Lasers for communication
An open-space laser communication system for the high-speed transfer of data won first place at Jerusalem College of Technology’s ninth annual “Great Minds Hackathon,”. It can solve situations such as massive events like music festivals, where cellular towers are overwhelmed by user demand.
Cool solution to fresh produce
Israel’s Natural Offset Farming (NOF – see previously) has developed a device to cool all fruits and vegetables immediately after harvesting, killing pathogens and increasing shelf life. The NOF Cooling device is small, portable, and doesn’t rely on electricity.
Flame retardant technology breakthrough
Israel Chemicals Ltd (ICL – see previously) has launched VeriQuel R100, an innovative, phosphorus-based flame retardant designed for insulation products, such as those used for over 70% of commercial roofs. It is more sustainable than traditional retardants.
The first off-grid apartment
A Tel Aviv apartment building is Israel’s first to use a solar battery and hybrid converter to sell energy to the grid and run shared building facilities in power outages. It is part of “Sun for Everyone” - a joint project of the Israeli Energy Forum, KKL-JNF and Israel’s Energy Ministry.
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.