Israel Active

iPhone users can create their “TrueSelf” avatar using the innovative software from Israel’s CommonGround. It scans a person’s image and then sits the 3D representation into a video-conference where it mimics the action of the real person. No virtual reality headset is required.

Hellman Electric and Gilton Electrical - subsidiaries of Israel’s Electra - have won a $62 million tender to install voice accessibility at intersections in Manhattan and Staten Island. It will make hundreds of crosswalk signals accessible to pedestrians with visual impairments.

Israel’s Novella Innovative Technology cultivates nutritious botanical ingredients without having to grow the plant itself. Plant tissue is selected for high concentrations of specific vitamins and minerals. The cells are then cultured and amplified to produce pesticide-free, environmentally friendly products.

KKL-JNF’s Tinshemet-Toren fire detection system comprise a drone (Tinshemet is Hebrew for Barn Owl) and a control system (Toren is Hebrew for mast). Together they detect any irregular heat or movement and determine its exact location.

Israel’s Cyberbee and America’s EyeCloud.ai have received $1.75 million from the BIRD Foundation to jointly develop indoor mini drones to be used by first responders in Israel and the US. They will be used to rescue trapped people or locate terrorists and criminals in indoor locations where there is no GPS.

Israel’s OneLayer (see previously) has implemented pilot projects of its 5G cellular private network at Israel’s Poriah (Baruch Padeh) and Galilee Medical Centers. They provide fast, secure, and always-accessible connectivity to the hospitals’ digital health services.

GreenVibe is another Israeli startup (see for others) that uses smart sensors to optimize quality and speed up the construction process. GreenVibe’s technology focuses on concrete building materials, improving its consistency, strength, availability, and reducing its carbon footprint by 15 - 20%.

Toyota and its Israeli importer, Union Motors, have opened applications for the new Israel Earth Prize. Five chosen initiatives will each receive a million shekels per year for five years. Solutions sought include carbon emission reduction, conservation, clean transportation, and sustainable nutrition.

Israel’s Joonko (see previously) uses AI to scan databases of job applicants from under-represented groups that just missed out on being selected. It then finds them similar vacancies to apply for at other companies. Since 2021, it has been helping some 250 Americans a month find employment.

Israel’s Carbonade (see previously) turns greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into plastic, building materials and even detergent. But it doesn’t capture the gas. However, Israel’s RepAir does (see previously). So, it’s handy that RepAir’s founder Yehuda Borenstein is also chairman of Carbonade!