ISRAEL INNOVATION PROJECT

Israeli researchers from Tel Aviv University grew the first long-lasting human kidney organoids in the lab, maintaining them for 34 weeks. These organoids mimic fetal kidney development, and this study could shed light on the processes that lead to kidney diseases. This breakthrough provides insights into the different roles of kidney development and function.

Just weeks after an Iranian missile destroyed eight labs at the Weizmann Institute, a spared team led by Prof. Michael Fainzilber published groundbreaking research identifying hundreds of RNA molecules—called B2-SINEs—that promote nerve regeneration in both the peripheral and central nervous systems of mice, offering potential pathways to improve recovery from injuries and chronic diseases.

Line 5, a newly launched Israeli defense tech startup, has secured a $20 million seed funding round—the largest in the sector this year—led by NFX and joined by Kinetica, Iron Nation, and prominent angel investors. Founded by Gigi Levy-Weiss, Yiftach Shoolman, Sari Brosh Rechav, and Matan Melamed, the company aims to develop confidential technologies to enhance battlefield safety and reduce risks to soldiers. The startup's name honors Shoolman's friend, Ayelet Langer-Alkobi, who was killed in a 1994 terrorist attack on Bus Line 5.

X-trodes, a startup emerging from Tel Aviv University, developed innovative wireless skin sensors that collect brain and muscle activity without the need for gels or wires. Supported by TAU’s Zimin Institute, the company turned academic research into a practical tool used in sleep monitoring, neuro-research, rehabilitation, and human-machine interaction. Its global adoption showcases how university-based innovation can lead to impactful commercial solutions in healthcare and beyond.

Tel Aviv has become a global leader in smart water management, completing the installation of 250,000 smart water meters across the city, achieving a 100% deployment rate. This initiative, led by the municipal water corporation Mei Avivim in collaboration with Israeli company Arad, enables real-time monitoring, rapid leak detection, and personalized consumption data.

Classiq, an Israeli quantum software startup, has raised $110 million in a Series C funding round led by Entrée Capital, bringing its total funding to $173 million. The company has developed a platform that simplifies quantum algorithm development, aiming to make quantum computing more accessible and practical for real-world applications. CEO Nir Minerbi likens their mission to becoming the "Microsoft of quantum computing," providing the essential software layer to empower the next generation of quantum applications.

Intel's Ignite DeepTech accelerator has launched its inaugural cohort in Israel, selecting 10 early-stage startups from a pool of 258 applicants. The three-month program aims to support entrepreneurs in sectors such as cybersecurity, biotechnology, and road safety, providing mentorship and resources to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses. This initiative underscores Intel's commitment to fostering technological innovation and entrepreneurship within Israel's vibrant startup ecosystem.

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a novel machine-learning algorithm called WGAND, which adapts techniques used to detect fake online profiles for identifying abnormal protein activity within the human body. By analyzing protein interaction networks similarly to how social networks are scrutinized for fraudulent behavior, WGAND successfully pinpointed proteins linked to neurological and cardiac disorders. This interdisciplinary approach, combining cybersecurity and biochemistry expertise, demonstrates the potential of cross-domain methodologies in advancing biomedical research.

Hertz has partnered with Israeli startup UVeye to install over 100 AI-powered vehicle inspection systems at major U.S. airport locations, aiming to streamline and enhance the accuracy of rental car assessments. UVeye's technology, likened to an "MRI for vehicles," utilizes advanced computer vision and machine learning to detect external and mechanical flaws as cars pass through a tunnel equipped with cameras and sensors. Originally developed for homeland security, this system is expected to generate tens of millions in annual revenue and reflects a broader industry shift toward automated fleet management solutions.

Israeli cybersecurity startup Pillar Security has secured $9 million in seed funding to develop a platform that safeguards AI-integrated software systems. Founded in October 2023 by Dor Sarig and Ziv Karliner, the Tel Aviv-based company aims to address the unique security challenges posed by AI technologies, which traditional cybersecurity tools often fail to manage. The funding round was led by Shield Capital, with participation from Golden Ventures, Ground Up Ventures, and strategic angel investors. Pillar plans to use the investment to expand its research and development operations and triple its workforce by the end of the year.