What Israeli technologies did Microsoft unveil and which Israeli startups are helping keep us sane?

IAI signs agreement to acquire 50% of BlueBird shares for $14.4 million. “The combined companies will offer a broader portfolio of VTOL products with advanced technological benefits at competitive prices,” says IAI exec. Read more

Microsoft offices in Israel. Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft unveils new cyber solutions at its annual conference – some developed in Israel. Ignite 2020, Microsoft’s annual conference, was held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Although no brand-new or groundbreaking technologies were unveiled, the meeting allowed for the introduction of a number of innovations, including the rebranding of the company's cyber security solutions and two cloud security products developed at the Development Center in Israel. Read more

7 Israeli startups that are helping to keep us sane. Lonely lockdowns, deadly viruses, economic collapse - it’s no wonder mental health apps are on the rise. Read more

Rights activists petition court to block export of Cellebrite spy tools to Putin’s investigative committee. The petition claims that the export of the system has gone on for years despite a long list of embargoes and sanctions initiated by the U.S. and European Union against the committee. Read more

IAI is looking for a partner to help it convert military tech for civilian uses. The quest to convert military technology for the civilian market is one that Israel’s defense industries have been on for decades, with only limited success. Read more

Israeli-American cyber company Preempt Security to be acquired by CrowdStrike in $96 million deal. The addition of Preempt’s technology to the CrowdStrike Falcon platform will help customers achieve end-to-end visibility and enforcement on identity data. Read more  

IATI asks government to designate tech and biomed companies as essential industries. Ahead of the second lockdown, tech umbrella group urges decision-makers to allow the industry to keep specialized facilities open. Read more

Robotic laparoscopic surgery company Human Xtensions mulls TASE IPO at up to $200 million valuation. The company, which develops robotic tools to assist surgeons in minimally invasive procedures, is in the midst of a roadshow among Israeli institutional investors and intends to raise around $50 million as part of the IPO. Read more

China’s Geely to install Mobileye autonomous driving tech in future vehicles. “The Geely deal is significant for its size, scope and timeline. But most importantly, it proves that there is a valuable use case for AV technology,” says Amnon Shashua. Read more  

Israeli government orders full two-week lockdown amid escalating Covid-19 outbreak. Only essential factories and services will be able to continue operating during the closure. Outdoor prayer services and protests, two hot-button issues dominating the country these days, will be limited to groups of up to 20 people and can be held within only 1 kilometer from home. Read more

Insurance software company Sapiens partners with driver assessment company GreenRoad. Sapiens’ insurer clients will be able to use GreenRoad’s mobile app to accurately and dynamically assess risks for automotive insurance, based on the individual driver’s performance. Read more

Israeli government agencies invest more than $3 million in alternative energy R&D. “The call for proposals for pilot programs in the energy sector will lead to the rapid commercialization of innovative energy technologies.” Read more