From Negev to NASA: Inhayle's journey to advance health safety in space
From Negev to NASA: Inhayle's journey to advance health safety in space
The Israeli startup, which specializes in surface disinfection technologies, won first place in the EXPAND space accelerator program aimed at integrating Israeli startups into NASA's lunar settlement project and opening up investment opportunities.
Inhayle, an Israeli startup specializing in surface disinfection technologies, claimed first place in the EXPAND space accelerator program, which recently came to a close. The EXPAND program, a collaborative effort between Tech7 and Creation-Space, aims to integrate Israeli startups into NASA’s Artemis lunar settlement program and, eventually, the first steps on Mars. Inhayle received a grant of NIS 100,000 for taking first place.
Inhayle, founded by Itay Ben Artzi, Efi Shehrabani, and Dr. Israel Biran, is developing a platform for the purification and disinfection of enclosed environments. Following years of research and development, the company, established in late 2023, is building a technology that generates air composition similar to Earth's atmosphere.
This air reacts to bacterial contaminations and environmental pollutants, continuously making the area healthy and safe again, even in the presence of humans. After completing an initial fundraising round from angel investors and proving feasibility in a hospital in Israel, the company is now launching a Seed round to enter the U.S. market.
Inhayle's proprietary technology utilizes hydroxyls, a highly reactive compound, to effectively eliminate harmful pathogens from surfaces. This technology has significant implications for maintaining a clean and sanitary environment in various settings, including hospitals, healthcare facilities, and potentially even spacecraft.
The accelerator, which launched last April, was led by the southern nonprofit organization Tech7, which works to promote startups from the Negev region, and the Israeli company Creation-Space, which supports technological developments in the space sector. The program received backing from the Jewish National Fund USA and the American investment fund CreationsVC.
Tech7 aims to promote the innovation and technology community in the south, particularly in the Negev, with a vision of turning the region into a leading hub for innovation and technology in Israel. Omri Dai, CEO of Tech7, said, "I am proud to see Israeli startups pushing boundaries and integrating into international projects. This illustrates the strength of Israeli innovation and creativity in global collaboration. This is a significant achievement not only for the company but for the entire Israeli and southern tech ecosystem.”
