Israel Active

Using a unique platform developed at Intel’s Haifa center, it will soon be possible for computers to anticipate the needs of their owners. Intel is offering developers $1 million in prizes to come up with the software of tomorrow, in the Intel Perceptual Computing Challenge.

Ben Gurion University researchers have analyzed data from Israeli GPS navigation application “Waze “to highlight traffic trouble spots where police can be deployed more effectively. The data highlighted slow police response times and unmonitored busy intersections.

Dr Elaine Solowey of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies has grown a new sapling of the rare and fragile tree at Kibbutz Ketura in the Negev. Frankincense production at Ein Gedi by the Dead Sea was a major industry until the Romans wiped out the settlement.

Israeli start-up Mapal Energy has completed a project in Brazil for the supply and installation of floating fine-bubble aeration units in the state of São Paulo. Mapal’s units replaced the existing mechanical aerators, saving 50% of the energy while maintaining the quality of the treated water.

Israel’s anti-missile defense system intercepted 85% of the rockets that Gaza terrorists fired at civilians during Operation Pillar of Defense. But towards the end of the conflict, Rafael engineers managed to improve this to 100% - and halted the firing of the second (backup) missile.

Flat screen technology has improved sufficiently for dogs to be able to view TV programs. Israel’s YES channel has now launched Dog TV. For NIS 9.90 per month you can leave your pet home alone to watch 3 to 6-minute-long programs of soothing, stimulating and scary content, so as not feel lonely or abandoned.

(Thanks to Atid-EDI) Beersheba Mayor Rubik Danilovich has decided to revoke plans to build 16,000 new housing units in the city's Ramot Gimel neighborhood in favor of planting a new forest. The urban forest will span across 1,360 acres and serve as the city’s green lung.

BIRD is a major Israel-US fund for Research and Development projects. It has just announced that it will be providing $9 million for ten new infrastructure projects that address water technologies, environmental recycling, cyber security and firefighting.

Harold Vinegar’s 10-minute talk at December’s Globes Israel Business Conference will tell you everything you need to know about Israel’s shale oil deposits. 250 billion barrels of high-quality oil will change the face of the Middle East.

Microsoft Accelerator for Windows Azure has launched its second session. 13 Israeli start-ups are participating in the four-month session, receiving guidance from Microsoft, mentoring and $20,000 financial support.