Israel Active

Two Israeli companies are partnering to eliminate deadly mosquitos in Brazil. I’ve already featured Senecio and its system to release sterile male mosquitos from planes. Now Israel’s Forrest Innovations has developed a new process to silence the mosquito’s fertility gene.

Israel’s SpaceIL lunar module is now targeted to land on the moon in 2019. Thanks to a $2 million boost from the Israeli government.  SpaceIL will also benefit from tools provided by NASA in exchange for magnetic field data.  NASA will also try to capture images of the actual landing.

I reported briefly previously on Israel’s Mantis Vision and its 3D technology. Here are more details, including a video to highlight its exciting potential.

Israel’s Skyline Robotics has developed software that enables existing machinery like cranes and elevators to be upgraded into window-cleaning robots. The company also has a social responsibility program that re-trains human window cleaners who have made redundant by the robots.

I reported previously on Israel’s Equinom which is developing superior vegetables for a hungry world. Equinom’s non-GMO legumes have 50% more protein than varieties currently on the market. Equinom has just received a $4 million investment from vegetable protein pioneer Roquette.

50 countries participated in the 19th annual United Nations World Space Week initiative, with multiple activities in each country. Israel’s free events, hosted by Israel Space Agency, included lectures, workshops, escape rooms, virtual reality, and films about space and the impact it has on our lives.

Israeli biotech STK has developed REGEV – the world’s first leaf-targeted ‘hybrid’ fungicide. It combines Tea Tree Oil and Difenoconazole to give a low chemical residue. REGEV is used in 10 countries and has just been registered for use in Argentina, initially for peanut crops.

Israel’s Masada-Armour has developed a unique backpack that transforms into a bulletproof vest in under two seconds. It was designed to protect children against the threat of school shootings. The basic 3kg version stops handgun bullets and the upgraded 4.2kg version blocks rifle fire.

Great new video showing how much US wheelchair users are benefiting from Israel’s SoftWheel.

Israel Aerospace Industries is partnering with Croatia’s DOK-ING to develop a robotic system for high risk areas, including ones contaminated by chemical, biological and radioactive agents. It will include autonomous movement and sensors for identifying contaminants.