Israel Active

(Thanks to Israel21c) In 2010, Israel’s Evoz introduced an app that turns an iOS device into a virtual baby monitor. This summer, the app matures into a full home-monitoring system that will detect burglars, fire, electrical devices not switched off, elderly at risk, and more.

One of the highlights at the 54th Israel Annual Conference on Aerospace Sciences in Tel Aviv was a competition for students to build unique aircraft. Projects included a mechanical bird, a short take-off drone, an electric passenger plane and an autonomous cluster of satellites.

Hundreds of events are scheduled to be held at universities and research institutes for Israel’s National Science Day on March 26. Usually held on March 14, the birthday of Albert Einstein, the celebration is postponed this year to avoid clashing with celebrations for the festival of Purim.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

(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.

Israeli cyber-security companies received eleven awards at the RSA Security Conference in San Francisco. Votiro won gold in the “Innovations in Next Generation Security” category for its software that “sanitizes” any form of data that enters an organization via the Internet. Covertix won two awards - silver for its database security and bronze for “Awesome Product of the Year”.