ISRAEL INNOVATION PROJECT

LETSTOP, an Israeli startup, is attempting to tackle the problem of distracted driving by incentivizing responsible behavior through its app. Using advanced tech and AI, the app tracks phone usage while driving. It then provides customized feedback to improve driving habits and rewards safe driving with credits that are redeemable for vouchers or cryptocurrency.

Israeli startup PoLoPo is employing molecular farming to cultivate egg white protein within potatoes. The gene for ovalbumin, the main protein in egg whites, is created using their new proprietary SuperAA platform and inserted into potato plants. The modified potatoes are then grown and harvested like conventional potatoes. After harvesting, the egg white protein is extracted from them and turned into a powder for commercial use in food production as a vegan-friendly protein. The company has launched pilot schemes in Israel and has plans for marketing it in the US by 2026, pending regulatory approval.

Tel Aviv University researchers have conducted a pioneering study on over 3,000 coronary heart patients post-bypass surgery, that studied the relationship between the areas where they resided and their survival rates after the operation. The study reveals that patients who resided in greener areas had an 7% lower mortality rate on average than those who lived in a relatively non-green environment. This is based on the hypothesis that living in a green environment meant better air quality and more engagement in physical activity.

Using a combination of two existing medications, Tel Aviv University researchers have developed a new strategy to combat the development of bone metastasis, a common occurrence with breast cancer. Their approach disrupts communication between cancer cells and healthy cells, thereby reducing metastases. The therapy's advantage lies in using readily available drugs. Preliminary observations have shown improved survival rates in mice, further clinical trials will determine effectiveness and safety for humans.

A research study by the University of Haifa and the Underwater Acoustic and Navigation Laboratory utilized acoustic studies of dolphin whistles and analyzed the data with deep-learning AI software, to confirm that noises from ships and other maritime traffic significantly alter the vocal behavior and communication patterns of dolphins. While the meaning of the altered communication patterns is still being studied, scientist believe it very likely relates to stress or distress responses.

Scientists at Tel Aviv University have uncovered the complex decision-making process used by bacteriophages or phages (viruses that invade bacteria). They found that after invasion, if a phage senses other phages nearby, it chooses to remain dormant; whereas if it does not sense other phages, it instead replicates and kills the host. This study has several potential applications like alleviating the effects of diseases like cholera by using phages as antibiotics alternatives to pathogenic bacteria and , with further research, gaining better insight into the behavior of human-infecting viruses.

Israeli tech startups have raised $1.6 billion in the first quarter of 2024. The number of deals increased by 35% from the previous quarter, with larger deals dominating, particularly in cyber startups, which secured $620 million in funds. This symbolizes a significant vote of confidence by investors in Israeli entrepreneurs and raises hopes of continued recovery from the fundraising drought caused by the Israel-Hamas war.

Weizmann Institute researchers were able to capitalize on a unique opportunity to observe a supernova (exploding star) in real-time and gather crucial data in the process. With initial analysis suggesting that the missing mass formed a black hole post-explosion, the study offers new insights into stellar life cycles and the formation of new cosmic entities. The study signifies a great stride in understanding the rare phenomenon of supernovae and can potentially enhance our understanding of the universe's origins.

Inspired by COVID-19 protocols, researchers have successfully used pooled saliva PCR testing to collectively screen large numbers of newborn babies for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), which is a very common yet under-screened viral infection that, until now, could only be tested for using individual saliva and urine samples. The new method is faster, cost-effective, reduces false positives and enhances early detection and intervention which is crucial for managing cCMV-related complications.

A study by Bar-Ilan University researchers proposes the use of their newly developed device to detect low concentrations of pharmaceutical waste and contaminants in water, particularly the highly toxic piperidine which poses significant health risks to humans and animals. The dime-sized device uses a nano-patterned metallic surface and optical detection methods to detect piperdine even at very low concentrations. The findings of this study can revolutionize environmental waste and contaminant monitoring.

Weizmann Institute researchers have found a new yeast species that can potentially be used against a harmful yeast type called Candida albicans, which causes a deadly infection called invasive candidiasis in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. The newly discovered species, Kazachstania weizmanni, lives harmlessly in the intestines of both mice and humans, but successfully competes with and reduces the development of Candida albicans. Showing promising results in mice, the new finding could possibly also offer a way to manage invasive candidiasis in humans.

