Israel Active

Israel’s SavorEat (see previously) has partnered Sodexo to become the first Israeli food robotic company in the meat alternative sector to launch in the US. SavorEat will print and serve some 10,000 kosher, plant-based, meat-alternative meals to students at Denver University.

Israel’s SeismicAI is working with the Oklahoma Geological Survey to apply the SeismicAI early-warning techniques with data from a real-time statewide seismic network. Oklahoma has some 50 minor earthquakes annually - most are unnoticeable.

Palo Alto Networks plans to hire 250 employees in Israel in 2024. Its 1,000 personnel Israeli R&D center is the cyber giant’s second largest outside its California HQ. Vacancies include product managers, development managers, developers, cyber researchers, analysts, QA, and DevOps.

Jerusalem’s deputy mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum (see previously) has been appointed Israel’s first Innovation Envoy. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen praised Hassan-Nahoum’s “tireless” efforts to strengthen the Israeli capital’s innovation ecosystem over the past years. She will now do this on a global scale.

Israel has signed a grain deal with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to secure the country’s wheat during disruptions in the global food supply. Israel will share its ag-tech knowledge to help with production. It is another sign of Israel’s friendly relations with the two majority Muslim countries.

Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, launched twice-weekly 6 to 7-hour direct flights between Ben Gurion and Almaty International airports. Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Israel said, “Great opportunities open up with the start of direct flights between our countries”.

From Jan 1st, Israel Electric Company’s supply monopoly ends.  Israel’s Enlight Renewable Energy together with Electra Power JV will be able to supply clean energy to residences in Israel. Enlight has also launched Israel’s largest solar-storage fusion project at Sde Nitzan.

Great article detailing Israel’s partnership with Cyprus and proposed fiber-optic and energy links. “a connection that transcends mere diplomacy and hits home the idea of shared civilization and values. Not just about transporting goods or services; it’s about transporting peace, connectivity, and progress.”

The latest report shows Israel earned over NIS 1 billion from its natural gas deposits in the first six months of 2023 – a rise of 22.8% compared to the same period last year. Almost half of the gas produced (6 BCM) was exported to neighboring countries - mostly to Egypt and Jordan.

Many kibbutzim have invested millions in setting up solar power systems and large storage facilities. Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak (3.5km from Gaza) stores energy in batteries during the day and sells it back to the grid during peak demand. Also and Nofar Energy’s many initiatives.