A novel electrochemical method to degrade fluorinated organic compounds (FOCs), which are recognized globally as major water contaminants. These persistent pollutants contain fluorine-carbon (C-F) bonds and are, therefore, highly stable. The method is simple and cost-effective and can be used in batch and flow systems. The technology was chosen as one of four winners in a challenge organized by Mekorot's innovation unit, WaTech, to receive further funding and mentorship for prototype development. The technology is IP-protected.

A new automated system for the analysis of non-verbal signals in speech. The system detects several emotions and attitudes, as well as spoken emphasis, prosodic unit boundaries and three prosodic prototypes. Potential applications include speech-to-text, machine translation, behavioral analysis, and more. The technology has been transferred to Yeda and is now under commercialization.

A new imaging approach that uses deep learning algorithms integrated in standard imaging methods. This approach increases the efficiency of tissue pathology, enabling the analysis of up to 22 proteins simultaneously while using only five channels. The technology is IP-protected and transferred to Yeda for commercialization.

A new device that is inserted into the ureteroscope working channel intended to remove stone fragments following laser fragmentation (lithotripsy) of kidney or ureteral stones. The new device was designed together with Dr. Yaniv Shilo, an endourologist (Kaplan Medical Center), and industrial designers from Bezalel Academy of Art and it is IP-protected. The project was transferred to Yeda and is under commercialization.

Environmentally friendly, robust supramolecular plastic materials composed of organic nanocrystals. The novel plastics are IP-protected and can be incorporated into biodegradable polymers as an alternative to polluting petroleum-based plastics.

A multidisciplinary collaboration between Prof. Lior Heller, a plastic surgeon, and Prof. Brian Berkowitz, an hydrologist, to develop a device intended for the active drainage of liquids for lymphedema patients. An in-vivo safety experiment was conducted successfully. The new device is IP-protected. The project was transferred to Yeda and is under commercialization

Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries are one of the most used type of batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.  However, recycling these batteries poses significant challenges, with current methods relying on harsh acids or bases, which raises environmental and economic concerns. Prof. Lubomirsky and Dr. Valery Kaplan's project offers an economically viable, eco-friendly approach to lithium recovery from LFP batteries, eliminating the need for aggressive chemicals and promoting a more sustainable recycling process.

A flow cell membrane electrolyzer for CO2 reduction. The electrolyzer uses novel metal-based catalysts that enable CO2 reduction at near-ambient temperatures and pressures to generate CO as an industrial chemical intermediate. This is a new zero-carbon emission pathway to solar fuels and commodities in the chemical industry.   
A new climatech start-up, Carbonade, was founded in 2022 based on this project.
 

Mitochondrial Carrier Homolog 2 (MTCH2) plays a key role in controlling apoptosis, mitochondrial morphology, and metabolism. Variations in this protein have been associated with higher human BMI, and its deletion in mouse skeletal muscle prevents diet-induced obesity by increasing energy expenditure. This project aims to identify a small molecule inhibitor of MTCH2 to combat obesity.

Prof. Alon Harmelin

Traditional skin allergy testing often relies on subjective visual inspection, creating a need for more precise, quantitative diagnostic methods. This project introduces an innovative multimodal optical imaging system that integrates three optical modalities to detect and image markers of allergic responses, offering a more sensitive approach to skin allergy testing.

The increasing demand for recombinant proteins has accelerated the development of advanced production methods. This project uses gUMI-BEAR, an unsupervised barcoding system, for gene variant screening, aiming to boost the production efficiency and scalability of target proteins in yeast to more effectively satisfy global requirements.

Delivering RNA molecules such as guide RNAs (gRNAs) for RNA editing to the nucleus presents a challenge that restricts their activity primarily to mature mRNA, rather than pre-mRNA. This project seeks to identify novel elements that enable RNA transport into the nucleus, advancing the potential for innovative RNA-based therapies.

Cellular senescence significantly influences cancer progression and the behavior of the tumor microenvironment, underscoring its viability as a therapeutic target for interrupting cancer growth and enhancing treatment strategies. A newly developed bi-specific antibody aims to target and eliminate senescent cells in cancerous tissues selectively.

Climate change and escalating drought severity demand novel sustainable strategies for developing drought-resistant tree species. This project offers an innovative approach with genetically modified Poplar trees designed for enhanced growth and improved water-use efficiency, addressing critical climate challenges and ensuring future wood production while minimizing deforestation and water consumption.