With limited natural resources, Israel was compelled to lean into its human capital, leading to an emphasis on education, research, and development from its early days. The nation’s compulsory military service also plays a crucial role, instilling leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while exposing young people to cutting-edge technology. 

Government initiatives have likewise been pivotal, with programs designed to fuel research and development. For example, establishing the Israel Innovation Authority alongside investment incentives has provided a fertile ground for startups to thrive. Moreover, Israeli tech transfer offices in its world-class universities and research institutions ensure that innovations swiftly transition from academic research to global markets. 

This ecosystem is bolstered by a culture of resilience and a willingness to take risks. The result is a vibrant, innovative environment that has given rise to technologies and solutions impacting lives worldwide.

Whether you realize it or not, Israel’s bold and determined innovation is part of our daily lives, driving changes that promise everyone a more secure, sustainable, and technologically advanced future. 

Israeli tech is improving the world by channeling unreasonable optimism and unrelenting hope. Here are some of the leading innovations with global integration and impact:

Water Technologies 

Watergen 

Location: Rishon LeZion, Israel 

Year Founded: 2009 by Arye Kohavi 

Development: Developed in Israel, WaterGen’s extraction technology produces water in environments with humidity levels as low as 20%, making it viable in various climates. It has been deployed in numerous disaster-stricken areas and drought-affected regions worldwide. 

Impact: WaterGen’s technology is crucial for areas facing severe water scarcity or contamination. Providing a renewable source of clean drinking water addresses the scarcity and quality of water issues. This advancement supports local agriculture, enhances health outcomes, and reduces the time communities spend on water collection, particularly in remote areas. 

Global Adoption: In the U.S., WaterGen partnered with Flint, Michigan, to provide clean drinking water during its crisis. The units have been deployed in countries like India, Vietnam, and several African nations, significantly impacting communities by improving access to clean water. 

Netafim 

Location: Kibbutz Hatzerim, Israel 

Year Founded: 1965 by Simcha Blass and Kibbutz Hatzerim 

Development: Netafim pioneered drip irrigation technology to enhance water efficiency in agriculture. It’s now adopted in over 110 countries, transforming agricultural practices by saving water and increasing crop yields. 

Impact: Netafim’s drip irrigation systems are a game-changer for regions with limited water resources, enabling farmers to grow crops more efficiently. This technology significantly reduces water waste, making agriculture more sustainable and productive. It’s particularly impactful in arid and semi-arid areas, where water conservation is critical. 

Global Adoption: Netafim’s technology is used globally by farmers in countries including the U.S., India, China, and Brazil. It supports both large-scale agricultural producers and smallholder farmers. 

Agricultural Innovation 

BioBee 

Location: Sde Eliyahu, Israel 

Year Founded: 1984 by Yossi Kagan 

Development: BioBee’s biological pest control solutions were developed to reduce chemical pesticide use, export beneficial insects worldwide, and establish leadership in biologically based integrated pest management. 

Impact on Challenges: BioBee’s biological control agents are used globally to combat pests and diseases in agriculture, significantly reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides. By enhancing crop protection naturally, BioBee helps improve food security and supports the livelihoods of farming communities. 

Global Adoption: BioBee’s products are used in over 50 countries, including the U.S., to manage pests in various crops, promoting sustainable agriculture practices. 

TIPA 

Location: Hod Hasharon, Israel 

Year Founded: 2010 by Daphna Nissenbaum and Tal Neuman 

Development: TIPA developed compostable packaging solutions to tackle plastic pollution, introducing products that offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. 

Impact on Challenges: TIPA’s eco-friendly packaging solutions particularly reduce agricultural and packaging waste. TIPA contributes to waste reduction and environmental sustainability by offering a viable alternative to conventional plastics. 

Global Adoption: TIPA’s packaging solutions are adopted by U.S. and European brands seeking sustainable packaging alternatives across fashion, food, and consumer goods sectors. 

Renewable Energy  

SolarEdge 

Location: Herzliya, Israel 

Year Founded: 2006 by Guy Sella, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Meir Adest, and Amir Fishelov 

Development: SolarEdge developed an intelligent inverter solution to optimize solar energy efficiency, achieving global recognition and adoption in residential, commercial, and large-scale solar projects. 

