ABOUT US
Transforming Farming Sustainably
Who We Are?
eadquartered in Chennai, India, ABIDAT empowers students through internationally recognized programs that combine academic depth with practical learning. Our hybrid learning model connects learners with global faculty, especially from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Israel) while offering hands-on experience through local research fields, industry projects, and international collaboration.
Whether addressing food security, building cyber-resilience, or advancing digital transformation, ABIDAT equips students to thrive in tomorrow’s world. With structured mentorship, scholarships for merit, and pathways to advanced education and global placements, ABIDAT is not just an institution, it is a catalyst for innovation and leadership.
About Us
welcome to abidat
ABIDAT (Aban–BGU Institute for Dryland Agriculture & Technology) is a premier academic institution established through a joint venture between the Aban Group of Companies (India) and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Israel) — ranked among the world’s top research universities for desert agriculture, cyber security, AI, and data science.
About the Joint Venture
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) is a top Israeli public research university recognized globally for its work in cybersecurity, dryland agriculture, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and advanced sciences. Home to one of the world’s leading cybersecurity research centers and innovation hubs, BGU provides cutting-edge academic insight and international exposure to ABIDAT learners.
Together, Aban and BGU created ABIDAT to deliver interdisciplinary programs that matter, programs that prepare students for careers in high-demand sectors and research in fields that shape the future. This venture stands as a unique blend of academic excellence, industry relevance, and international collaboration, building pathways for students to solve real-world problems at a global scale.
welcome to abidat
ABIDAT (Aban–BGU Institute for Dryland Agriculture & Technology) is a premier academic institution established through a joint venture between the Aban Group of Companies (India) and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Israel) — ranked among the world’s top research universities for desert agriculture, cyber security, AI, and data science.
About the Joint Venture
ABIDAT is backed by:
• Aban Group, a diversified Indian conglomerate with a legacy in infrastructure, energy, and social impact initiatives.
• Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, one of Israel’s top public universities with over 20,000 students, 6 research institutes, and international partnerships in over 50 countries.
This partnership is a model of cross-border collaboration to deliver world-class education from Israel, adapted for India, aligned with both industry demands and global academic standards.
Our Vision
To be a global leader in promoting sustainable agriculture by bridging innovative Israeli technologies with Indian farming systems. We envision a future where efficient resource management transforms agriculture into a model of growth, resilience, and sustainability for generations to come.
Our Mission
To empower Indian agriculture by introducing innovative, sustainable farming techniques that optimize water and resource use. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, we aim to equip stakeholders, including farmers, with the tools and expertise needed to revolutionize farming practices, ensuring food security and environmental sustainability.
ABIDAT Team
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About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), Israel
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) is one of Israel’s most prestigious public research universities, globally recognized for its innovation in desert research, cyber security, water technologies, and artificial intelligence. Founded in 1969, BGU was established with a bold vision: to drive the sustainable development of Israel’s southern region — the Negev desert — and to serve as a global leader in scientific research and innovation.
Academic Excellence
- Over 20,000 students across 6 campuses.
- Home to 5 faculties: Engineering Sciences, Natural Sciences, Health Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Business & Management.Feature/Benefit 2
- Offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
- BGU’s Medical School for International Health (MSIH) collaborates with Columbia University.
ABIDAT Team
Dr.Sailendra Bhaskar
Alfred Arunkumar Daniel
Aditya Nair
Kalaivani
Cigy Elizabeth Mathew
About Aban Group (India)
Aban Group, founded in the early 1980s by visionary entrepreneur Dr. M.A. Abraham, is one of India’s most respected and diversified business conglomerates. Headquartered in Chennai, Aban has played a pioneering role in shaping India’s industrial and infrastructure landscape through decades of bold ventures, deep domain expertise, and a commitment to nation-building. With operations spanning across offshore energy, infrastructure development, aviation services, education and training, healthcare, and sustainable initiatives, Aban continues to be a force of innovation, resilience, and social progress. Today, under the leadership of Mr. Reji Abraham, the group has expanded its reach into high-impact sectors that align with the future of India’s economic and social priorities.
Our Professors
Prof. Noemi Tel-Zur
An expert in the physiology and reproduction of cactus species, she focuses on enhancing underutilized crops for dryland agriculture. Her research bridges plant science and sustainable food systems.
Prof. Gideon Grafi
A leading plant biologist specializing in epigenetics and stress adaptation in crops. His work aims to improve resilience in plants under extreme environmental conditions.
Prof. Pedro Berliner
Renowned for his research in runoff agroforestry and dryland water management. He designs sustainable agricultural systems for arid and semi-arid regions.
Prof. Avigad Vonshak
A pioneer in micro-algal biotechnology, exploring its applications in biofuels, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. His research contributes to circular and climate-smart agriculture.
Expert Teachers
Alex Carry
Professor
Brenden Vine
Principal
Victor Aldves
Professor
Jerome Flora
Professor
Grabial Fon
Assistant Director