A compilation of news about the chief scientist's investments in the first half of 2006
20/12/2005
The Magnet Committee, headed by Dr. Eli Ofer, the chief scientist at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Employment, decided to promote three new topics in 2006:
• NEGEV – advanced technologies that will be required in the future to operate video services anywhere and anytime regardless of the broadcast times and/or the end station. A group of companies led by Combers, Optibase and Scopus with researchers from academia will jointly develop the technological building blocks for managing the service, managing the content and bringing the content that will be customized to meet our needs.
• Determined - technologies for transmitting advanced multimedia services in existing telephony networks. The consortium led by ECI, Actelis and Metlink will develop technologies required to solve the structural problems of the access networks at "broadband" service providers, in order to bring about effective utilization of the physical infrastructure.
• Biotov - technologies for increasing the health components in fresh and processed food and developing products rich in flavor and aroma. The association led by the seed transport, Gedera seeds and Rahen cultures will be engaged in seducing technologies that will allow improving the nutritional quality of fruits, vegetables and bioactive substances produced from them.
Ilan Peled, Director of Magnet stated that the preference for these three issues over five discussed by the committee was due to their compatibility with the rationale of the Magnet program for developing technological infrastructure while maximizing the relative advantages of the partners so that at the end of the development period all partners will have advanced technologies that will be a competitive factor in the international markets "To.
Eli Ofer, the chief scientist, pointed out that the Magnet program enables the installation of advanced technological capabilities as a result of the cooperation, which is a key parameter in the competition against large companies in the world that are able to invest much higher R&D resources than the Israeli companies. The Office of the Chief Scientist attaches great importance to the development of long-term technological infrastructures.
The incubator committee approved the establishment of 10 new incubator companies with a grant of NIS 17.7 million
3.1.2006
By: Avi Blizovsky
The Technology Incubator Committee, headed by the Chief Scientist, Dr. Eli Ofer, approved at its last meeting ten new projects in the field of biotechnology, medical devices and software.
In the field of medical equipment, the following projects were approved:
• An expanding dental implant. will be carried out in the Ofakim greenhouse.
• Development of a system for cryosurgical treatments. It will be carried out in Hamma Niyot, Yakneam.
• A system for precise cutting of tissues. It will be carried out at the Valley Initiatives Incubator, Migdal HaEmek.
In the field of electronics, the following project was approved:
Color control and quality control system for sheet printing. It will be carried out in the Xania greenhouse, Kiryat Gat.
In the field of software, the following projects were approved:
• A universal platform for developing mobile games. Will be carried out at the JVP incubator, Jerusalem.
• Quality control technology for Real Time PCR. Kinneret greenhouse, plant.
• Automatic/computerized diagnosis using X-ray. Hamma Mai'an, Beer Sheva.
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In the field of biotechnology, the following projects were approved:
• A small molecule to treat the metabolic syndrome. Bioline Greenhouse, Jerusalem.
• Synthetic peptide for the treatment of ischemia. Bioline Greenhouse, Jerusalem.
• Development of a molecular system of peptides for drug targeting. NGT Incubator, Nazareth.
Dr. Eli Ofer, the chief scientist, noted that for the biotechnological incubator - Bioline - which began operating in Jerusalem in January 2005, 7 projects have been approved so far. Participation in the establishment costs of the incubator's central laboratory, which will serve the ventures and enable infrastructural biotechnological activity to be carried out as part of the incubator in Jerusalem instead of abroad, was also approved.
Rena Pridor, director of the incubator program, stated that in addition to the new approved projects, a special permit for a third year in the incubator was also given to three projects in the field of biotechnology, as part of a special track that allows biotechnology projects to operate in normal incubators for three years (instead of two years), in order to increase their chances of reaching the stage The mobilization of private investments.
Pridor also noted that this week a biotechnological venture company - Naswax - which operates in a greenhouse in Kiryat Shmona, was issued with great success on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
The Research Committee approved eight R&D programs * The Magnet Committee announced 7 magnetons
2.2.2006
The latest research committee chaired by the chief scientist at TMT, Dr. Eli Ofer, discussed 9 R&D programs. The committee approved 8 new R&D programs with an investment of NIS 20.8 million, of which NIS 8.1 million are R&D grants from the chief scientist's budget.
In the field of electronics, 3 projects were discussed. Of these, 2 projects were approved with an investment of NIS 6.6 million, while the scientist's grants amounted to NIS 2.3 million. In the field of software, the 3 projects discussed by the committee were approved with an investment of NIS 6.2 million and the scientist's grant amounted to NIS 2.5 million. In the fields of medical equipment, plastics and miscellaneous, the 3 projects discussed by the committee were approved with an investment of NIS 8 million. The scientist's grants amounted to NIS 3.3 million.
One of the companies that was approved for a grant is Lithotech Medical Ltd., which was established as an incubator company in 2001, as part of the technological incubator in Katsrin Ramat Golan. The company has developed and currently manufactures a variety of products dealing with the treatment and extraction of stones from the urinary tract.
