Eli Opper (born June 3, 1946) is an Israeli physicist and former high-ranking government official. He served as the Chief Scientist and head of the Office of the Chief Scientist at the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy) from 2005 to 2011, overseeing R&D funding, government grants, and incentives for Israeli tech startups, with a focus on cybersecurity and advanced technologies. He also served as Head of the National Cyber System and Chief Cybersecurity Advisor to the Prime Minister, with deep ties to Israel's defense and intelligence community. Opper earned his PhD in physics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and transitioned from scientific research to public service, where he became instrumental in shaping Israel's innovation and technology policies. Following his tenure, he contributed to the establishment of the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) in 2016, which streamlined R&D funding mechanisms. He is credited with fostering Israel's high-tech ecosystem and supporting the country's emergence as a global 'Start-Up Nation.' His career includes scientific advisory roles, strategic oversight of research funding, and advocacy for collaborative R&D between academia, industry, and government. Opper has since engaged in consulting and advisory roles, including connections to international tech leaders, and remains a respected figure in global technology circles, emphasizing sustainable growth and international cooperation.