Tech Innovation

The Israeli Technology You Didn’t Know You’re Already Using 

Tech Innovation

May 6, 2024

Throughout the Startup Nation’s dynamic 76-year history, harsh conditions have fostered a uniquely resilient national mindset and culture of innovation. Over the years, Israeli technology has transformed coastal dunes into cities, deserts into fertile farmland, and rudimentary industries into one of the most sophisticated and successful innovation-driven economies.

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. 

The Israeli Technology Ecosystem

This ecosystem is bolstered by a culture of resilience and a willingness to take risks. The result is a vibrant, innovative Israeli technology sector 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 technology 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, with this Israeli technology 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 of Israeli technology in the country’s 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: This Israeli technology is 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.