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University, in collaboration with their Italian contemporaries at the University of Milano-Bicocca, have devised a novel method to combat Alzheimer's disease. The approach harnesses X-ray activated nanoparticles that target early-stage aggregation of A-beta, a harmful protein whose accumulation is directly linked to neurotoxicity and cognitive decline. The method has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in both neuronal cell cultures and in animal studies and presents a promising new avenue for early intervention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Israeli company Belong.Life launches BelongAI Dave - Cancer Mentor, an advanced AI app for personalized cancer support prioritizing empowerment and caregiver assistance. It provides 24/7 guidance, educational resources, and clinical trial navigation. The app utilizes a vast data repository for making accurate and personalized cancer support accessible and affordable for everyone.

Israel-based City Transformer's $17,400 foldable 2-seater electric car, the CT-2, is set to launch in July. The CT-2 is made of sustainable materials like natural fibers, recycled elements, and eco-friendly composites. Its unique design allows the wheelbase to be contracted to just 39 inches, without affecting cabin space. It boasts a top speed of 55mph, and a range of 75-112 miles.

Israeli mobility app Moovit has a new feature that aids Israeli voters in locating polling stations by inputting station numbers, offering navigation options via public transport, bicycle, or walking.

Israel's Magentiq Eye shared findings from a clinical trial of its Magentiq-Colo CADe tool which demonstrates greatly improved adenoma detection during colonoscopies, with a 99.6% sensitivity and 98% specificity. Cleared by the FDA in July 2023, the device uses AI to spot adenomas in real-time videos, aiding colorectal screening.

Israeli scientists have created sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to address the environmental impact of aviation. CarboNGV, a collaboration between Ben-Gurion University and the Ralco Group, uses industrial waste and other materials to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) via a proprietary method. The first CarobNGV demonstration plant is expected to become operational by 2025.

Research from Tel Aviv University and Sheba Medical Center suggests a positive link between exposure UV radiation and fertility in women aged 30–40. By observing seasonal AMH hormone fluctuations, it was found that older women exhibited increased fertility markers during summer while younger women showed no significant correlation. Further studies will be needed to understand the mechanism and establish safe exposure levels.

A team led by researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Volcani Institute, has developed compounds that boost the rooting of plant cuttings, a stage that is critical for the propagation of plants with desirable traits. They found that introducing a synthetic, slow-release version of the plant hormone auxin (responsible for plant rooting and other vital developmental functions) greatly improved the rooting ability of plant cuttings. This is a significant discovery that can potentially reduce costs, improve crop quality, and help develop more climate-adaptable plant varieties.

Bar-Ilan University researchers led by doctoral student Belal Abu Salha, have devised a method by which strawberries are coated with nanoparticles made of chitosan, which is an edible natural substance with antibacterial properties. This treatment effectively prolongs their shelf life by up to 15 days. This breakthrough not only benefits strawberry growers but also holds promise for enhancing food preservation industry-wide, offering eco-friendly solutions to extend the freshness of various produce.

Israel's IDE Technologies is seeking to expand its desalination and water recycling services in the Philippines, engaging in talks with local partners for potential ventures. With impending water scarcity in the region due to El Niño, IDE emphasizes water recycling and environmentally friendly solutions tailored to the Philippines' unique challenges.

OPENLANE, a major US vehicle marketplace, has integrated Israeli tech company Click-Ins' AI system to detect vehicle damage from real-time images and generate visual overlays that allow customers to quickly and accurately assess the exterior condition of used vehicles. UVeye is an Israeli AI-powered vehicle inspection system that is already in use at hundreds of US GM dealerships to improve the accuracy of vehicle inspections.

From The Times of Israel - As a potential way to combat global warming, scientists from Technion propose deploying a series of sunshades in space for reflecting sunlight away from Earth. The project, called "Cool Earth", is still in the early stages, but based on calculations it offers a promising solution to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Professor Gad Vatine from Ben-Gurion University and Dr. Avraham Ashkenazi from Tel Aviv University, have teamed up to study a rare but potentially fatal disorder in young children called Central Congenital Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS), which can cause a child to stop breathing while asleep. They have found that CCHS stems from a PHOX2B gene mutation that affects the Autonomic Nervous System. This finding provides insights into the disease mechanism and opens up possibilities for developing treatments to improve the quality of life for patients with CCHS.

