Israel Active

Israeli cybersecurity giant Check Point reported increased quarterly net profit, beating market expectations. Check Point’s revenue was boosted by increased demand for network security as more people work remotely during the coronavirus outbreak.

Israel-based Mobileye is to provide its EyeQ family of devices plus vision-processing software to the Ford Motor Company. EyeQ includes Lane-keeping and Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking. Ford will display Mobileye’s name on SYNC driver-assist displays.

In these days of a global pandemic, Medical big data analysts have become one of the most sought-after professions. In Israel, there are currently about 500 people who know how to derive insights from medical data, and the demand for them is increasing.

Despite Covid-19, Japanese investment in Israeli tech is on the rise. The total volume of Japanese investments in the first half of this year amounted to $472.3 million, up 15% from $412 million in the first half of 2019.

Since renewing diplomatic relations between Israel and the Czech Republic 30 years ago, mutual trade has boomed. Israel imports over $1 billion of Czech goods annually. The Czech Republic meanwhile seeks Israeli cybersecurity, digital health and Industry 4.0 innovations.

The Israel-U.S. BIRD Foundation is investing $8 million in 10 new automotive, cybersecurity, healthcare, and other joint US-Israeli projects. The Israeli companies are AEYE Health, Aeronautics, Datumate, Firedome, Genoox, Redler, Senso, Serenus.AI, VayaVision and XRHealth.

Israel’s Prospera (see previously) is partnering German giant Bayer to help improve greenhouse output. Prospera’s AI and big data monitors the production of $5 trillion worth of agricultural produce. Bayer says the partnership will help transform grower operations.

Israel’s Innovation Authority is providing more funds to Israeli technology companies initiating industrial R&D and pilot projects with companies in the US states of New York, New Jersey, Colorado, and Indiana. They can receive up to 50% of the approved R&D costs.

Israel and Thailand signed an agreement to bring essential Thai workers to Israel to work in the agricultural sector. It also marks 66 years of ties between the two countries.

If Israeli companies must meet face to face with an overseas guest during lockdown, Fattal’s Lounge at Ben Gurion airport’s VIP terminal is where to do it. It has 3 luxury bedrooms and a meeting room. After approval by Israel’s Interior Ministry, the guest flies in for up to 2 days in The Lounge.