Let’s talk about liver fibrosis. Have you heard of it? In other words, it is scarring of the liver due to excessive accumulation of fibrous tissue, which leads to tissue damage and impaired liver function. And now, collagen. One of the proteins responsible for the development of the disease is collagen. When collagen accumulates in excessive amounts in the liver, it prevents drugs against the disease from penetrating the body and having an effect. From there, advanced liver fibrosis leads to liver failure, liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and sometimes even liver transplantation is required. And now for a less heavy topic – nanotechnology.
Prof. Avi Schroeder from the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at the Technion has found a solution. In his research, he developed a nano drug that contains an enzyme called collagenase, which can break down collagen and reduce it by 35-49%. And the result? Ask patients with fibrosis, who can now stop taking their medications and finally see their effects. This result is one of many that occur thanks to the implementation of innovation.
May we all have a happy and healthy day! 😉
Knowledge Center for Innovation 🌿

For further reading on the research:
https://lnkd.in/

🌸🌼🐰 Happy Easter! 🐣🥚

🐇💐 Did you know? There are churches that use technology to transmit church events during holidays, such as Easter, to those at home and allow them to feel part of the event. VR Church is one example of a platform that allows the use of Metaverse to break boundaries and create a new way to experience a spiritual community 🥕🐥

🌷 To read more about VR Church:
https://www.vrchurch.org/

Did you know that people from caves used selfie sticks? 😳
According to DALL-E, anything is possible.
In honor of World Creativity and Innovation Day, we decided to have some fun with OpenAI’s DALL-E AI system. We entered the search box on the website and started experimenting. We described a visual for details, such as “A noble family from the 16th century taking a selfie using a selfie stick and sticking their tongue out in Classicism art.” Within seconds, that’s exactly what we got. But who drew it? The answer is a bit complex, but we’ll understand more by the end of this post.
DALL-E is a system developed by OpenAI (who is responsible for ChatGPT, among other things) that can create images from text. DALL-E is trained on a massive dataset of images and their textual descriptions and learns the visual representation of each component in the description. In other words, if DALL-E sees billions of images of flowerpots and we ask DALL-E for an image of a flowerpot, it knows we mean a flowerpot and not a plane – it understands which object to provide. But it doesn’t stop there. DALL-E also learns the relationship between objects, such as a flowerpot on a table or under a tree. Then, if we ask for an image of another object under the tree, it already knows how to do it. The description can be simple or complex – DALL-E can handle it.
The most important thing to understand is that there is no human on the other side of the screen who is drawing what we requested, but rather a system that simply fulfills its purpose – to create images from textual descriptions. As for copyrights, according to the terms of use on the site, OpenAI agrees that the four images we have created are ours, but it owns all of the images created on its platform, and if we violate these terms, we will lose our rights. This situation is a bit tricky, and it seems that OpenAI itself is still trying to understand how to deal with it. Until then, we will continue to enjoy its services, which allow us to be artists for a day. Let’s all have a happy day of innovation and creativity 💡

If you’re curious about how DALL-E’s work is structured, you can read more about it here:
https://lnkd.in/grpEyVCR

Six big words on the screen – Our planet is choking on plastic 🌍

That’s what you’ll read when you enter the UN’s environmental program website. Today, we produce about 400 million tons of plastic waste each year. And what is the future estimate? It is estimated that by 2040, the amount of plastic waste that reaches the sea, for example, could triple to 37 million tons of waste per year. If this figure only refers to the waste that reaches the sea, imagine the whole picture. So what do we do? Capsules 💊

That’s where Capsuleminimal, an Israeli project from i4Valley, comes in. Water-soluble capsules containing everything we need. Whether it’s shampoo, dish soap, floor cleaner, or mouthwash – you name it. Instead of buying a bottle full of material, Capsuleminimal has developed solid capsules that contain up to 20% of the regular product we are used to buying.

How do you use it? Simply just put the capsule in a specially designed reusable bottle, fill it with water, and get the same product – just without the same environmental consequences. If this is just one opportunity that has emerged from the warming and led to significant positive change, imagine other initiatives that can join this change – and that’s where we come in.

Together with I4Valley, we have established the acceleration program to promote innovation in the existing 4.0 industry and environmental quality, which proves time after time that there are burning challenges and great solutions to them. Once a year, the i4connect competition is held, in which students, researchers, and graduates of the Technion submit proposals for breakthrough initiatives in various fields. We are now in the midst of the third acceleration program, where startups and companies are given the tools and support to develop innovative solutions that make a significant impact on the environment.

