Israel Active

Israel’s Ministry of Defense Directorate of Defense R&D (MAFAT) works with 200 startups plus universities to develop tech solutions to wartime challenges. New vehicles include remotely piloted troop carriers and bulldozers. New software includes AnyVision’s facial recognition system.

Since last featured (see ) in this newsletter, Israel’s Heven Drones has launched several new models of its hydrogen-powered drones. The early model flew for 100 minutes with a 7kg payload. Its new HD250 carries 10kg for up to 8 hours and can travel 466 miles.

Israel’s NT-Tao (see previously) plans to use mini fusion power generation facilities as charging stations for electric vehicles. It aims to manufacture demonstration facilities by 2029 and to commercialize them in the 2030s.

JNF-Canada, KKL-JNF and Startup Nation Central awarded their $1 million Breakthrough Climate Solutions Prize (CSP) to three Israeli projects: - two Technion professors (cyanobacteria in building), Tel Aviv University Prof Brian Rosen (green ammonia) and BGU Prof Menny Shalom (zinc-air batteries).

Tel Aviv University Professor Isaac Ben-Israel, former head of Israeli Space Agency, is the first Israeli to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). It is for his outstanding contribution to astronautics (space sciences) and to the IAF.

In a landmark event, Israel has approved Israel’s Aleph Foods to sell its cultured (kosher / parve) beef to the public. (The USA and Singapore previously only approved cultivated chicken.) Aleph Farms hopes to roll out its Black Angus Petit Steak later this year.  (the “game” changer article)

The IDF gave permission to the founders of several Israeli tech startups to fly on a specially chartered El Al plane to CES 2024 in Nevada to demonstrate their innovative products to the world. Visionary.ai CEO Oren Debbi will return to IDF helicopter rescues in Gaza next week.

Israel’s ProFuse Technology has launched ProFuse -S1 - a supplement that accelerates muscle cell development in the cultivated meat industry. In the future it could also benefit the rehabilitation of human muscle cells.

Israel’s Intuition Robotics (see previously) has just launched ElliQ 3 – the generative AI version of its ElliQ companion robot desk lamp. The company notes, “Now users can discuss a virtually infinite number of topics in a more natural and detailed manner with ElliQ.”

International research and consulting company Cleantech Group has issued its 15th annual Global Cleantech 100 list. It included Israel’s BeeHero (see previously) in the Agriculture & Food category. Israel’s Copprint (see previously) was cited in the Materials & Chemicals category.