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Israeli Arab is Intel VP; Israel in Space; Robot fruit picker is flying high; and much more!
by: Michael Ordman
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Nanotech to deliver precision chemotherapy
Scientists at Israel’s Technion Institute have developed a nano-material that can deliver different toxic cancer therapies directly to tumors, without harming healthy cells. Robot chemistry was used to test different materials. The breakthrough can vastly reduce chemo side effects.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-tech-can-reduce-side-effects-and-increase-range-of-cancer-drugs-scientists/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0142961222004409?dgcid=author
Detecting tumors via fungi
Scientists at Israel’s Weizmann Institute have discovered that most tumors have fungi growing inside them. They have also documented their types using records from 17,000 cancer patients. DNA from fungi is detectable in the blood and can be used to develop a new cancer screening method.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/fungus-is-telltale-cancer-sign-possibly-screenable-by-blood-test-israel-us-study/
Diagnosing CJD
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) was well known during the “mad cow” epidemic. But it can also be caused by an inherited gene mutation. Tel Aviv’s Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center is one of only a dozen hospitals globally to use a 92% accurate spinal fluid test for early onset CJD.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/cutting-edge-test-for-fatal-brain-disorder-now-available-in-israel/
AI startup to assess new treatments
AION Labs – the Israeli innovation lab for startups (see here previously) has itself launched a startup. OMEC.AI aims to predict if a new treatment will succeed following pre-clinical trials. Its next-generation computational platform will gauge effectiveness and expose safety issues.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-innovation-lab-backed-by-pharmaceutical-biotech-giants-mints-1st-ai-startup/
AI engine thinks like a doctor
Israel’s Kahun (see here previously) has expanded from merely a Covid-19 diagnosis system to a full “digital medical advisor”. Its XAI engine bases its clinical reasoning decisions on Kahun’s proprietary map of over 30 million evidence-based medical insights.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkswkgqmo
CE Mark for AR ophthalmic exoscope
Israel’s Beyeonics Vision (see here previously) now has European as well as US approval for its Beyeonics One™ ophthalmic exoscope. The augmented reality (AR) surgical headset gives eye doctors vastly enhanced abilities when performing eye surgery (e.g., cataracts).
https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/beyeonics-vision-has-completed-the-ce-mark-registration-for-its-beyeonics-one-ophthalmic-exoscope-301636525.html
Matricelf wins 3rd place in Startup World Cup
Israel’s Matricelf (see here previously) was placed third out of 17,000 contenders for the 2022 Startups World Cup in San Francisco. Matricelf developed the technology for the heart 3D-printed by Tel Aviv University scientists in 2019 (see here).
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r1vns800fo
WHO conference in Tel Aviv
For the first time, the World Health Organization came to Israel to hold its 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. 53 nations attended the conference from Sep 12-14 during which Israel signed bilateral health cooperation deals with Germany, Croatia, Cyprus, and Kazakhstan.
https://www.jns.org/opinion/heart-of-the-middle-east-israel-a-medical-and-ethical-leader/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
No child goes hungry at school
Last year, Israeli charity Nevet-Breakfast for Every Child, discreetly distributed 1.8 million sandwiches for their 10am snack to 11,000 children at 238 schools throughout Israel. (See here previously). The children were from all sectors including secular, Haredi, Arab, Bedouin, and Druze.
https://www.jns.org/nevet-ngo-works-to-ensure-that-israeli-children-dont-spend-the-school-day-hungry/
Israeli Arab is Intel VP
Intel has named three Israelis to Intel Fellows – technological Vice Presidents. They include global engineering group’s Fadi Aboud who is the first Arab engineer to have been appointed to such a senior position at Intel. Aboud has worked at Intel for 31 years, developing processor performance innovations.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hjwkzkabi
What the Pakistani delegation saw
Here are some details of the recent six-day visit to Israel by a delegation of Pakistani community leaders. They toured the country as part of a regional peace initiative designed to foster deeper ties between the two countries, which do not have diplomatic relations.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/visiting-israel-pakistani-delegation-promotes-vision-of-peace-one-step-at-a-time/
Energy cooperation with Morocco
Israel and Morocco have signed an agreement for energy research cooperation. It incorporates 20 groups from Moroccan universities and 33 groups from seven leading Israeli academic institutions. It covers rechargeable batteries, hydrogen, recycling, solar, storage and transportation.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/360558
Israeli tech on display in Buenos Aires
More than 700 people attended the Expo Atid (Future) exhibition in Buenos Aires. They were given a complete overview of Israel’s latest technology, including water management, agriculture, and alternative energies.
