Israel Active

Israeli biotech Pluri (previously Pluristem) has launched its cell-based coffee. It is estimated to cut water usage by 98% compared to traditional methods of production. Pluri plans to spin out its cell-based coffee as a new subsidiary focused on developing innovative products for the coffee industry.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University used CRISPR gene editing to reduce the time that tomatoes transpire - open their stoma to photosynthesis - which also causes evaporation. Less evaporation means less water needed for irrigation.

Israel’s Kornit Digital (see previously) and Israeli design school Shenkar College, teamed up to create a way of transforming the waste into a useful everyday product – a handbag made from discarded salmon skin. The process used French maroquinerie leathercraft methodology.

Israel’s Neolithics (see previously) has launched Neolithics Light. The portable, AI-powered, platform uses hyperspectral optics to automatically inspect fruits and vegetables for ripeness, nutrition levels, sweetness, and other indicators to eliminate waste.

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)