Israeli biotechnology company Pluri Inc. unveils its breakthrough in cultured coffee bean production, aiming to transform the global coffee market. Utilizing PluriMatrix technology, the process grows coffee cells in a lab that offer the same taste and aroma as regular coffee, with added sustainability benefits that help reduce environmental impact and address challenges posed by climate change.

Israeli AI startup Storywizard.ai won the Global Edtech Startup Awards (GESA) in London. The platform enables children to create, edit, and illustrate their own bedtime stories with the help of AI. The program has also found an application in the education sector as teachers globally have adopted it craft classroom educational aids. It has already been integrated into hundreds of Israeli schools since September 2023 and in over 1,500 schools worldwide.

Tel Aviv University scientists used CRISPR genetic editing technology to grow tomato plants that need less water but still produce plenty of fruit. They targeted a gene called ROP9 to partially close the plant's pores, reducing water loss without harming growth. This breakthrough could benefit other crops as well, leading to more efficient water use in agriculture.

Israeli innovators, supported by EU funding, are aiming to produce handbags made of fish skin, for eco-friendly fashion. Their idea is to repurpose fish skin, which is typically a waste material, into leather that offers sustainability benefits. The collaboration, currently at the proof-of-concept stage, is seeking industrial adoption, emphasizing its potential for sustainability and innovation in the fashion industry.

A recent study by Ben-Gurion University researchers uncovers how anxiety and testosterone are linked at the molecular level, shedding light on potential treatments for anxiety. They found that a protein called TACR3, present in the brain, connects low testosterone levels to anxiety. Through experiments on rats, they discovered that higher testosterone levels corresponded to lower anxiety, and vice versa.

New research from Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine shows that oscillating-rotating electric toothbrushes outperform traditional toothbrushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis in children (ages 3-10). Children using electric brushes had significantly better results in plaque and gingivitis reduction, emphasizing their oral health benefits.

Oracle CEO, Safra Catz, has confirmed plans to open a second data center in Israel, emphasizing the need for robust and secure cloud services during war. With this nine-floor secure underground facility, oracle aims to double its investment and enhance cloud services in Israel.

A groundbreaking study by Hebrew University reveals how supermassive black holes generate intense light during Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs). Through advanced simulations, researchers accurately recreated the entire TDE process, identifying a previously unknown shockwave type that powers the brightest phases of these events. The findings offer insight into black hole properties and may validate Einstein's theories in extreme gravitational conditions, shaping future astronomical exploration.

Tel Aviv based 101 Therapeutics, in partnership with Canadian-Israeli venture capital firm, AWZ has developed a new COVID treatment that could change how we fight the pandemic. It targets immune cells called macrophages, helping remove infected cells and stopping dangerous immune overreactions referred to as a “cytokine storm”. Notably, this drug is “pathogen agnostic” and as such, it is poised to be a crucial solution for addressing future pandemics and biosecurity threats.

After rigorous safety assessments, Aleph Farms, an Israeli food-tech start-up, has received regulatory approval to sell lab-grown steak in Israel, marking a significant milestone in cultivated meat technology. The process uses sample cells from a live animal that are then cultivated in a controlled environment and blended with plant proteins from soy and wheat. Aleph Farms plan to commercialize its product in the Israeli food service and retail markets soon.

A portable virtual reality system by Israeli startup XRHealth aids brain-injured patients' recovery at Sheba Medical Center. The VR system, used by occupational therapists, enhances cognitive and motor skills through interactive game-like activities. It offers an engaging and motivating approach for rehabilitation that can be utilized in hospitals or at home under remote supervision.

From Calcalist CTech - Imagindairy, a foodtech startup, has secured FDA approval for their non-GMO, cholesterol-free, and eco-friendly animal-free milk proteins produced through precision-fermentation technology.

An innovation center for climate and desert technology is opening in Be’er Sheva, Israel, and will span the Negev and Arava regions. One of nine centers, it aims to promote employment and technological advancement in the Negev, develop new companies, strengthen the high-tech sector, and integrate locals into the industry.