Israel Active

I reported previously about the six Israeli astronauts who experienced simulated Mars conditions at the Ramon crater in Israel’s Negev desert.  Here is a video of their activities.

Video (in Hebrew) of the massive NIS 2.5 billion 40km water pipeline construction project that will satisfy the water needs of Jerusalem and its surroundings until 2065.

Israel is well known for its abundance of juicy citrus fruits in many delicious varieties. Much of that success is due to the Volcani Agriculture Institute, a world leader in farming technology.

Sam Gyimah is the UK’s Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Development. He plans to visit later this year “to deepen our collaboration not just in scientific research but in innovation and opportunities that are mutually beneficial for high-growth business.”

I reported previously on Israel’s Tethys and its solar-powered desalination system. Its CEO Moshe Tshuva says the Tethys product would be an ideal solution to Cape Town’s water shortages, making use of the city’s long coastline and plentiful sunshine.

Israel’s Saturas develops sensors that are planted in the trunks of trees, and vines, and provide accurate hydration status reports that enable farmers to optimize irrigation. Saturas has completed field trials in citrus, apple and almond orchards and has raised $4 million of funds to market in Spain and the USA.

The First Response app from Israeli-US Edgybees helps rescuers by overlaying live video UAV feeds with maps, power lines and distress signals. It saved lives during Hurricane Irma and California wildfires. Edgybees has just raised $5.5 million of funding and showcased at AIPAC.

When I reported recently on the smart road sensors from Israel’s Valerann, I forgot to mention that Valerann won the 2017 Intelligent Infrastructure Challenge of Highways UK and will participate in the Intelligent Mobility program at Telefonica’s London-based startup accelerator Wayra..

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is partnering with the US-based Starburst Ventures – a global aerospace startup incubator. IAI will take part in selecting the startups and offer mentoring, technological collaboration and investment to startups whose technology is applicable to IAI.

I reported previously about WakeUp - the natural beverage solution to post-lunch fatigue developed by Israel’s InnoBev. WakeUp has just received a US patent, which is timely as energy drinks are under scrutiny due to concerns over negative health effects.