Innovation for low-tech companies; STEM training for haredi youth; A digital army for Israel; and much more!
by: Michael Ordman
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Precision medicine for infectious diseases
Personally tailored treatments for cancer patients are well known. Now Tel Aviv University researchers propose a similar approach to fighting infections. Two immune markers in the blood indicate which medication and dosage can best fight the pathogen and repair the damage.
https://en-lifesci.tau.ac.il/news/2023/bacharach/gat
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/medicine/23/7/9/301160/
https://www.cell.com/cell-systems/pdf/S2405-4712(22)00463-X.pdf
Personalized IVF treatment
Israel’s FertiliFit is developing a solution that uses AI-based technology to personalize IVF (and IUI) treatment to the specific patient. Its deep learning model inputs the patient’s medical history, physiology, hormone levels etc., to identify the best treatment and the probability of success.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1uwsity2
Developing a pan-coronavirus vaccine
The Sheba Pandemic Research Institute (SPRI) is partnering with the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and others to develop a pan-coronavirus booster vaccine. The vaccine will also be applied to other viruses, including influenza, with the goal of preventing future pandemics.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/sheba-pandemic-research-institute-and-partners-developing-pan-coronavirus-vaccine/
Preventing strokes
Israel’s Avertto won the 2023 Hebrew University Asper Prize. Most stroke patients do not reach the emergency room on time. Avertto’s system monitors blood flow to the brain, detects any changes and provides real-time alerts to enable timely treatment, thereby preventing strokes.
https://en.huji.ac.il/news/avertto-wins-hebrew-university%E2%80%99s-asper-prize-startup-award-2023
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-746424
Digitizing foot therapy
Israel’s Actic Medical has developed the Hybrid+ insole. It has sensors that can measure the pressure, temperature, and motion of the foot to inform the wearer of impending foot ulcers. The patient then uses a special screwdriver to change the insole’s shape to redistribute the pressure.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/custom-smart-insoles-combat-dangerous-diabetic-foot-ulcers/
https://www.acticsmedical.com/
Diagnosing from tears
Bar-Ilan University graduate Aviv Mesika has developed the LacriScan diagnosis test which uses a patient’s tears to diagnose Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in their pre-symptom stages. The new test is more sensitive than previous ones and checks for multiple brain chemical markers of the two diseases.
https://nocamels.com/2023/07/tracking-your-tears-in-early-test-for-alzheimers-and-parkinsons/
Protecting 1 million Americans from prescription errors
Healthcare organization Ballad Health, serving around a million people in 29 US counties, is adopting the AI-powered drug safety platform from Israel’s MedAware (see here previously). The system identifies potential medication-related errors.
https://www.balladhealth.org/news/ballad-health/medaware-partnership
Celebrating Sheba’s 75 years of excellence in healthcare
This brief video summarizes the successes of Israel’s leading hospital – Sheba Medical Center. It emphasizes Sheba’s ethos of innovation, compassion, and a commitment to a global well-being. Advancing healthcare not only to Israelis, but to the citizens of the world.
Bringing Israeli medical innovation to Florida
The Israeli nonprofit Start-Up Nation Central has announced a new initiative, Hospital2Hospital, to partner South Florida’s Baptist Health Innovations and Israel’s Sheba Medical Center’s ARC Innovation. Israeli startups will compete for a $75,000 grant to help launch in the US.
https://www.jns.org/startup-nation/technology/23/6/26/298064/
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/12/6/1017
https://lp.startupnationcentral.org/sheba-baptist-health-hospital-2-hospital-challenge/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Toys comfort children in rehab
Israeli charity ADI’s “Toy Like Me” initiative delivers toys to children with severe disabilities in hospital and rehabilitation. The toys mirror the child’s life situations – wearing feeding or breathing tubes, with limb differences, birthmarks, scars, albinism or even in wheelchairs.
https://www.jns.org/jns/topic/23/6/22/297507/
Launching Arab-founded Israeli companies
Takwin Ventures (see here previously) is dedicated to investing in startups with at least one Arab Israeli cofounder. Since 2015, it has supported 10 early-stage startups. Takwin founder Imad Telhami himself founded Babcom, which now employs over 5,000 in outsourced services.
https://www.israel21c.org/could-the-next-israeli-unicorn-have-an-arab-founder/
https://www.takwinventures.com/
1,000-strong Israeli delegation to COP28
Israel plans to send a delegation of 1,000, including 100 companies, to the United Nations COP28 climate conference (Nov 30 – Dec 12) in Dubai. 250 people attended a preparatory meeting at Israel’s Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem.
