing in hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial systems. A former Israeli military commander and Stanford University Executive Leadership alumnus, Levinson established the company with the goal of developing a drone ecosystem to optimize operations across multiple industries.

During his military service, Levinson served as a commander in the reconnaissance platoon of the Kfir Brigade. His leadership responsibilities and experience in the Israel Defense Forces influenced his interest in leadership and entrepreneurship. Lessons learned from military service, including the importance of adaptability and effective decision-making tools, shaped the vision for Heven AeroTech: to create technologies that help commanders and teams maintain a tactical advantage.

The concept for Heven AeroTech emerged after Levinson observed Israel's challenges in intercepting fire kites and balloons launched from the Gaza Strip. This experience highlighted the need for drones capable of more than surveillance, leading to the realization that unmanned aerial vehicles could transform mission capabilities. Levinson's perspective was further informed by his time on Israel's northern border and in Gaza, where he noted the significant impact of aerial awareness on frontline operations. Inspired by efforts to extinguish agricultural fires, he also identified the limitations of battery-powered drones, particularly their short flight times, and recognized the potential of hydrogen fuel cells for longer, quieter, and cleaner operations.

Heven AeroTech operates in the United States and Israel, with headquarters established in the U.S. following a merger with Zepher Flight Labs. The company focuses on the American defense market and is recognized as a leader in hydrogen-powered, runway-independent drones. Its flagship platforms, the Z1 and the Raider, represent a new generation of long-endurance unmanned systems. The Z1-H2D250 is an NDAA-compliant Group 2 UAS with VTOL capabilities, low acoustic and thermal signatures, and has been added to the Defense Innovation Unit's Blue UAS Cleared List with the Blue UAS Select designation. Heven AeroTech has also secured a U.S. Army Basic Ordering Agreement, streamlining access to its hydrogen-powered systems for Army units.

Heven AeroTech achieved unicorn status with a $100 million Series B funding round and became Israel's first defense-tech unicorn after a valuation exceeding $1 billion, supported by investments from IonQ. The Series B funding supports expansion of U.S. manufacturing, development of hydrogen generation and logistics infrastructure, quantum-secure communications, navigation systems for GPS-denied environments, and AI-powered autonomous operations. The company has been recognized by Fast Company in its Next Big Things in Tech list for its hydrogen-powered UAVs, including the Z1, designed for autonomous operations in defense, humanitarian, and commercial sectors.

Levinson is recognized as a thought leader on drone technology and national security, having appeared at forums such as the Axios Future of Defense Summit, the Munich Security Conference, and the US-Israel Forum at Mar-a-Lago. He has participated in interviews with the Jerusalem Post, discussing his interest in drones and his vision for the future of unmanned aerial systems. At Heven AeroTech, Levinson remains focused on advancing long-endurance hydrogen-powered UAS, strengthening U.S. supply chains, expanding domestic manufacturing, and integrating AI and quantum technologies into energy-independent platforms. Heven AeroTech has evolved from a concept into a supplier for the Israel Defense Forces and the U.S. Department of Defense, reflecting Levinson's commitment to advancing unmanned systems and their role in global security.