Impact: SolarEdge’s technology is crucial for the global shift towards renewable energy sources, offering a more efficient way to manage and utilize solar power. This innovation is particularly significant for regions seeking sustainable energy solutions to combat climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. 

Global Adoption: SolarEdge technology is used worldwide, including by major solar energy companies in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, to enhance solar power systems’ efficiency and reliability. 

Eco Wave Power 

Location: Tel Aviv, Israel 

Year Founded: 2011 by Inna Braverman and David Leb 

Development: Eco Wave Power developed technology to generate electricity from ocean waves, establishing the first grid-connected wave energy station. 

Impact: Eco Wave Power’s technology offers significant potential for coastal communities, especially in regions where other renewable energy sources might be less viable. By tapping into the constant energy of waves, this technology provides a reliable and clean power source, contributing to energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Global Adoption: Engaged in agreements and pilot projects in countries like Gibraltar and Mexico. 

Mobility Solutions 

Mobileye 

Location: Jerusalem, Israel 

Year Founded: 1999 by Amnon Shashua 

Development: Mobileye’s ADAS technology, developed to enhance road safety, was acquired by Intel in 2017 for approximately $15.3 billion, marking it as one of the largest acquisitions in Israeli history. 

Impact: Mobileye’s technology is instrumental in reducing vehicle collisions, thereby decreasing traffic-related injuries and fatalities. This is particularly impactful in regions with high rates of traffic accidents. Mobileye saves lives and reduces healthcare costs associated with traffic accidents by improving road safety. 

Global Adoption: Mobileye’s technology is used by automotive manufacturers worldwide, including General Motors, BMW, Audi, and Ford. It enhances vehicle safety through advanced collision avoidance systems. 

Healthcare Innovation 

MDClone 

Location: Beer Sheva, Israel 

Year Founded: 2016 by Ziv Ofek 

Development: MDClone introduced a healthcare data analytics platform, revolutionizing healthcare data use while ensuring patient privacy. Major healthcare providers have adopted it for data-driven decision-making. 

Impact on Challenges: MDClone’s platform is significant for regions with limited medical resources, enabling healthcare organizations to make data-driven decisions and optimize patient care. By improving the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services, MDClone helps address critical healthcare challenges, including patient care management and disease prevention. 

Global Adoption: Used by healthcare organizations in the U.S., Canada, and Israel, MDClone’s platform supports healthcare delivery and research with data-driven insights. 

ReWalk Robotics 

Location: Yokneam Ilit, Israel 

Year Founded: 2001 by Amit Goffer 

Development: ReWalk Robotics developed wearable robotic exoskeletons for individuals with spinal cord injuries, receiving FDA approval in March 2023. 

Impact on Challenges: ReWalk Robotics’ technology offers life-changing benefits for individuals with mobility impairments, significantly enhancing their quality of life. In regions where disabilities can result in social exclusion and economic hardship, ReWalk’s exoskeletons enable greater independence and participation in community life, addressing social and economic challenges. 

Global Adoption: ReWalk’s exoskeletons are used in rehabilitation centers and by individuals in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, providing life-changing benefits to users with mobility impairments. 

TytoCare

Location: Netanya, Israel

Year Founded: 2012 by Dedi Gilad and Ofer Tzadik

Development: TytoCare has developed the Home Smart Clinic, an innovative, FDA-cleared device that allows families to conduct remote physical exams with a doctor, leveraging AI-powered guidance and diagnostic support.

Impact on Challenges: TytoCare’s technology enhances access to healthcare, especially in remote and underserved areas. By enabling home-based health assessments, TytoCare reduces the need for in-person clinic visits, easing the burden on healthcare systems and increasing user convenience.

Global Adoption: TytoCare serves over 220 major health systems and plans across the U.S., Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency globally.

Cybersecurity

Wiz

Location: Tel Aviv, Israel

Year Founded: 2020

Development: Wiz has introduced a Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) that democratizes security across the development lifecycle, allowing organizations to build securely while maintaining business agility.