https://www.israel21c.org/israel21c-presents-picture-of-future-at-buenos-aires-expo/
More Ukrainian aid
Israel just donated more than one million dollars’ worth of critical medical equipment to the children’s hospital in Kyiv. Israel has also allocated millions of shekels to rehabilitate up to twenty injured Ukrainians and amputees in Israel. Two of the wounded are already at Sheba Medical Center.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israel-sends-1-million-in-equipment-to-ukrainian-childrens-hospital/
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/360395
Helping hurricane victims in Puerto Rico
Just before Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year), medical and psychological experts from Israel’s emergency medical organization United Hatzalah flew to the south of the island of Puerto Rico. They will provide medical care to victims of Hurricane Fiona and resulting floods.
https://www.israel21c.org/israelis-offer-psychological-medical-aid-in-puerto-rico/
Aid to Florida
Israeli voluntary emergency response organization United Hatzalah has dispatched a second relief team, this time to assist Floridians following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian. The organization previously sent relief missions to Florida after Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the Surfside disaster last year.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-relief-workers-rush-to-aid-florida-hurricane-victims/
Shabbat Shalom from space
International Space Station (ISS) Commander Samantha Cristoforetti posted photos of Israel on her Twitter account last Saturday, punctuated with a “Shalom,”. The Italian astronaut is the first woman to command the ISS.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Detecting water leaks in 65 countries
Israel’s Asterra (see here previously) is currently finding water leaks in 65 countries. Its satellite-mounted radar technology is combined with algorithms that look for the signature of drinking water mixed with soil. In the UK, Asterra saves 83 million liters of water every day.
https://nocamels.com/2022/10/satellites-spot-leaking-water-pipes-from-way-above-earth/
Next-gen satellite communications
Israeli-founded Scorpio Space is developing affordable and powerful Satcom terminals for space. Its technology allows low-orbit (LEO) satellites to receive and transmit numerous communications beams at once, reducing the cost and power consumption needed to operate them.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1zsw9tzs
To the Moon
Israel’s Ramon.Space (see here) and Lulav Space are building the navigation system for Israel’s SpaceIL Beresheet 2 lunar lander. Ramon’s radiation-hardened computers will run Lulav’s vision-based landing sensor and algorithms. SpaceIL’s first experiment will examine critical medicines in lunar conditions.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-717218
https://www.jpost.com/science/article-718219
Israel in Space
Ben Gurion University is hosting a virtual webinar “Israel in Our Lives – Innovation & Impact” featuring Israeli scientists who are pioneering innovations in space. Oct 25 12 noon PT. Register here.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-65HsZw2QYm43NSZoMkNXQ
Alice in “wonderland”
Alice – the all-electric plane from Israeli-US startup Eviation – successfully completed its maiden flight from Grant County International Airport, Moses Lake, in Washington State. The plane rose to 3,500 feet during its 8-minute flight. The test pilot commented that Alice’s engines were completely silent.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/first-of-its-kind-israeli-electric-plane-takes-flight-in-us/
https://www.eviation.com/wp-content/themes/eviation/videos/First%20Flight_Option%20A.mp4
Israel’s climate tech on display
This article describes Israel’s first-ever climate tech conference in Tel Aviv. It features Tomorrow.io, SeeTree, Terra Space Lab, which have been previously in this newsletter. New to the newsletter are Solato (ice cream machine) and Cellomat (refurbished smartphones). See links & videos below.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-booths-of-recycled-waste-israels-fast-growing-climate-tech-sector-holds-confab/
https://vimeo.com/560530434
https://www.kioskmarketplace.com/articles/cellomat-mobile-phone-repair-service-kiosk-comes-to-the-us/
Robot fruit picker is flying high
Israel’s Tevel Aerobotics Technologies (see here previously) now deploys autonomous drone fruit pickers in Israel’s Golan Heights (Asian pears), Italy (apples, peaches, and nectarines), and California (nectarines and plums). Next markets are Spain, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.
