Artificial intelligence for monitoring health, underground robotic technologies and revolutionary thermal technologies that enable temperature regulation in closed spaces: these are some of the space-tech developments that have taken a step up in the framework of the Israeli accelerator, EXPAND, and will receive support and preparation in an attempt to integrate into NASA's Artemis program for exploration and colonization of the Moon and Mars. The accelerator, by the Israeli company Creation-Space and the innovation community Tech7, was recently launched in Mitzpe Ramon.
Out of more than 50 Israeli startups that wanted to take part in humanity's next big step, only 5 companies were selected, and they will receive professional guidance from senior space industry executives from Israel and around the world and will be candidates for financial support and advice from the Israel Space Agency. The hope is that some of the technologies developed will not only advance the human effort to colonize outer space but will also help solve environmental and climate challenges on Earth.
Uri Oron, Director General of the Israel Space Agency at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, said at the event, "The launch of the Accelerator, which the Space Agency advises, is further evidence of the development of the field of space in Israel. Mitzpe Ramon and its surrounding areas attract not only the imagination, but also the subsequent ideas of entrepreneurs in Israel and around the world. The Israel Space Agency is proud to continue supporting the Accelerator down the road."
These are the companies selected:
- Tedence Space develops artificial intelligence tools for analyzing low-frequency electromagnetic signals to monitor astronauts’ state of health.
- Omnidrill develops robotic technologies designed to provide sustainable solutions for underground infrastructure.
- InHAYle develops technology to disinfect surfaces and reduce hospital-acquired infections to help maintain hygiene on space stations and other extraterrestrial colonies in the future.
- NOVAlert aims to revolutionize health and early diagnosis by developing sensors for intelligent monitoring of physiological conditions through clothing, i.e. without direct contact, for the detection and early warning of dysfunction.
- OASIX develops a revolutionary system for providing heating and cooling to buildings using thermal storage technology. The system is based on a carbon-free heat pump, which works with high efficiency and economical operation in all weather.
Of the five companies that receive professional guidance, one startup will also receive a scientific-technological grant of NIS 100,000.
"An opportunity for technological and social progress"
The Israeli company Creation-Space, backed by the American investment fund CreationsVC, was founded in 2023 by entrepreneurs with a wealth of experience in the field of new space, including the entrepreneurs of d-mars (NGO), which specializes in simulating life on Mars in the Ramon Crater. The EXPAND accelerator established by the company in partnership with the Tech-7 innovation community and with the support of Jewish National Fund USA and the American investment fund CreationsVC, will provide the selected startups with mentoring and close business consultancy from renowned experts with in-depth knowledge of the space industry, as well as professional workshops that will provide the necessary tools for success and presentation to potential investors.
"The field of space has recently begun to expand, in Israel, beyond expertise in the field of satellites, and we can also see signs of activity in the development of technologies that support deep space exploration and the existence of human colonies beyond Earth," says Dr. Roy Naor, CEO of Creation-Space. “These are no longer just fascinating scientific adventures, but also a tremendous opportunity for technological and social progress. Israel, thanks to its unique abilities and entrepreneurial spirit, can enjoy a central role in such an important global effort for the future of humanity."