The company has supply contracts for the next two years with Cook Urology Inc., the second largest company in the world in the field of urology. Lithotec Medical products have been sold through Cook's global marketing network since the end of 2004.
The technology developed by the company is well protected by several patents that have been registered all over the world and is based on the use of an alloy with important properties such as great flexibility and shape memory. In April 2005, Lithotech Medical inaugurated a production plant in Katsrin. The plant is certified by the US authorities (FDA) and meets the strict standards of ISO 13485-2003. At the same time as expanding production, the company continues to develop additional products in the field of urology.
7 new magneton projects were approved by the magnet committee headed by the chief scientist, Dr. Eli Ofer
It should be noted that in each of the projects there is a collaboration between an industrial company and a research group from the academy to examine and adapt the technological knowledge developed in the academy for the benefit of the industrial company.
Each project ends with a milestone that allows the industrial company to decide whether to absorb the technology, integrate it into the company and use it in the development of its products later on. Among the approved projects is the collaboration between the "Biological Industries" company and a research group from the Technion to develop technology and grow human embryonic stem cells in a system without animal materials. A collaboration between the company "Insitec Guided Treatment" and the Technion to develop a new MRI method to monitor the damage caused to tissues following thermal treatment, and a collaboration between the company "Pixdro" and Ben-Gurion University, for the use of ink injection technologies to treat the surface of the structural materials of flat screens.
Dr. Eli Ofer added that the "Magneton" proved to be an effective device for extracting the technological knowledge developed in the academy and not yet ripe for immediate commercial application, and helped to upgrade industrial companies that needed new technologies to refresh their products.
Ilan Peled, director of Magneton, added that every year about 30 "Magneton" projects operate with an average budget of about one million NIS per year, about 60% of which are new. Most of the projects operate for two years of activity, during which you can see the change that the company is going through and especially the tightening of ties with the academy.
The establishment of 7 new incubator companies was approved with a total grant amount of NIS 12 million
Dr. Eli Ofer, Chief Scientist at TMT: In the first quarter of 2006, an aggregate amount of over $25 million was invested in incubator companies, of which $16 million was raised as part of the first fundraising round
26.4.2006
The Technology Incubator Committee, headed by the chief scientist at TMT, Dr. Eli Ofer, approved at its last meeting seven new projects in the field of life sciences, 6 of them in the field of medical devices.
In the field of medical devices:
• Stomach Pacemaker - MITB Incubator, Kiryat Shmona.
• Magnesium absorbable implants for orthopedic applications - MITB hotbed, Kiryat Shmona.
• System for anchoring dental implants - Hamma Van-Leer, Jerusalem.
• Functional imaging of the brain - Technion Incubator, Haifa.
• A pacemaker that improves the synchronization between the chambers of the heart - MTG, Katzrin.
• A set of tools for laparoscopy surgery - Hamma Mashgav, Karmiel.
In the field of biotechnology:
• Innovative treatment for AIDS patients - Red Biomed Incubator, Tel Aviv.
Dr. Eli Ofer, the chief scientist at TMT, noted that the greenhouse program continues to create investment opportunities for investors. In the first quarter of 2006, an aggregate amount of over 25 million dollars was invested in incubator companies, of which 16 million dollars were raised as part of the first fundraising round.
Renee Pridor, director of the incubator program, stated that in the last month, companies that graduated from the incubator are achieving significant milestones and are at the forefront of the achievements of Israeli start-ups at the beginning of 2006.
Pridor also notes that a number of companies are facing a public offering, among them Mango DSP heating in Jerusalem, Protelix heating MITB in Kiryat Shmona, and Barnav heating Niyot in Kneam. In addition, the first exit was registered in 2006 for the company Sightline Mahemama Altam.
The Sightline company develops medical devices for the early detection of tumors in the digestive tract and was recently purchased by the medical device giant Stryker from Michigan, USA for over 140 million dollars.
The technology of the Yatran Mahemma Ma'an company, which develops communication components on top of electrical infrastructures, was announced in the USA as a standard for home communication in the smart home. MET heats initiatives, which develops a tiny device for injecting drugs into the veins of the eye, obtained CE approval, and Enzi-Serge heats Mesgav, which provides treatment solutions for diabetic ulcers and pressure ulcers through the infusion of enzymes, obtained FDA approval.
34 research and development programs with an investment of NIS 121 million were approved
2.5.2006
The research committee chaired by the chief scientist at TMT, Dr. Eli Ofer, which met recently discussed 43 new R&D programs with a requested investment of NIS 255.4 million.
The committee approved 34 new R&D programs with an investment of NIS 121 million, of which NIS 47.5 million are R&D grants from the chief scientist's budget. The committee met as part of the discussions on "medium requests" - requests to support R&D projects whose budget is estimated between NIS 10 million and NIS 30 million. Applications for projects of this size can be submitted until January 31 of each year, except for applications in the sectors defined as preferred sectors by the research committee - biotechnology, nanotechnology and traditional industry.