Impact on Challenges: Wiz’s platform addresses critical security challenges in cloud environments, providing businesses with the tools to identify and mitigate risks swiftly. This enhances global cybersecurity and supports the protection of sensitive data across various sectors.

Global Adoption: Trusted by 35% of the Fortune 100, Wiz’s solutions are implemented by top companies worldwide, fostering a safer digital infrastructure and promoting resilience against cyber threats.

Alternative Proteins

Amai Proteins

Location: Rehovot, Israel

Year Founded: 2016

Development: Amai Proteins focuses on creating designer proteins for food applications, using computational design and biotechnology to produce sugar substitutes that are healthy, tasty, and cost-effective.

Impact on Challenges: Amai’s sweet proteins offer a sustainable and healthier alternative to sugar, tackling global health issues like diabetes and obesity. Their products maintain food quality and taste, which is crucial for consumer acceptance and dietary shifts.

Global Adoption: Amai’s innovations have been evaluated and adopted by leading food and beverage multinationals for use in beverages and dairy products, highlighting their global impact on the food industry and public health.

Israeli Tech for the World 

Israel’s inventiveness is necessity-driven and impatient for solutions. Combined with robust government backing and a culture that champions risk-taking and resilience, this environment has cultivated a range of companies making tangible impacts worldwide.

These technologies significantly enhance our lives, from revolutionizing water generation to pioneering road safety. The practicality and ingenuity of Israeli tech offer viable, diverse, and far-reaching innovation for a more sustainable and safe future—for everyone. 

The post The Israeli Tech You Didn’t Know You’re Already Using  appeared first on Startup Nation Central.

In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 7 as World Food Safety Day in order to raise awareness of the human toll caused by foodborne diseases and promote action to help prevent, detect, and manage food-related risks. While some solutions are as simple as practicing better hygiene in food preparation, others rely on cutting-edge innovation and technology-based products. Israel, as a global leader in the AgriFood-Tech industry, has much to offer the world as it seeks to reduce and eventually eradicate the dangers of foodborne diseases.

Unsafe food that contains harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances, causes more than 200 diseases – ranging from diarrhea to a variety of cancers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 600 million people fall ill every year after eating contaminated food, leading to 420,000 deaths annually — more than the number of people who die each year from malaria. Children under 5 years of age carry 40% of the foodborne disease burden, with 125,000 deaths recorded every year.

While the burden of foodborne diseases is a public health concern globally, the risk – particularly to young children – is most severe in low- and middle-income countries.

Another aspect of food safety (though thankfully far less common and lethal) is the growing prevalence of food allergies. Various estimates hold that between 1-10% of the population suffer from one or more food allergies. Global statistics are sorely lacking in this field, but according to U.S.-based non-profit FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), every year 200,000 Americans require emergency medical care for allergic reactions to food. 

For better or worse, foodborne diseases are generally linked to preventable causes such as preparing food with unsafe water, poor hygiene, and inadequate conditions in food production, transportation, and storage. While it is sad that this is the case, it also means that there is hope because a lot can be done to improve conditions. As such, food safety is a cause that has been taken up by governments and industry alike, with a focus on new technologies that can help in things like advanced detection, food traceability, material analysis, improved sanitation, chemical reduction in crops, and improved preservation and storage. 

Israeli technologies improve food safety throughout the entire lifecycle

Considered a world leader in AgriFood-Tech, Israel as the Startup Nation is home to dozens of companies offering advanced technological solutions for enhancing food safety, divided up into several categories: 

Food Contamination and Materials Detection: 

Israeli innovation, particularly advanced sensor technology, helps ensure that the food that arrives on our plates does not contain harmful substances. Companies like Inspecto and Yarok Microbio develop solutions for the early detection of food contaminants. Kiins produces a biodegradable polymer that eliminates the need to clean food processing equipment after use in food production. Prevera developed a disinfectant solution to incorporate into water purification systems, food and beverage production processes, and packaging applications, and SensoGenic produces a consumer biosensor to detect allergens in food., 

Israeli companies like ClariFruit, Vibe Imaging Analytics, and Unispectral employ computer vision and machine learning technology for measuring the quality and ripeness of fruits and vegetables. Using state-of-the-art imaging innovation, these companies help stakeholders throughout the food supply chain to ensure only safe and high-quality produce is marketed for human consumption. 