https://nocamels.com/2022/09/flying-robots-pick-fruit-24-7-and-know-exactly-when-its-ripe/
Vegan food to be produced in Australia
Israel’s plant-based vegan food company Vgarden (see here previously) is to build its first overseas production facility – in Brisbane, Australia. Vgarden’s customers include Papa John’s, Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Costco, and Woolworths.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-plant-based-vegan-food-company-to-build-production-facility-in-australia/
3 Israeli FoodTech startups shortlisted
The second edition of the UAE’s FoodTech Challenge received 667 entries from 79 countries. Of the 30 short-listed, three are Israeli. Neolithics (see here), FreezeM (insect protein farming), and Yeap (protein from yeast). The four eventual finalists will win prizes worth up to $2 million.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hjoiftgfi
https://www.freeze-em.com/
New Israeli fruits
Israel’s Ben Dor Fruits (see here previously) has developed unique varieties of stone fruits in its Hula Valley orchards. The latest creations are pomegranate plums, watermelon plums and black apricots. All the new fruit varieties offer added resistance to harsh climate conditions.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/black-apricots-and-watermelon-plums-israeli-farm-grows-unique-hybrid-fruits/
Saving “ugly” veg
Israel’s Anina (see here previously) has created the Anina pod – a complete meal made from vegetables that have been rejected for sale due to a less-than-perfect appearance (a major source of fresh produce waste). Each whole meal-in-a-pod is all-natural and full of nutrients.
https://www.labiotech.eu/trends-news/anina-reshaping-the-future-of-food-by-upcycling-rejected-vegetables/
Connecting the emergency services
Unlike most countries, Israelis call separate numbers for medical (101), police (102) or fire (103) emergencies. They connect to a service representative who can immediately begin to help the caller. Now, new AI software will automatically decide if any of the other services are also required.
https://www.jns.org/new-ai-software-will-link-israeli-police-ambulance-and-fire-services/
Dyslexia inspires language app developer
When dyslexic Michael asked his dyslexic father how he learned English, his answer was “from the songs of John Lennon and Bob Dylan”. Michael then developed Singit – software for learning English, now used by 60,000 students in 800 Israeli schools.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hyhesik11i
https://welcome.singit.io/english-pages/home-teachers-en
The eyes have it
Israel’s EyeJets is developing a platform that will enable the projection of digital information directly into the retina, replacing the need for computer or smartphone screens. The eye-tracking technology will use regular-looking glasses to uniquely align the display, even when the eye is moving around.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/axq23c0k5
3 European grants for Prof Haick
Professor Hossam Haick of Israel’s Technion Institute has won three prestigious European research grants totaling 4.2 million euros for his research group. He will also serve as chairman and coordinator of one of the projects that has 22 partners and a total funding of 14 million euros.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/2022/08/hossam-haick-grants-horizon-europe/
200-year-old problem solved
Over 200 years ago Theodor Grotthuss proposed a theory of how a proton moves through water – the Grotthuss Mechanism. Scientists have tried since to prove or disprove the theory. Now Prof. Ehud Pines of Israel’s Ben Gurion University has discovered and proved the actual mechanism.
https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/pages/news/grotthuss_mechanism.aspx
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Free trade with South Korea
A free trade agreement (FTA) between Israel and South Korea goes into effect on Dec 1st. The FTA was signed by Israeli and Korean officials in May (see here previously) and has now been ratified by both parliaments. Over 95% of Israeli goods will be duty free – a NIS 0.5 billion economic boost.
https://worldisraelnews.com/south-korea-ratifies-free-trade-deal-with-israel/
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-ratifies-free-trade-agreement-with-south-korea-1001410267
UAE Ambassador opens Tel Aviv Stock Exchange session
The opening of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange by UAE’s Ambassador to Israel Mohamed Al Khaja was another sign of the close ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. A rare positive article about Israel, from the BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-63045930
Funding breakthrough healthcare solutions
Israel’s OurCrowd and the World Health Organization Foundation have launched a $200 million joint Global Health Equity Fund. It will focus on breakthrough technology solutions that can improve healthcare around the world.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/spotlight/emergency-assistance-health-equity-for-those-who-need-it-most/
https://info.ourcrowd.com/ghef/
A rival to Visa and Mastercard
Israel’s SensePass is using the hi-tech revolution to innovate the credit card business. Its payments network operates around any digital payment method or digital wallet. It services the unbanked and younger generation, while reducing costs for retailers.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1ifdxvgi
Exits, takeovers and mergers to 9/10/22:
Israel’s Guesty acquired Europe’s YieldPlanet, Spain’s Kigo and Australia’s HiRUM
Investment in Israeli startups to 9/10/22:
OX Security raised $34 million; CytoReason raised $20 million from Pfizer; Kahun raised $8 million; LayerX Security raised $7.5 million; Onyxia raised $5 million; Anina raised $3.3 million; SensePass raised $3 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Free Jerusalem
Here is an up-to-date list from NoCamels of 18 free activities in Jerusalem. Old City, Teddy Park, Knesset, Supreme Court, Wohl Rose Garden, Bird Observatory, Yad Vashem, Mount Herzl, Gazelle Valley, Montefiore Windmill, Skate park, Ein Karem, First Station, Sacher Park, Machane Yehuda and more.