Hibuki hugs New York kids
In 2006, Israelis invented a stuffed toy dog called Hibuki (Hebrew for “hug”) to help kids cope with trauma. In 2011 Hibuki therapy helped Japanese children (see here). In 2022 Hibuki went to Ukraine, and now Hibuki is comforting Ukrainian refugee children at a school in Brooklyn, New York.
https://www.jns.org/us-news/dolls/23/7/5/300374/
Climate tech delegation to the UK
10 Israeli climate-tech companies met UK investors and policymakers in London, including BeyondNetZero; Just Climate, Barclays Sustainable Impact, J.P. Morgan ClimateTech; BlackRock Decarbonisation; the European Bank’s EBRD; and Prince William’s Earthshot Prize.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-climate-tech-delegation-visits-uk-house-of-lords/
Overcoming blackout to treat patient in Ethiopia
Doctors from Haifa’s Rambam Healthcare Campus were operating on a 3-year-old patient in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when a power failure occurred. With no backup generator, the surgeons continued, using the flashlights from their phones and manually ventilated the child.
https://www.jns.org/world-news/ethiopia/23/7/6/300609/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Aeronautical innovation with Morocco
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the International University of Rabat have signed a memorandum of understanding in Sala Al Jadida, Morocco, to establish the Center of Excellence in Aeronautics and Artificial Intelligence. It will connect companies from both countries.
https://www.israel21c.org/israel-morocco-join-forces-for-aeronautical-innovation/
Sustainable ocean technology
The inaugural Blue Tech Summit organized by the National Center of Blue Economy in Haifa featured several of the 14 startups in the center’s accelerator. ElectricAlgae generates electricity from seaweed (see here previously). DisperseBio has discovered an antimicrobial protein.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/using-electric-algae-ancient-proteins-and-more-start-ups-seek-to-green-the-sea/
https://www.electric-algae.com/
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsabm.0c01672
Reusing 33% of potato crop wastage
The foliage from the potato crop has 17% protein but is currently trashed as it contains glycoalkaloids that are toxic even for cattle. Israel’s Rumafeed utilizes innovative molecular technologies to eliminate the toxic chemicals. Rumafeed was runner-up in Hebrew U’s Asper Prize.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/feeding-the-worlds-livestock-one-potato-at-a-time/
https://rumafeed.com/
https://en.huji.ac.il/news/avertto-wins-hebrew-university%E2%80%99s-asper-prize-startup-award-2023
Plant-based chicken nuggets
SimpliiGood by Israel’s AlgaeCore Technologies (see here previously) has launched a breaded chicken cutlet analog composed primarily of the nutritious microalgae spirulina. 100 grams of SimpliGood microalgae provides as much protein as 200 grams of real chicken.
https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/microalgae-innovator-simpliigood-introduces-nutritionally-dense-plant-based-chicken-nuggets-301873922.html
Safer cycling
Leading bike manufacturer Canyon is to integrate the V2X (vehicle to anything) technology from Israel’s Autotalks (see here previously) into its premium e-bikes. With some one million vehicles in Europe equipped with V2X technology, it will improve the safety of bike riders on the road.
https://www.startuphub.ai/canyons-plan-to-integrate-autotalks-v2x-technology-into-bicycles-to-help-reduce-accidents/
15 Climate Awards candidates (part 1)
This article gives an idea of the wealth of Israeli talent seeking to improve our environment. New to this newsletter include Saiflow (EV cyber security), Bomvento (greenhouse gas removal), Nitrofix (sustainable ammonia), NanoScent Labs (fuel monitoring), and Naki (waste to energy).
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkppqkyfn
https://www.saiflow.com/
https://www.blueconomy-il.com/startups/bomvento/
https://nitrofixsolutions.com/
https://www.nanoscentlabs.com/
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/company_page/naki
15 Climate Awards candidates (part 2)
More Israeli talent seeking to improve our environment. New to this newsletter include TextRe (recycling textile waste), Structure Pal (AI tools for green construction), CaPow (self-charging robots), and Soltrex (robot-operated solar fields).
https://www.soltrex.io/
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/company_page/textre
https://www.structure-pal.com/
Innovation for low-tech companies
Israel’s Practical Innovation works to commercialize the potential of traditional industries that are not hi-tech. It helps them build their next generation of products, to find growth engines and profitable products. Supported by the Israel Innovation Authority, it has launched over 80 products.
https://www.israel21c.org/traditional-industries-get-a-sexy-innovation-makeover/
https://www.en.practicalinnovation.co.il/site/index.asp?depart_id=347702
STEM training for haredi youth
Israel’s Baba-da after-school program, founded by Michal Ivgi, trains haredi youth in STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering & Math) while staying true to their Torah values. Baba-da operates at 25 schools in 13 cities. It hosted its annual competition for youth at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-748258
https://babada.co.il/home-eng/
Thrusters for Israeli satellites
Israel’s Space Plasmatics (see here previously) has signed a deal with Israel Aerospace Industries to develop its plasma thrusters for IAI’s satellites.