On the grower side, Israeli is home to numerous AgriTech companies that focus on reducing the use of chemicals. One such company is Groundwork BioAg, which produces mycorrhizal inoculants for commercial farming that improve soil nutrient uptake in plants, increase crop yields, improve resistance to several types of stress, and reduce fertilizer requirements by up to 25%. The company began operating in India, which is currently their major market, as part of an initiative launched by Start-Up Nation Central and the Syngenta Foundation.

Food Preservation and Storage Solutions:

In an effort to keep food safer and more nutritious for longer, Israeli companies have invented a series of ingenious solutions. BioTip makes specialized freshness stickers that change color according to the product’s state of freshness. Save Foods develops a line of eco-friendly sanitizing solutions to eliminate salmonella, E. coli, and listeria. AseptoRay came up with an eco-friendly, cold pasteurization method based on ultraviolet technology to reduce spores and heat-resistant molds. Silo Kitchen is the developer of a vacuum-sealing container system that combines one-touch vacuum technology with an IoT infrastructure designed to help foods stay fresh longer. Another company that tackles hygiene throughout the production process is Soapy Care, which developed an IoT-powered hygiene micro-station, designed to ensure that employees wash their hands properly when needed. Israeli companies like  Hefestus Technologies, Plastopil, StePac, and Post Harvest Solutions each offer their own unique solutions for ensuring that, once prepared, the food we eat arrives at our kitchens under optimal conditions that also extend its shelf life.

Food Tracking, Supply Chain, and Logistics:

Food traceability is one of the key challenges when it comes to food safety. Israeli companies employ advanced solutions that make it possible to track the food we eat throughout the entire supply chain and monitor its condition as it makes its way across the globe. Varcode, for example, develops technology for continuous cold chain monitoring for perishables by providing a dynamic barcode, barcode readers, and a dashboard for up-to-date transportation information. Another company, Trellis has developed an AI-powered food system intelligence platform that enables key agricultural players, from growers to food manufacturers, to accurately forecast crop production, supply chain fluctuations, and market trends, which can result in lower costs, improved quality, and reduced food loss.

With an Agri-Food-Tech industry made up of nearly 400 companies, making it the second largest in the world, Israel is also home to several Food-Tech hubs, such as The Kitchen, which is operated by the Strauss Group and whose portfolio includes Bio Fence, a manufacturer of patented technology for antimicrobial and antiviral coating of surfaces used to reduce the presence of hazardous pathogens such as viruses, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. Other hubs that foster innovation in the food industry and are involved in, food safety are Food-Tech incubator Fresh Start, Tnuva’s consumer and retail innovation center Capsule, and GrowingIL a government initiative of the Israel Innovation Institute, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Israel Innovation Authority that aims to reshape Israeli agriculture to meet emerging global food needs through the implementation of groundbreaking technologies. Food safety starts by using clean water both in the field and at home. Israel is known as a leader in water technologies, particularly for irrigation and waste-water treatment. Israel’s national water company Mekorot also operates a specialized unit for advancing innovation in the water industry, investing in startups, running a technology incubator, and providing access to knowledge about water, which is a primary part of the food safety ecosystem.

 Director of Research at Start-Up Nation Central, Meir Valman: “Israel’s tech ecosystem is famous for taking cutting edge technologies developed for one purpose and adapting them to other use cases. The field of food safety and traceability is a great example of this with a number of Israeli startups in this area making use of advanced sensors in order to check the quality and freshness of food. Other technologies include biologicals and artificial intelligence (AI) that enable Israeli startups to offer a huge range of food safety-related solutions. These range from discovering and developing new agricultural inputs; tending to the various cultivation challenges like water, pests, and optimization; digitizing trade and ensuring post-harvest resilience; creating new ingredients like cultured meat and dairy, through to food processing and production improvements.“

The post World Food Safety Day: Israeli Innovation Helping Battle Against Foodborne Diseases appeared first on Startup Nation Central.

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