Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely discussed, yet the conversation is typically clouded by fear and skepticism. It’s frequently framed as a threat that drives job displacement, data misuse, ethical dilemmas, and dystopian forecasts. This narrative overlooks AI’s potential to solve real-world problems and improve lives. David Bar, a seasoned technologist with a global perspective and decades of experience, aims to rewrite the prevailing story by showcasing how AI can be leveraged for good.
“There has been great progress in the discussion about how advanced AI has become,” says Bar. “Many organizations are advancing in their rollout of AI. But there are still so many missed opportunities and gaps for people, groups, and organizations that are not using AI properly. This is an area where I love to focus, unlocking the full potential of people, powered by AI systems.”
Bar has spent more than 30 years impacting the tech and consulting industries. His journey began in public service, where he helped design critical financial systems. He pursued dual academic paths in computer science and sociology, which shaped his holistic approach to technology. Bar’s early work focused on data analytics and enterprise systems, where he became known for bridging complex architecture with practical application.
Committed to delivering impactful solutions, Bar led digital transformations for major global organizations in industries such as healthcare, government, finance, and life sciences. His roles evolved from hands-on developer to enterprise architect and then global innovation leader.
One notable moment in his career is when he relocated internationally to lead the architecture and implementation of a commercial data platform for a major organization in the healthcare sector. The project served as a model for excellence in enterprise data engineering. Even after returning to his home country, Bar continued to support the program remotely while taking on new leadership roles in cloud, data science, and machine learning initiatives.
However, over time, Bar began to question the direction of the global tech landscape. He noticed the growing fragmentation of markets, increasing tension, and shifts toward isolated regional strategies. These clashed with his values of collaboration and open innovation. Bar made the difficult decision to leave a senior role at a global consulting firm, choosing to pause, reflect, and explore how he could make a more meaningful impact.
“I had reached a point in my career where I felt I needed to align my work with my values,” Bar says. “I wanted to contribute to something bigger than corporate success. I wanted to use technology to do good. Also, I wanted to move away from fear-based narratives because AI can improve lives when used thoughtfully.”
Bar spent several months self-studying and experimenting, returning to his roots as a developer and immersing himself in the practical tools of modern AI. He then launched the Israel Center for AI (ICAI), his most personal and purpose-driven venture yet. This initiative combines his passion for innovation and desire to deliver social value.
“ICAI helps organizations fuse an AI-first approach across their product teams,” says Bar. “We work directly with business analysts, architects, team leads, developers, and testing teams to design and code with AI. When it comes to AI implementation, real impact comes from a holistic approach, one that fuses AI across all the stages of the product development life cycle in an integrated way. By doing this, organizations can be empowered to deliver new versions of products and services faster, cheaper, and at a higher quality.” By doing so, Bar believes there is a solid foundation for end-to-end automation of key business activities.
ICAI operates on three interconnected pillars. The first foundation is professional services, which involves utilizing AI to improve the service delivery and decision-making of mission-driven organizations. The second leg is the nonprofit initiative, where ICAI aims to leverage AI to help individuals and communities progress. Last but not least, the third centers on uplifting underserved individuals by providing them with a chance to apply AI tools in practical use cases.
These pillars are built on Bar’s belief that AI, especially generative AI (GenAI), is a capability multiplier and not a job destroyer. He asserts that AI can unlock opportunities for individuals who have historically been excluded due to language, credentials, or geography. The founder adds that GenAI can enable non-technical individuals to make complex decisions, communicate across languages, and participate meaningfully in digital economies without formal degrees or programming skills. This concept forms the backbone of ICAI’s work, especially in underserved communities.
Bar looks forward to empowering groups usually excluded from the digital economy, like young adults without degrees, mid-career professionals in transition, and marginalized communities across ethnic and regional lines. Through ICAI, he offers open access to AI models, community workshops, and pilot employment programs. By doing so, he hopes to narrow productivity gaps, increase workforce participation, and strengthen national resilience.
Bar is already planning his next venture, a startup focused on cutting-edge AI and data innovation. Still in its earliest stages, the company is being built from the ground up with a focus on impact, scalability, and ethical technology. He’s developing a proprietary product, filing for patent protection, and seeking like-minded co-founders to join him in shaping what he envisions as a transformative platform.
“When I start something, I commit fully. I bring energy, passion, and a drive to do things right. I think part of that comes from my background,” Bar remarks. “It’s in my DNA to push forward, to be direct, and to go all the way. Now, I want to build things that truly help people.”
This article was written in cooperation with Tom White