So, we’re in a good situation, right? Well, not exactly. The Earth is still not clean from pollution and there is still a long way to go, but initiatives like these definitely shorten it, and it is our responsibility to lead the greatest change. Let us all have a happy Earth Day, and let’s continue to take care of our only home 🌍

i4Valley’s official website:
https://www.i4valley.com/

🌾🌸 Happy Shavuot! 🎉🥛🌱

As we celebrate our unique and dairy-filled holiday, there is nothing we love more than to applaud and uplift those who choose to integrate innovation and sustainability into their business. And that’s why today we want to introduce you to Remilk 🌱

So, to put it simply – Remilk is a food-tech company that produces animal-free milk alternatives, by utilizing microbial fermentation technology. And now, let’s dive into the details 🔎🕵🏻‍♀️

🇮🇱🥛🐄 the israeli company Remilk has recently received a big endorsement from Israel Innovation Authority, following the Ministry of Health’s official regulatory approval for producing milk without using animals. 🙌

Through a unique fermentation process, Remilk’s protein powder is identical to that produced by cows, but without lactose, cholesterol, growth hormones, and antibiotics. This not only reduces animal suffering but also helps combat the climate crisis by reducing environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. 🌍🌿

Remilk’s proteins can be used to create a variety of vegan products, such as cheese, ice cream, and even yogurt that taste and feel like those made from cow’s milk, allowing us to celebrate Shavuot with joy and serenity, in a new and special way. 🌿🐄 🥛

So, let’s enjoy our beloved milk delicacies during the upcoming holiday and celebrate the innovation and advancement in the food-tech industry in Israel, which fills us all with immense pride.

Happy holiday! 🌾🌷

For further reading on Remilk, visit their official website:
https://www.remilk.com/

#TuBav #loveholidayinisrael #AILOVE ❤️🤖

Have you heard about artificial intelligence? Surely you have (who doesn’t use Chat GPT?). But what about a loving relationship with artificial intelligence? No, it’s not an episode of Black Mirror or a scene from a Hollywood movie, it’s completely real ❤️.

Various apps, like Eva AI or Replika, have made it possible for us, humans, to have social or intimate relationships with 100% artificial intelligence partners that are fully tailored to us.

Now let’s explore why these apps came into existence and what problems they aim to solve:
1) Personal distancing: These apps emerged mainly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when we were all confined to our homes, unable to maintain close personal connections or meet new people face-to-face.

2) Social anxiety: About 30% of the world’s population faces social difficulties and shyness. These digital tools make it easier for people to cope with new relationships, only it’s through a computer.

3) Personalization: The world is advancing rapidly towards personalizing every aspect of our lives. Thus, apps like these use advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze each user’s personal preferences, such as age, location, interests, values or interaction styles.

4) Maximized convenience: AI partners are available 24/7 for users, with basic and paid features, providing love on demand, anytime, anywhere.

5) Efficiency: These apps save time and money by rapidly connecting users with potential partners who are a perfect fit, minimizing the need for awkward first dates.

Now, let’s take a look at the flip side of this. Can an AI partner be a genuine substitute for love? Critics worry about the potential emotional impact of these apps on human relationships.

By creating idealized partners, they may distort our expectations and blur the lines between virtual and real relationships. Some argue that users may struggle with emotional distress due to their attachment to AI entities.

Despite the potential concerns, these AI apps offer a new and intriguing way for people to practice romantic interactions and experience personal connections. For those who find interpersonal interactions challenging, these apps can be a helpful stepping stone before diving into the real deal – human relationships.

What about you? would you try apps like EvaAI and Replika for AI love? 🤔

For further reading:
Dazed:
https://lnkd.in/epgZ–sd

The Guradian:
https://lnkd.in/eeqHfHS5

👨‍💼🚀 Job Interviews of Tomorrow: The Ascendance of AI-Powered Chatbots! 🤖💬

In a tech-driven world, AI chatbots are making their mark in the job market. As companies aim to streamline recruitment and unearth hidden talents, virtual interviewers have become invaluable tools. With lightning-fast screening and the ability to uncover overlooked candidates, chatbots promise to revolutionize hiring.

Yet, this innovation comes with challenges, as some argue they lack the human touch needed to assess candidates effectively. As businesses grapple with this decision, the future of job interviews hangs in the balance.

What’s your take? Would you embrace a chatbot as your next job interviewer?

For more insights on interview chatbots, read Forbes’ article:
https://lnkd.in/eHym7F9j

How is Greenland on its way to becoming the global metals empire? 🪨

In recent years, many foreign companies have started to invest in Greenland and establish metal mining operations. This comes after the country was revealed as a hub for rare earth metals, essential for developing leading technological products such as our mobile phones, computers, batteries, electric vehicles, and wind turbines. 📱

Greenland contains some of the largest deposits of rare earth elements (REE) on Earth. These elements are ideal for producing technological products due to their resilience to extreme temperatures and various chemical processes.