https://www.israel21c.org/top-18-things-to-do-in-jerusalem-for-free/
Israel Museum – Festivals of Tishrei tours
See this (chargeable) guided tour of the Israel Museum on Oct 11, one of the intermediate days of the festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles). Plus, other things to do in Israel in Oct.
https://www.museumtours.co.il/event-details/festivals-of-tishrei-in-the-israel-museum-english-2022-10-11-10-00
https://www.imj.org.il/en/content/visitor-information
https://www.touristisrael.com/things-to-do-in-israel-in-october/8223/
Israeli at Life-saving World championships
Two Israeli athletes were chosen to represent Israel at the World Lifesaving Championships for the first time ever. The championships take place every two years – this year in Italy. Watch one of the athletes, Sarah Vanunu, discussing the historic tournament on ILTV.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-israel-joins-lifesaving-world-championships-for-the-first-time/
Tennis superstar’s love for Israel
Novak Djokovic won the Tel Aviv Open – the athlete’s first time back in Israel since 2008. He talked about the warm welcome has had in the Jewish State and wrote in a guest book at the airport terminal, “Shalom Israel. I am very happy and excited to be back in Israel.”
https://www.timesofisrael.com/novak-djokovic-wins-tel-aviv-tennis-tourney-for-89th-career-title/
https://unitedwithisrael.org/love-love-israel-embraces-tennis-champ-who-adores-the-holy-land/
Partnering Chicago Bulls
Israeli-founded global multi-asset fintech group Plus500 has announced a new major multi-year sponsorship agreement to become an official global partner of the Chicago Bulls of the NBA. Back in 2015, Plus500 had a successful 7-year partnership with Atletico Madrid (see here previously).
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hkzetrdfs
Israel qualifies for Euro youth soccer championships
Israel’s Under-21 soccer team beat Ireland 3-1 in a penalty shootout to qualify for the under-21 European Championships. See them celebrate the deciding goal.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-youth-soccer-squad-defeats-ireland-to-win-spot-in-european-championships/
Israel wins UEFA soccer playoff place
Israel’s senior soccer team beat Albania 2-1 to win a place in the UEFA 2024 qualifying playoffs. Israel’s Tai Baribo scored the decisive goal, two minutes into injury time.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-soccer-team-beats-albania-2-1-securing-spot-in-2024-play-offs/
THE JEWISH STATE
Jerusalem’s festive streets
Pre-Yom Kippur services feature prayers to ask for forgiveness – “Selichot”. In Jerusalem, these are major events, taking place at the Kotel, the President’s residence, Sultan’s Pool, and Kikar Safra. After Yom Kippur, preparations for Sukkot (Tabernacles) and tree planting begin.
http://rjstreets.com/2022/10/02/jerusalem-selihot-and-more/
800 orphans celebrate Bar and Bat Mitzvah
As last year (see here previously), 800 children who lost one or more parents celebrated their bar and bat mitzvah at Israel’s Superland amusement park. Israel’s National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) Rehabilitation branch sponsored the event together with Colel Chabad.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/360580
100 babies born at one hospital on Rosh Hashana
100 babies were born on the Jewish New Year, at Shaare Tzedek Medical Center in Jerusalem – 51 girls and 49 boys. Prof. Sorina Grisaru, Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, said “… there is no greater happiness than starting a new year with a new baby in the family.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/360399
Circle of Life
50-year-old Eyal, a father of five from Holon, received a stem cell transplant to save his life from an Israeli donor who was a perfect match on Ezer Mizion’s bone marrow database. Eyal’s daughter was so grateful, that she registered with Ezer Mizion and her stem cells recently saved the life of a baby.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/360719
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