Wiz exposes DeepSeek
Israeli security giant Wiz uncovered a major security flaw in China’s new AI chatbot DeepSeek. In a routine scan, Wiz found DeepSeek had left a publicly accessible database unprotected, exposing digital software keys, backend operational details, and chat logs containing user prompts from its AI assistant.
Preventing food wastage
Israel’s StePacPPC (see previously) and its partner Windham Packaging have developed a range of its bulk modified-atmosphere packaging to extend the shelf life of fresh produce headed to foodservice outlets - predominantly restaurants, hotels, and canteens. It is already having success in the US.
Robots milk cows
Israel’s Afimilk (see previously) has launched a robotic milking system for farms with 500 to 5,000 cows. The cows are herded in; the robots arrive, sanitize the udders, attach milking cups, remove them after milking, disinfect the teats, take 3D images and collect data about each cow.
Monitoring the bees
Israeli companies Hazera Seeds and BeeHero (see previously) are testing BeeHero’s Pollination Insight Platform (PIP) for monitoring pollinators in seed production fields. IoT sensors in fields collect data including on bees’ visits to flowers and environmental conditions.
Progress for Iron Beam
Rafael chairman Yuval Steinitz said that Israel's Iron Beam laser air defense system is set to become operational in the second half of 2025. Its effective range (around 10km) continues to increase and the project team has bypassed the absorption effect of the atmosphere.
Italy joins Israeli moonshot
Israel Space Agency director general Brig. Gen. Uri Oron and Italian Space Agency president Prof. Teodoro Velente signed a memorandum of understanding for collaboration on Space IL's Beresheet 2 mission to the moon. The joint budget for the mission is estimated to be over €10 million.
Female Israeli astronaut
NASA has confirmed that it will send the first Israeli woman astronaut into space. Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel said, “We in Israel have now begun the process of searching for our candidate among our brave women.”
Eradicating the mosquito
Israel’s Diptera.ai (see previously) aims to reduce the population of mosquitos killing some one million people each year from malaria. The pilot of its sterile insect technique (SIT) system at Kibbutz Tzora cut local mosquito numbers by 94%. It now plans an African field trial this year.
Hyperspectral imaging for better tomatoes
Scientists at the Hebrew University, Bar-Ilan Uni, and the Volcani Institute used a handheld hyperspectral camera, plus AI-software, to monitor unripe tomatoes and predict future quality. They will now build an low-cost portable device to help farmers maximize crop yields.
Students design together
Students from San Diego Jewish Academy worked with students from Israel’s Sha’ar Hanegev to design a community space for the war-impacted community. They studied the region’s culture, needs and also urban planning. Then using state-of-the-art technology they built a 3D model.