Max Planck Society opens Jerusalem office
The Max Planck Society’s new office in Jerusalem aims to strengthen scientific partnerships between Israel and Germany. It will serve as a crucial hub for maintaining and expanding connections between the Max Planck Society (see ) and Israeli researchers.
Automating engineering design
Israel’s bananaz brings AI to R&D design, with tools for engineering teams to eliminate inefficiencies of traditional design workflows and save time and money across the production process. It automates processes such as design validation, change tracking, and error detection.
TV reporter uses AI to speak
Israeli Channel 12’s Moshe Nussbaum has ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) which distorts his natural voice. But using AI technology and an avatar (digital twin) he could make a comeback. For some strange reason Channel 12 wouldn’t name the system, but readers may guess it is Israel’s D-ID (see ).
AI in the IDF
The Israeli Defense Ministry has announced a new AI and Autonomy Administration, tasked with leading the research, development and acquisition of artificial intelligence and autonomous capabilities for all branches of the IDF. It will unite stakeholders from academia, the IDF, startups and the defense industry.
Protecting biodiversity
KKL-JNF has launched a conservation operation to save rare plants at risk due to urban expansion near Israel’s Kiryat Gat Forest. Seeds and bulbs will be replanted and monitored in the protected environment of nearby Plugot Forest, which is a safe distance from future development.
Smart hoses to scare the birds
Our feathered friends are also a nuisance around fish ponds and solar farms. Israel’s Nobify has created an advanced array of sensors linked to a network of hoses suspended over fish farms and floating solar panels arrays. An AI-powered detection platform detects birds and activates the nearest hoses.
Lasers for farms
KKL-JNF Jewish National Fund is developing the world’s first laser-based “chaser” to keep tens of thousands of migrating gray cranes from decimating farmers’ fields. A camera and AI detects the birds and a laser beam “chases” the cranes away without harming them. It aims to be ready for Oct 2025’s migration.
CYBERDOME
The annual joint Israeli-US cyber defense exercise, “CYBERDOME IX,” was conducted by the U.S. Cyber Command and the IDF’s J6 and Cyber Defense Directorate and Intelligence Directorate. It included battlefield simulations that tested both offensive and defensive strategies.
Super-sensitive hearing
Israel’s Silynxcom (see previously) has launched its latest product that detects distinct and potentially life-threatening drone humming, while simultaneously maintaining hearing protection in high-noise environments.
Innovative water technology
Israel’s Plas-Fit - Tavlit manufactures high performance water filters, sprinklers, and (via its Terranos subsidiary) implements irrigation systems for agriculture in South America and Africa.