https://www.israel21c.org/new-tech-clears-space-junk-improves-satellite-propulsion/
French prize for green hydrogen Professor
Technion Professor Gideon Grader has been awarded the Grand Prix Scientifique research grant by the Institut de France for developing innovative green hydrogen technology. The E-TAC process is being commercialized by Israeli startup H2Pro (see here previously).
https://www.israel21c.org/technion-professor-nabs-french-grant-for-green-hydrogen-tech/
An exceptional NASA scientist
Israel’s Eliad Peretz has received NASA’s Exceptional Achievement Medal for his contributions to multiple space missions. Peretz led the development of the Mars and Lunar Rover LIDAR systems and Exoplanet signal extraction technologies in support of future direct imaging missions.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-native-receives-nasa-exceptional-achievement-medal/
No messy tuna cans
Israel’s Caniel has developed a tin can for tuna that can be opened without ejecting any of the smelly contents. The “spurt-free” can’s elasticated metal base lets you gently pump the base to squeeze out the oil, rather than press the lid and drain the tuna all over your hands (and clothes).
https://nocamels.com/2023/07/tuna-revolution-israeli-company-invents-first-spurt-free-can/
AI to fight AI
Israel’s Perception Point (see here previously) employs AI-powered large language models (LLMs) and deep learning architecture to identify and thwart business email compromise (BEC) attacks facilitated by generative AI technologies. Or “smart software to keep out smart hackers”.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/perception-point-launches-ai-model-to-combat-generative-ai-based-bec-attacks/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Turning ideas into businesses
The Israel Innovation Authority’s Tnufa (“Ideation”) program provides grants as much as $54,000 for up to two years. The initiative aims to help entrepreneurs develop technological ideas and then decide whether to start a business and raise private equity.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/technology/23/7/3/299650/
More money for future technologies
The Israel Innovation Authority is investing another NIS 40 million to advance “disruptive, future technologies” in the Jewish state. It gave examples of these technologies, including same-day delivery by walking robots, 3D-printed organs for transplants, and state-of-the-art school security.
https://www.jns.org/startup-nation/israel-innovation-authority/23/7/6/300683/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/robotic-deliveries-3d-printed-organs-israel-seeks-to-bring-the-future-closer/
Industrial cooperation with UAE
The Manufacturers’ Association of Israel has signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates’ Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone. Its aim is to foster business and manufacturing ties and boost relations with institutions in industry, trade, and investment.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-and-uae-sign-agreement-to-expand-industrial-cooperation-and-investment/
European VC to invest $250 million
The European venture capital fund, Sienna VC, is raising $250 million to invest exclusively in Israeli technology companies. It plans to invest between $5-15 million in each funding round, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, fintech, digital health, foodtech, agritech, and more.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1nmaz4kh
Virginia state wants Israeli companies
The Virginia Israel Advisory Board (VIAB) is a state agency helping Israeli companies build and grow their businesses in the U.S. state. Virginia hosts The Israel Innovation Center, with Meta, Alphabet, and Amazon moving in. Its location close to Washington DC could also be advantageous.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/syyuwp9d3
https://viab.org/for-israeli-companies/
So does Maryland
The Maryland/Israel Development Center (MIDC) was founded roughly 30 years ago. Maryland is home to 42 Israeli companies with new headquarters opening for Elbit Systems (and its subsidiary Cyberbit), Evogene, and Medispec.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkbj8ntyh
Ending double taxation for US immigrants
A new bill has been introduced in Israel’s Knesset to end the requirement of US citizens to make payments to Bituach Leumi in Israel if they already pay social security in the USA. It can save up to 15% of income for dual US-Israeli citizens who still work in the USA.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373746
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-710415
72 successful years for Israel Bonds
In 1951, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion announced his plan to engage Diaspora Jewry in the building of the reborn Jewish homeland through the sale of Israel Bonds. Today, Israel Bonds is a global endeavor that, to date, has achieved $49 billion in worldwide sales.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/banking-and-finance/article-749061
https://www.israelbonds.com/
Flexible working, anywhere
Israel’s Gable (see here previously) has 40 companies using its platform to find co-working locations for its employees in 2,000 locations. Since its launch in Sep 2020, some 5,000 workers are using Gable, including Israel’s Augury which has employees using Gable in 17 cities globally.
