Israel Active

The social media giant and Israel’s eleven-person face recognition company Face.com have come “face to face” in $80 - $100 million deal. Face.com provides facial-recognition technology used by the world's largest social network to help users identify and tag photos.

Beijiang’s state-of-the art complex was almost wholly made in Israel, shipped to Tianjin and bolted together. The generator uses its leftover heat to distil seawater into fresh water.

AliyaIncubator.com (AI) intends to fund dozens of start-ups, bringing English-speaking Olim on Aliya to build their dream. Starting at $500k per deal for the business launch, assisting in the Aliya process, and providing all the necessary business services.

We’ve heard from co-author Saul Singer before, but this CNBC interview with fast-talking Dan Senor is illuminating.

In contrast to the mountains of debt stifling the US and European economies, Israel’s net surplus increased from $54bn at the end of 2011 to $59.6 at the end of the first quarter of 2012.

Cisco Systems CEO John Chambers examined the Jerusalem offices of newly acquired digital TV broadcasting encryption developer, NDS Group. He commented, "Although NDS's headquarters are in Britain, its heart and soul are in Israel."

For years, India has conducted its relations with Israel almost covertly But Foreign minister S M Krishna’s recent visit to Israel has proved that at the highest levels, India and Israel can openly discuss issues of interest and concern with each other like other normal partners, without inhibitions."

(thanks to Eli) The Massachusetts-Israel Innovation Partnership (MIIP) has awarded at least $1.3 million to fund 4 joint MA-Israel hi-tech and life-science projects. They cover prognostic kits, RF technology to treat heart arrhythmia, a 3D colon-imaging camera and fuel from algae.

Mickey Haslavsky (18) of Holon is already on his 2nd start-up. Tal Hoffman (15) of Haifa, founder of Itimdi, says the “Start-up Nation” has encouraged young business developers. Gal Harth (15) of Herzliya set-up Doweet to get his friends off their games consoles and into the real world.

Following her Aliya from Australia, Janet Sernack founded the Israeli start-up ImagineNation, based in Zichron Yaakov. The aim of the company is to coach innovation skills. In a nation of innovators, that idea definitely displays imagination.