The Research Committee chaired by the Chief Scientist is a public committee and in accordance with the R&D Law its members are representatives from the public, the Treasury and the Ministry of Education.
During the committee, 18 projects in the field of biotechnology with a requested investment volume of NIS 180.4 million were discussed. Of these, 13 projects were approved with an investment of NIS 67.4 million, with state grants amounting to NIS 26.7 million.
In the field of chemistry, 10 projects were discussed with a requested investment volume of NIS 21.1 million. Of these, 8 projects were approved with an investment of NIS 11.9 million, with state grants amounting to NIS 4.4 million.
In the field of pharmaceuticals, 10 projects with a requested investment volume of NIS 43.1 million were discussed. The committee approved 9 projects with an investment of NIS 35.5 million and a state grant of NIS 14 million.
During the committee, 5 projects were also discussed in various fields including electronics, software and medical equipment with a requested investment of NIS 10.8 million. Of these, the committee approved 4 projects with an investment of NIS 6.2 million, while state grants amounted to NIS 2.3 million.
Below are a number of companies whose applications were approved within the committee: Gamida Sel, Dexel Pharma, Makhteshim, Protlix, Stava, Compugen, Colbert, Curetech, Brom Compounds.
The research committee at TMT approved 43 R&D programs for a total of 123 million s.
By: the scientist
May 17, 2006
The research committee headed by the chief scientist at TMT, Dr. Eli Ofer, approved 43 programs
Research and development with an investment of NIS 123.7 million
The research committee chaired by the chief scientist at TMT, Dr. Eli Ofer, which met recently discussed 48 new R&D programs with a requested investment of NIS 207.6 million.
The committee approved 43 new R&D programs with an investment of NIS 123.7 million, of which NIS 48.7 million will be given as R&D grants from the chief scientist's budgets, i.e. a 23% pass percentage.
The research committee discussed 17 projects in the fields of biotechnology, chemistry and pharmaceuticals with a requested investment of NIS 32.9 million. Of these, 15 projects were approved with an investment of NIS 18.9 million, with state grants amounting to NIS 8.9 million.
The chief scientist at TMT, Dr. Eli Ofer, points out that the share of the life sciences field in the R&D fund grants continues the trend of growth. The increase in the part of the field of life sciences stems from the research committee's announcement made in 2005 on the field of biotechnology as a preferred field. Besides biotechnology, it was also announced that nanotechnology and traditional industry would be considered preferred areas. Projects that have been approved by the research committee and deal with the preferred areas receive a 50% support rate from the research committee of the R&D fund.
Also discussed were 8 projects in the fields of electronics, electro-optics and medical equipment with a requested investment of NIS 96m. Of these, 7 projects were approved with an investment of NIS 63 million, with state grants amounting to NIS 23.3 million.
8 additional projects were discussed in the field of software with a requested investment of NIS 32.3 million. The committee approved 7 projects with an investment of NIS 17.4 million and a state grant of NIS 6.1 million.
In the field of communication, 7 projects were discussed with a requested investment of NIS 29.6 million. The committee approved 6 projects with an investment of NIS 15 million, while state grants totaled NIS 6.3 million.
In various fields (including plastics) 8 projects were discussed with a requested investment volume of NIS 16.7 million. The committee approved the aforementioned projects with an investment of NIS 9.3 million, while state grants totaled NIS 4 million.
The Technology Incubator Committee headed by the Chief Scientist at TMT, Dr. Eli Ofer, approved the establishment of 5 new incubator companies with a grant of NIS 7.5 million
The Technology Incubator Committee, chaired by the Chief Scientist at TMT, Dr. Eli Ofer, approved at its last meeting five new projects in the fields of medical devices and software.
In the field of medical equipment, the following projects were approved:
• Polarimeter for continuous monitoring of glucose concentrations. Mitz greenhouse, Katzrin.
• Medical device for dialysis. Initiative Incubator, Hadera.
In the field of software, the following projects were approved:
• Development tools for web browser applications. MTA greenhouse, Dimona.
• Software for identifying familiar objects in the image. Ksania greenhouse, Kiryat Gat.
• An autonomous system for on-demand applications. Hamma Am-Shev, Sde Boker.
Dr. Eli Ofer, the chief scientist at TMT, stated that he is satisfied with the rate of referrals and the quality of the projects that are discussed in the committees and which are reflected in the commercialization of the projects within a short time from the acceptance of the project to the greenhouse. Ofer further adds that, in his opinion, if it were not for the high risk taken by the state, the projects would not have been able to achieve the same commercialization successes.
Rena Pridor, the director of the incubator program, stated that the incubator program constitutes government involvement in the market failure that exists in ventures that are at the beginning of their journey and are unable to raise private capital. A project accepted into one of the 24 incubators scattered throughout the country is entitled to a government grant at the rate of 85% of the project budget, which ranges from 1,200,000 - 2,100,000 shekels for a period of up to two years.
