Zeekr installs Mobileye software
Israeli-founded Mobileye has updated tens of thousands of Zeekr electric cars in China with what it calls “one of the world’s most advanced highway assist packages”. It uses Zeekr’s seven cameras to react to sudden braking ahead, a parked car door opening or a pedestrian.
ElliQ is launched
After five years of development, Israel’s Intuition Robotics officially released the ElliQ system (see previously) in the US. The AI robotic companion helps the elderly stay active, connected, and engaged. A study showed lonely 60-year-olds to live 3-5 years less than “never lonely” ones.
Yahoo! to expand Israeli R&D
Multinational Yahoo! is expanding its Israel operations and its sales relationships with Israeli advertisers. It is currently recruiting positions both Ramat Gan (Tel Aviv) and Haifa centers. Yahoo! has been operating in Israel for nearly two decades, acquiring several Israeli startups.
Israel21c visits Legends
Good to see that Legends - the Israeli distillery producing the unique Slingshot Kentucky whiskey (see previously) - is getting wider publicity.
Air travel takes off
El Al have reintroduced six Boeing 777-200ER planes to meet rising travel demand this summer. It also plans to begin direct flights to Japan and Australia now that Saudi Arabia has opened its airspace to Israeli airlines. Meanwhile, International flights from Eilat’s Ramon Airport will begin in August.
Hotels back to 2019 occupancy levels
The Israel Hotel Association reports June occupancy levels near those of 2019, before the pandemic. In fact, Eilat hotels are even busier than in 2019, as both domestic and foreign tourism are booming. Overall, June 2022 saw 2.1 million hotel overnights, just 5% less than in June 2019.
Israel’s one-millionth tourist
Israel’s Tourism Minister welcomed Belinda Desoyo Lee Marcelo, a resident of the United Arab Emirates - its millionth tourist of 2022, just over four months since pandemic-related travel restrictions were lifted on 1st March. Nearly a quarter of a million tourists arrived in Israel in June.
Clearer vision for Boeing 737 pilots
Israel’s Elbit Systems’ subsidiary Universal Avionics Systems has won a $33 million order for its ClearVision Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) for Boeing 737NG aircraft. ClearVision features the SkyLens 360-degree field of view Head Wearable Display and EVS-5000 cameras.
Out with the old, in with the new
Some interesting facts in the latest IVC Israeli Tech Review report. Investment in established Israeli hi-tech startups was lower in 2022 than record-breaking 2021, but funds for early-stage startups were higher! Also, more Israeli startups launched in 2022 than for the same period in 2021.
$250 million fund for investment
Israel’s F2 Venture Capital has announced its largest-ever seed fund of $150 million for Israeli founders of startups, as well as another $100 million fund to continue backing existing portfolio companies. F2’s areas of focus include Fintech, AI, Big Data, Cloud Ops, and Cyber.