ISRAEL INNOVATION PROJECT

Israeli AI startups Fermata and yieldsApp have partnered to create a farm management solution that uses real-time crop monitoring and tailored recommendations. Their system detects pests, diseases, and nutrient issues, reducing chemical use by 25% and crop losses by 30%. This eco-friendly approach aims to enhance yields amid rising climate challenges, benefiting sustainable and efficient farming.

Israeli company Innoventric has secured $28.5 million in Series B funding to further develop its novel treatment for Tricuspid Regurgitation, a condition impacting cardiac blood flow. By attaching a prosthetic valve to the vena cava rather than the heart, this minimally invasive procedure avoids the need for general anesthesia and is beneficial for patients ineligible for more complicated traditional treatments. The funding will facilitate additional clinical trials and regulatory approvals.

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that the peculiar metabolic system of Oriental hornets allows them to consume high concentrations of naturally occurring alcohol without any negative effects. Unlike animals like fruit flies and tree shrews that do get adversely affected by alcohol, the hornets metabolize alcohol rapidly and show no signs of intoxication or health issues. This unique ability, possibly linked to a genetic trait, can be useful in researching alcohol metabolism in humans.

Israel’s Eco Wave Power is expanding its patented technology for generating energy from sea-waves to the east coast of Taiwan in a 100KW pilot project fully financed by I-Ke International Ocean Energy. With plans to manufacture components locally and expand capacity to 400MW over time, the project will leverage Taiwan's technological abilities and vast coastline for renewable energy, and also generate local employment opportunities.

Israeli startups are exploring unique, sustainable protein sources like jellyfish, locusts, black soldier flies, banana leaves, and microalgae protein for various food applications. These innovative companies aim to provide healthy sustainable protein alternatives, reducing ecological damage from traditional protein source production, while also addressing environmental issues like jellyfish blooms and organic farm waste.

Israeli and Japanese researchers have developed a stable peptide, D'20, that inhibits the enzyme MMP7, which promotes cancer spread, particularly in pancreatic cancer. Using cutting-edge MI-RaPID technology, they identified D'20’s high specificity in targeting MMP7 without affecting beneficial enzymes. With further research and human trials, their breakthrough discovery can offer a targeted approach to cancer treatment with fewer side effects.

A study from BGU and Sheba Medical Center found that survivors of the Oct 7 attack on the Nova music festival who had consumed alcohol and/or psychoactive drugs experienced anxiety, depression and acute stress disorders. The study also noted that of the two, alcohol consumption caused more severe peri-traumatic dissociation and post-traumatic symptoms and contributed to a delayed recovery.

Hebrew University researchers introduced a fast, versatile and non-invasive computational holography method for high-resolution imaging through complex or dense media, without needing expensive tools or prior knowledge of the target. Representing a shift from the challenging hardware-reliant approach to a computational one, their method promises broad application in medical imaging, microscopy and autonomous vehicles.

Israeli startup Inhayle has received a NASA-led grant for its patented air and surface disinfection technology that produces hydroxyl radicals, mimicking outdoor air chemistry indoors, to effectively eliminate bacteria, organic contaminants, and other pollutants. Achieving a 90% disinfection rate when tested in a hospital setting, the prototype will undergo further development for potential use in space habitats and lunar bases.

Avertto, an Israeli biotech firm, is innovating stroke intervention with AI-driven pressure sensors that monitor carotid arteries for imperceptible pulse changes that could signal a stroke. This early detection system promises to prevent over 80% of strokes and reduce related disabilities. Showing great potential in blind clinical studies, Avertto has secured $2 million in grants and is currently seeking FDA approval.