Defense Prizes
The 2024 Israel Defense Prize (announced in May) was awarded to the David’s Sling air defense system, the Namer armored personnel carrier, and the IDF’s technology-enhanced target bank project. Because of the secrecy of many projects, some winners in the photos had their back to the camera.
Plastic alternative that dissolves
Israel’s Solutum has developed plastic that biodegrades completely in water. It recently won awards, raised $11.5 million in finance, partnered Germany’s Pester, and won major orders.
Compostable packaging from rice waste
Israel’s TIPA (see previously) has introduced a groundbreaking fully compostable and recyclable tray crafted from waste product of rice. The trays be disposed of in compost bins in homes, and also in the recycling bin too, alongside paper.
Iron Beam will be a game-changer
Israel’s Brigadier General Ran Kochav, former commander of the Israeli Air Missile Defense Forces, believes that the introduction (next year) of the Iron Beam laser interception system will herald a profound change in the IDF. An excellent summary of its capabilities and limitations.
Defense system innovator visits London
Israel Technion graduate Dr Irit Idan was the Executive Vice President for Research and Development at RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems and is now CEO of Idan Technology Insights. UK readers can hear her speak on Dec 9 in London.
It is rocket science
Technion Prof Alon Gany was awarded the 2025 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Wyld Propulsion Award for outstanding achievements in rocket propulsion systems. It recognizes his research on metalized propellants, energetic materials, hybrid rockets, ramjets, and scramjets.
Integrated cybersecurity
Two Israeli cyber megastars, CyberArk and Wiz have announced a strategic partnership to improve multi-cloud security for enterprises. It will help companies meet audit and compliance requirements while reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Israeli AI partnership to maximize crop yields
Israel’s Fermata (see previously) is partnering Israel’s yieldsApp to give farmers “personalized, real-time insights that ensure crops get the right nutrients and treatments…”. Feremata’s cameras and AI detect problems and yieldsApp offers solutions to increase yields.
Avoiding heavy water
In most products 85% of the ingredients is water, which wastes fuel transporting it from place to place. Israel’s Capsule Minimal has developed 3D-printed smart capsules containing the active ingredients. Insert the capsule into the reusable metal bottle, add tap water, and the product is ready to use.
The universe is really big
A team of international researchers including from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has created an updated map of the local universe by analyzing the motions of 56,000 galaxies. It suggests that our cosmic neighborhood may be 10 times larger than previously thought.