https://www.israel21c.org/remote-workers-can-now-grab-a-desk-or-meeting-room-anywhere/
Wave power for Taiwan
Israel’s Eco Wave Power (see here previously) is partnering with maritime engineering company Lian Tat, to develop wave energy projects in Taiwan. The first is the pilot for a 20MW power station which, if successful, will lead to more power plants on the island’s 1,500+ miles of coastline.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/new-project-brings-israeli-ocean-wave-energy-to-taiwan/
Partnering Helm for sustainable farming
Israel’s CropX (see here previously) has partnered with Germany’s AgTech giant Helm AG. CropX has integrated data from its farm management system soil sensors into Helm’s SKYFLD app, used by farmers around the world.
https://cropx.com/es/2023/07/05/helm-ag-and-cropx-advance-precision-farming-in-skyfld-app/
Real rooms in real time
Israel’s HyperGuest’s platform helps hotels and suppliers connect directly with travel distributors, including online travel agencies, tour operators, and travel management companies. HyperGuest provides real-time connectivity, enabling hoteliers to streamline operations, increasing revenue and margins.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hyxciqtk2
Exits, takeovers & mergers to 16/7/23:
U.S. IT giant Honeywell has acquired Israeli cybersecurity startup SCADAfence for “an estimated tens of millions of dollars”. US Spire Capital has acquired Israeli web intelligence company, Cobwebs Technologies, for approximately $200 million.
Investment in Israeli startups to 16/7/23:
HyperGuest raised $23 million; SAVVY.Security raised $22 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Stunning photos of Israeli wildlife
The Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv is displaying “A Picture of Nature,” a photo exhibit of the unique wildlife of Israel. The 60 photographs and four video works were selected from 4,000+ entries from 410 photographers and can be viewed until 14th Oct.
https://www.israel21c.org/9-stunning-wildlife-photos-from-new-exhibition-in-tel-aviv/
Beauty Queen of Jerusalem series 2
Israeli hit period drama The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem (see here previously) returned to Netflix for its second season on July 14. The period drama is set against the backdrop of Jerusalem under Ottoman, British and Israeli rule. Series 2 aired previously on Israel’s Yes TV network.
https://www.israel21c.org/beauty-queen-of-jerusalem-returns-to-netflix-for-season-2/
Israeli video game team competes in Saudi Arabia
An Israeli team of three, plus their coach, are competing in the FIFAe soccer video game World Cup which this year is being held in Riyadh. The Israeli team is ranked 2nd in the world. The opening ceremony is expected to feature Israel’s National Anthem.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-national-team-lands-in-saudi-arabia-for-fifas-video-game-world-cup/
https://www.algemeiner.com/2023/07/11/israeli-national-anthem-played-at-saudi-arabian-esports-tournament/
Tour de France stage win
Michael Woods, of the Israel Premier Tech cycling team, won Stage 9 of the Tour de France. Woods outclimbed everybody on the steep percentages on Puy de Dôme. This is Israel – Premier Tech’s third Tour de France stage victory, after two stage wins last year.
https://israelpremiertech.com/michael-woods-climbs-to-iconic-victory-on-stage-9-of-the-tour-de-france/
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/sport/1688925471-michael-woods-of-israel-premier-tech-wins-stage-9-of-the-tour-de-france
THE JEWISH STATE
The mosaics of Huqoq
An up-to-date article on the biblical mosaic scenes excavated at the site of the 1,600-year-old synagogue at Huqoq, an ancient Jewish village in Israel’s Lower Galilee (see here previously).
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-749543
Restoring the Old City
Israel is to spend NIS 250 million developing and reconstructing sites in Jerusalem’s Old City Jewish Quarter over the next 5 years. It will include funds for the Tifaret Israel Synagogue, the Wall Elevator, the Broad Wall, the Davidson Center, and the Cardo complex, plus tours, events, and shows.
https://www.jns.org/jns/jerusalem/23/7/5/300276/
Another 130 Ethiopian Jews arrive
A group of 130 Olim (new immigrants) from Ethiopia arrived in Israel.
It marks the end of the first and second phases of Operation Tzur Israel which has brought 5,000 new Olim from Ethiopia to be re-united with their families on 18 special flights coordinated by the Jewish Agency.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/374055
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/ethiopian-jews/23/7/13/302443/
A digital army for Israel
Mike Fegelman, Executive Director for HonestReporting Canada, describes his background and how tactics have changed over the years in the battle to defend Israel in the media.
https://www.jns.org/jns/canada/23/7/7/300992/
Rescuing bees
Israel has an organization Magen Dvorim Adom or Bees Red Shield. They will rescue (for free) any swarm of bees – such as one that settled on the car of ISRAEL21c Editor Nicky Blackburn. The bees are then relocated to bee farms. In the Land of Milk & Honey, Magen Dvorim Adom is always a “hive” of activity!
https://www.israel21c.org/what-to-do-in-israel-when-bees-swarm-your-car/
https://magendvorimadom.com/en/
https://www.israeltoday.co.il/read/free-bees-an-israeli-innovation-to-save-our-planet/