During the 24 hours after the Paris terror attacks, 4.1 million people checked in with friends and relatives using Facebook Safety Check, a technology developed by Facebook Israel’s research and development department and representatives of the German and Israel Space Agencies signed an agreement in Tel Aviv for cooperation on technological R&D.
By: Michael Ordman
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Millions use Israeli app after Paris attacks
During the 24 hours after the Paris terror attacks, 4.1 million people checked in with friends and relatives using Facebook Safety Check, a technology developed by Facebook Israel’s research and development department. The app then sent messages to 360 million people to inform them that their loved ones were safe.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/panicked-parisians-turn-to-facebook-made-in-israel-tech/
Germany and Israel sign space agreement
Representatives of the German and Israel Space Agencies signed an agreement in Tel Aviv for cooperation on technological R&D to benefit mankind. Among the topics will be space missions, observations of Earth, communications, navigation and deep space.
http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Health-and-Science/Israel-Germany-ink-space-accord-433204
Research with the UK to double
The Israeli Ministry of Science, Technology and Space will partner with the UK Government’s Science and Innovation Network on a new set of Researcher Exchange Programs, doubling the number of research scientists for the next four years.
http://news.nocamels.com/2015/12/03/israel-and-uk-deepen-partnership-in-science-and-technology/
http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Health-and-Science/In-the-face-of-the-BDS-movement-Britain-and-Israel-agree-on-expanding-scientific-cooperation-435816
TA University and China
Tel Aviv University has forged links with over 30 leading universities and major Chinese cities – the latest with Nanjing and Yunnan. TAU also signed a memorandum of understanding with Peking University to establish a joint agricultural research institute in Weifang, China. Research will focus on climate, improving crop yield, and creating food strains with enhanced nutritional properties.
http://jewishbusinessnews.com/2015/11/26/china-expansion-tau-launches-initiatives-in-three-major-chinese-cities/
http://news.nocamels.com/2015/11/18/tel-aviv-and-peking-universities-partner-on-agtech/
4 Israelis in MIT’s top 35 innovators under 35
Four Israelis are among 35 honored this year by MIT with its annual list of young researchers who have had a huge impact on the world – and are expected to go on to do much more. They are Dr Gilad Evrony (brain cells), Professor Cigall Kadoch (neuro-technology devices), Dr Rikky Muller (cancer research) and Ben Rubin (Meerkat video app).
http://www.israel21c.org/mit-honor-4-israelis-in-annual-35-innovators-under-35/
A whole new tire design
Israeli start-up Galileo Wheel has invented a new design of tires for agricultural vehicles. It provides better control, a wider footprint, more stability, and the ability to transform between tire and track mode, depending on what terrain the vehicle is riding on.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/with-innovative-tire-israeli-start-up-reinvents-the-wheel/
Detecting the smallest of leaks
Israel’s Aquarius Spectrum can detect water leaks from holes only 1.5mm diameter. The startup has just received $2.2 million of funding.
http://aquarius-spectrum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Aquarius-Hutchison-Invest-eng-PR-Final-For-media-Oct15-002.pdf
Juice-flavored water cups
Israeli startup The Right Cup has developed a fruit-scented cup that tricks the brain into thinking it is drinking juice instead of plain water. CEO Isaac Lavi created the product after contracting diabetes and forced to avoid sugary drinks. He has raised $90,000 more than his $50,000 target.
http://www.algemeiner.com/2015/12/02/israeli-start-up-develops-juice-flavored-water-cups/
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-right-cup-trick-your-brain-drink-more-water#/
A much better tour
Israeli start-up Manage Your Trip collects, collates and analyzes data to determine the pluses and minuses of a tour, a guide, a venue, a restaurant, a bus company, and many other factors. The system is geared not only to provide tourists with a better experience – but tour organizers with bigger profits.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/big-data-makes-for-happy-tourists-israeli-start-up-says/
Get a better job, faster
Israeli startup Highr recently completed Microsoft’s accelerator program and is now matching qualified people to technical job vacancies with a success rate of 78%.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/for-your-next-tech-job-look-no-highr/
Protecting mobile apps
Israeli startup AppDome protects any mobile application. It allows users to download a secure version of an app within minutes and distribute it via the App Store or Google Play. AppDome was named 2015 Gartner Cool Vendor in Mobile Security and has just raised $13 million of funding.
https://appdome.com/appdome-closes-13-million-in-series-a-funding-to-offer-disruptive-mobile-app-security-saas-technology/
3D printing in metal
Israeli startup Xjet has developed technology to print 3D objects made of metal (current 3D printing is based on plastic). It could revolutionize the production of custom-made metal objects, which currently require an expensive mold to take liquid metal that then solidifies.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/3d-printing-ready-for-its-next-big-sprint-metal/
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