The development and encouragement of mining in Greenland offer tremendous economic growth opportunities for the country. However, there are costs associated with this:

1. Economic growth vs. environmental sustainability: The remote location, harsh climate, and small population of the country limit its economic potential. Therefore, the development of mining areas will increase career and income opportunities for its residents. However, Greenland is also a critically important environmental hub, hosting wildlife at risk of extinction and playing a central role in global climate preservation. Hence, it is committed to environmental preservation and sustainable mining practices. ♻️🌱

2. Strategic location vs. national security threat: Greenland’s location in the Arctic region means that developing its resources significantly contributes to its economy and security, reducing dependence on foreign countries. Nevertheless, foreign companies’ encouragement of mining could potentially undermine the country’s security and political stability, leading to increased foreign dependence and exposure to corruption. 🧑🏻‍⚖️💰

Currently, the demand for rare earth metals is growing rapidly, with the global market value estimated at over $10 billion in 2020. Therefore, Greenland recently announced the “Green Energy Corridor” program, aiming to generate hydroelectric power from melting glaciers along the coasts to strengthen its mining industry. The program also supports environmental protection, as hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source, allowing sustained mining and resource utilization while encouraging economic growth. 💡🚀

For the full article:
https://lnkd.in/edNTBH-y

🚢 The blue economy industry is flourishing – an international collaboration between Ashdod Port and Thessaloniki Port 🌊

🤝📈 Ashdod and Thessaloniki Ports have signed an agreement to promote innovation in the port sector. The agreement will focus on joint research and development of new technologies, sharing of information, and recommended working methods. This agreement signifies the growing importance of innovation in the port sector and represents a significant step in the increasing cooperation between Israel and Greece.

In our recent management forum, we specifically emphasized the connection between innovation and Blue Economy. We hosted the CEO of the Israeli Center of Blue Economy and the CEO of Gadot from Haifa Port, who enriched the knowledge of participating managers with insightful and up-to-date presentations on the subject.

Our 14th annual Management Forum will be held in December 2023. Registration will open after the holidays. Stay tuned!. 🗓️📣

🔗 Full Article: https://lnkd.in/e2FsDEVM

India is changing its name 😱 Is this a bold move or a useless idea? 🇮🇳 🚀

Recently rumors have been circulating online that India is set to change its name to “Bharat” after the president referred to herself as “President of Bharat” rather than “President of India.” Now, opposing views are emerging from the Indian people, and members of the government and other prominent figures are also joining the fray. ⚖️

Organizations often find themselves struggling with the question of whether or not to make a change. Should they stick with what is familiar and only innovate “the edges”, or face the daunting decision of changing from the ground up? We have learned that there is no one right answer, and it takes managerial courage and risk-taking to decide to embrace innovation.
We wish India (still) all the success with this move! 🤞🏾

Economist full article

🚕🤖 How does the future of transportation look like? San Francisco will tell you 🌉🌆

🌐 The world is probably not ready for it, but if not now, when? Autonomous taxis are about to revolutionize the way we travel, and San Francisco is about to become the first city to adopt this innovative technology.

🗓️ On August 10, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted to allow Waymo and Cruise, autonomous vehicle companies, to launch a massive expansion of their fleet of driverless taxis in San Francisco. This is a major step forward for the autonomous vehicle industry, and plans are in place for a widespread deployment of such taxis across the United States.

🌇 It is important to say that this is not just about technology. It is about the future of our urban life. Autonomous taxis have the potential to optimize our transportation experience by being available 24/7, operated by AI that drives at a high standard of safety and adapts itself to an optimal travel route, and as a result we will feel relief in traffic congestion and improvement in air quality and life.

💡 The founder of MOOVIT and CONNVAS swept us away with his lecture on “Innovation and the Future of Transportation” at our last Innovation Management Forum, and in December we will set out on a new and exciting series of forum lectures. There is something to look forward to! 🚘🤖

📰 For further reading:
https://bit.ly/3Pjyex0

#MentalHealthDay🎗️
Today is World Mental Health Day, and at a painful time, our country 🇮🇱 is going through difficult days of war. Taking care of the mind is essential like taking care of the body, and therefore the network has been filled in recent days with breathing exercises, tips for relieving stress through mindfulness, tools for practicing yoga and meditation, and many have shared their personal tools for the well-being of all of us.

On ordinary days we write something about innovation and proudly connect to the innovative development of an Israeli startup. Therefore, this time too, and especially this time, we have chosen to write about “CalmiGo”, which was developed by Adi Wallach, a graduate of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion, and today is a co-founder and CEO of the company.
CalmiGo is a smart biofeedback device designed to help in stressful situations. It combines 3 calming mechanisms: 1. prolonged exhalation, 2. calming scents, and 3. multisensory stimulation. The device is used as a natural solution for the treatment of anxiety, without medication and/or other chemicals. Therefore, it is an innovative and accessible alternative to a wide audience (including children).

