Thinner, stronger and greener packaging
Israeli start-up Valentis is developing a packaging material that has a strength-to-weight ratio 8 times greater than stainless steel. The material is based on nano-crystalline cellulose (NCC), a biodegradable, transparent material made from plant pulp waste.
Toys help develop children’s skills
Israel’s TinyLove makes innovative toys for babies. Check out this video, showing only one of their many products. It’s on the anti-Israel boycott list, so please support them.
Israel’s Moon shot is already a winner
Israel’s SpaceIL says its 140kg LunarX satellite is one of the top contenders for Google’s $30 million prize for landing on the moon. It is the smallest, smartest spacecraft, plus the first to rely on optic navigation. And the project has already won the hearts of a whole generation of Israelis.
New program for tech entrepreneurs
The Technion-Cornell Innovation Institute (JTCII) is launching a new one-year postdoctoral “Runway program” for technology entrepreneurs. Professors provide academic guidance whilst off-campus consultants supply legal, industrial and financial advice.
Multinationals work together in Israel
Only in Israel can Citi, Ebay, General Electric, General Motors, Microsoft, Red Hat, and 3M develop new ideas together. The seven companies will send 3-5 software engineers to a “Weekathon” in Ra’anana where they will work in groups to develop futuristic products.
Cheap roaming for smartphones abroad
(Thanks to Atid-EDI) Israel’s Simgo has launched a low-cost roaming service for Samsung and iPhone. Attach a virtual SIM-enabled protective cover to access high-speed data services, enjoy excellent quality, whilst retaining your own mobile number for all calls.
Most innovative app
190 Israeli companies presented at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Israel’s PointGrab won “most innovative app” with CamMe that lets users make gestures to take “selfies” (photographs of themselves) from their iPhone from up to 16 feet away. Israel’s EverythingMe was also one of five finalists.
Israel helps drought-stricken California
In its most severe drought since 1977, California looks to Israel for expert water advice and technology. Israel’s IDE Technologies Ltd. is already helping to build what it says will be the largest seawater desalination plant in the Western Hemisphere.
Better herbicides
(Thanks to Atid-EDI) Israel’s Evogene has launched PoinTar, a computationally based target discovery platform for generating new herbicides. It identifies key molecules responsible for essential biological processes in weeds, which have the potential to be chemically inhibited in order to cause weed death.
Better batteries
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has boosted the power of sodium-ion batteries with a new type of anode. Also Israel’s EnStorage received a $1 million grant for its HBr flow battery development. Meanwhile Professor Doron Aurbach of Bar Ilan University won the prestigious 2014 International Battery Association Yeager Award for developing super (EDL) capacitors and rechargeable magnesium batteries.