Agrifood-Tech keeps growing
Agrifood-Tech keeps growing
For decades, Israel has led the way in Agrifood-Tech innovations – in crops, livestock and marine life. This energy to keep looking for new paths to sustainability has inspired countless other nations to benefit from Israel’s experience and innovation.
There’s a lot more science being applied to the supply of food for the world’s population. With the paramount goals of affordability, sustainability and health, we need far more efficient methods of food production. We also need new agricultural methods that preserve our natural resources and environment. Israel’s entrepreneurs and technologists are acting fast to meet those challenges.
The strong focus continues
The Agrifood-Tech sector is growing rapidly. Total investment over the last six years has more than doubled. In 2019 there were 39 deals, with a $199 million investment. In 2020 until September there were 26 deals with a $118 million investment. Today 390 Israeli companies are involved with Agrifood-Tech. The Israeli government has played a vital role in providing financing to help promising start-ups reach the critical ‘seed’ stage.
Five industry challenges
The first area is Inputs Production – research and creation of materials for crops, livestock and marine life. The second handles the many aspects of stimulating Cultivation (Water Management, Pathogens and Pest Management and Yield and Harvest Management). The third area focuses on Preservation of harvested commodities and protection of the Supply Chain. The fourth is devoted to finding Alternative Food Sources. Finally there is Food Processing – more health for prepared foods.
New wave of innovation
The past six years have also seen a new wave of activity from innovators who combine the skills of farming, the military and academia. Many come from a Kibbutz, where their new ideas are often tested. Core technologies are Data and Computation, Machinery and Robotics, Sensing, Biologicals, Substances/ Materials and Infrastructure Components.
Examples of innovative companies
- (Inputs Production) – NRGene, Phenome Networks, Equinom – identifying genes and substances to boost crop resilience and yield.
- (Yield and Harvest Management) – CroX, Taranis, SeeTree – using big data, sophisticated algorithms and elaborate sensing systems for greater outputs.
- (Pathogens and Pest Management) – Skyx, AgroScout – using drones to ‘read’ field conditions and customize spraying plans. Green-Eye Technology – sensing equipment deployed on tractors.
- (Alternative Food Sources) – SavorEat – produce vegetarian meat-type products with the taste and texture of real meat. Aleph Farms – cultivate whole-muscle steaks. DouxMatok – reduce by 50% the sugar content in dry processed foods. Amai Proteins – uses natural sweet proteins as a sugar substitute.
- (Water Management) – Saturas – miniature sensor measures stem water potential to increase precision and effectiveness of irrigation. N-Drip – converts from flood irrigation to drip without electrical power. Phytech – sensors for plant stalks and fruits that determine hydration levels. Manna – reading hydration levels without in-field sensors.
To feed more people in a shrinking living space, food production must embrace more technology. Israel contributes massively towards this goal. Since 2014, over 30 multinational corporations have collaborated with the Israeli Agrifood-Tech sector in 40 partnerships of various types – and that number increases annually.
The years 2019 and 2020 have been especially active for Israeli companies penetrating foreign markets and scaling their activities. For example, CropX has started partnering with agricultural corporates from the USA and Costa Rica and also acquired two companies (one from the USA, one from New Zealand).
Connection with Japan
Israeli Agrifood-Tech companies already working in Japan include BeeHero, Enzymit, and Equinom. Japanese companies have invested in these Israeli companies: Taranis, CropX, Phytech, Hinoman, and GemmaCert.
We hope you like this introduction to Israel’s impressive and highly developed Agritech industry. KEYZUNA has many contacts here. Let us help you, our Japanese visitors, to identify the most suitable Israeli innovators for your specific needs.
