Israel Active

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.

Tel Aviv-based venture capital firm Amiti Ventures has secured $110 million in commitments for its third fund. It will invest in early stage Israeli companies that otherwise would suffer due to the global Covid-19 crisis. Most of fund’s money comes from investors outside of Israel.

Israel’s Pixellot (reported previously) and Barça (FC Barcelona) have signed a partnership to record and analyze the team during training sessions. Pixellot has been working with Barcelona for 3 years, supplying its automated AI cameras at the Ciutat Esportiva, and the Estadi Johan Cruyff.

US giant KLA Tencor acquired Israel’s Orbotech last year for $3.4 billion. Since then, KLA has moved its flat panel display testing equipment production to Israel. Some 90% of the company’s total production will be performed in Israel by end 2021.

Microsoft’s Tel Aviv development center is expanding. Its 1,500 employees will move to WeWork’s Midtown Tel Aviv building, specially tailored to Microsoft Israel’s R&D division’s needs. Joining them are Microsoft for Startups, the Microsoft accelerator, and Microsoft’s Reactor.