Edgar de Picciotto

A Man of Vision

Edgar de Picciotto (1929-2016)

The NIBN as it stands today is the brainchild of banker and philanthropist, Mr. Edgar de Picciotto of Geneva, Switzerland.

Edgar de Picciotto, Chairman of Union Bancaire Privée in Switzerland, was a dedicated supporter of Israeli Science who recognized the need to expand and develop biotechnology research in the Negev early in the mid-1990s and his vision and drive ultimately led to the NIBN’s establishment in 2009.

Mr. de Picciotto was the driving force behind the establishment of the NIBN, having provided the incentive, vision and financial support to constitute this innovative scientific research institute.

Edgar de Picciotto was a visionary and generous donor and true friend of Israel and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). He received an honorary doctorate from BGU in 1994 and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001 for his unwavering dedication to initiating and advancing biotechnology research at BGU and in the Negev.

Attaining excellence was part of Edgar de Picciotto’s personal example of leadership. This enabled him to establish and lead a privately owned Geneva-based bank, which became one of the largest private institutions in Switzerland. With a family history of commerce and active Jewish life stretching over five centuries, from Lebanon through Italy and Switzerland, Mr. de Picciotto embodied dedication to tradition, hard work, and family.

Israel ,BGU and NIBN are certainly fortunate that Edgar de Picciotto chose to share his personal commitment to the Jewish people, using his experience and his capabilities to promote the Israeli science.

De Picciotto’s legacy is felt every day as the NIBN fulfills its vision and mission to allow performance of excellent applied innovative science, pursue for commercialization and contribute to the economic prosperity of the Negev and Israel.