The device has been tested in a number of studies, one of which we will mention here, which was conducted in collaboration with Tali Schaffer, a graduate of our “Organizational Innovation Manager” program, co-founder of the ADIR-O oncology development and innovation unit at the Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv. At Ichilov, a double study was conducted, the first with patients suffering from anxiety before oncological treatments, and the second with the medical staff who are constantly under stress and mental strain. In both cases, significant results were observed for the high efficacy of CalmiGo!

For an interview with Tali on how to think innovation out of challenges: https://lnkd.in/eHFR5peb

#WorldVeganDay 🌱💚

In these unprecedented times, we all sometimes look for a quick escape from reality. However, sometimes it is worth being connected to the ground. In this case, the Israeli ground. It is no coincidence that Israel is the world capital of veganism. We cherish the land and its produce, and now more than ever, Israeli agriculture needs us. When some workers were called to serve, while others were forced to return to their home countries, the fruits and vegetables are not harvested, rot and are thrown away. 🥑🥬🍅

Now we will introduce you to the SunDo app, an initiative from the volunteer organization “HaShomer HaChadash”, which helps Israeli’s agriculture. This innovative app allows anyone who wants to volunteer to find and register for a farming volunteer opportunity in an instant, anywhere in the country.
All you need to do is download the app, fill in your details and choose, almost like a food menu, the desired place and time of volunteering.

Interested in volunteering? Click and download the app:
https://bit.ly/appsundo

Claire Vivier, founder of the Clare V fashion brand, spoke at the Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York about the brand’s commitment to social justice. Vivier, who grew up in a family of political activists, said she decided to use her brand to do good in the world. She shared how Clare V partners with non-profit organizations like Every Mother Counts or Planned Parenthood, and how a percentage of the proceeds from the brand’s online fashion collections is regularly donated to these organizations.

Vivier emphasized how small brands can make a difference by using their platform as an educational tool to raise awareness about important issues. She said that by integrating social activism into her business model, she has been able to find innovative ways to positively impact and support important social issues.

Similar to Claire’s initiative, we would like to introduce you to Joanna Kali – community manager at AgingIL and a graduate of our center. The association works with government agencies and businesses to develop innovative solutions to the challenges of aging in Israel. Did you know, for example, that the global market for products and services for the elderly is now over 1.1 billion dollars per year?

Since the start of the war, the association has been promoting surveys of the needs of elderly citizens in Israel, in order to quickly identify the most significant challenges facing the elderly community and bring them to the developers of technology companies that can provide solutions. Recently, a new challenge has arisen to consolidate all initiatives for elderly citizens in times of emergency in Israel.

To learn more about AgingIL:
https://lnkd.in/eVpWNNFj
https://lnkd.in/e2faiYAD

To read the full article about Clare V’s brand:
https://lnkd.in/eY8vHuSH

Continuing the #Innovationescapism series. 🚀🇮🇱 Crises can bring out a lot of things in us – fear, anger, frustration.. But as befits us Israelis, in the end, even daring turns out to be sweet. 💙

This week, an article was published in YNET, about the most innovative security developments of Israelis during the Israel–Hamas war. Here are a few of them:
💡 Unique safe room lock – who hasn’t seen the variety of creative solutions to block the safe room door from terrorists, using piles of books, wooden planks, etc.? Yair Abramson, Alon Gal, Nir Azarti and Dor Levi, four industrial design students, did not remain indifferent and together with a design student from Bezalel, under the guidance of Prof. Sami Hafts and Prof. Eido Bruno, they managed to develop a lock with a strong and cheap security mechanism made of metal that is already in production in factories, and in use in thousands of homes across the country. It has a simple and sophisticated geometric structure, which allows for quick and easy adaptation to all types of safe room doors.

💡 Modular stretcher – Tomer Beiske developed and created the stretcher as part of the Industrial Design Department at Hadassah Jerusalem. It is a stretcher that allows you to carry the wounded and provide treatment during evacuation. A regular stretcher is not accessible to the wounded, as it is placed on the shoulders of the carriers and is too high. In this stretcher, the harness is attached to the waist and allows access to the wounded during the evacuation process, and the soldiers carrying it can operate a firearm while moving. The stretcher also allows for sitting, in cases where lying is not recommended. The stretcher can also be moved by wheels, which allows it to be carried by a single solider, over four.

💡 Cardboard army bed – An invention by Bentov Ellipses – meet Bedbox. These are beds made of cardboard, lightweight, easy to assemble and transport, and resistant to rain conditions, so our soldiers don’t have to sleep on a cold floor anymore.

For all the additional (and very worthwhile) developments, take a look at the full YNET article:
https://bit.ly/KCILibrary