Despite its small size, Israel has become a world leader in innovation, technology and science. From medicine to information technology, from agriculture to defence systems, Israeli inventions have impacted the lives of billions of people around the world.
1. The world’s smallest DNA computer
In 2002, scientists from the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot presented a revolutionary device – a programmable molecular computer based on DNA and enzymes. In 2004, in the journal Nature, Ehud Shapiro and his team announced the creation of a DNA computer with an input-output module capable of diagnosing cancer cells and releasing anti-cancer substances. The device, measuring a trillionth of a metre, was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s smallest biological computer. Today, research in this area continues, opening up prospects for nanotechnology in medicine.
2. DiskOnKey – the world’s first USB drive
In 2000, the Israeli company M-Systems, led by Dov Moran, introduced DiskOnKey, the first USB drive that changed the way people store data. The patent was registered in 1999, and the first 8MB flash drive cost $50. M-Systems also developed TrueFFS, a system that presents flash memory as a regular disc. In 2006, SanDisk acquired the company for $1.55 billion, which was one of the largest Israeli exits. Today, USB drives are an integral part of digital life.
3. Intel 8088, 80386 processors, Centrino and Core Duo platforms
Intel’s Israeli R&D centre, opened in 1974 in Haifa, has become a key player in the development of processors. In 1980, the 8088, the basis of the first IBM PC, was created here. In 1986, the 80386, the first 32-bit PC processor, was introduced. In 2003, the Israeli team introduced the Centrino platform with the Pentium M processor, marking the beginning of the mobile computer era. This was followed by the Core Duo, which cemented Intel’s “right turn” strategy. Today, about 11,000 Intel employees work in Israel, making it the country’s largest technology employer.
4. VocalTec – the world’s first VoIP solution
Founded in 1989 by Alon Cohen and Lior Haramati, VocalTec launched VocalTec Internet Phone in 1995, the first Internet telephony (VoIP) solution. This invention became the basis for Skype, Zoom and other modern services. Today, VocalTec serves giants such as Deutsche Telekom, continuing to innovate in telecommunications.
5. Lumus – military technology in augmented reality glasses
Lumus has developed LOE (Light-guide Optical Element) technology, which was originally used in F-16 pilot helmets. In the 2020s, the company adapted it for consumer augmented reality (AR) glasses that outperform Google Glass in terms of image quality. The Android-based Lumus glasses support gesture and voice control, and their projection system allows for images of any size. In 2024, Lumus announced a partnership with Qualcomm to integrate AR into mass-market devices.
6. ICQ – online messenger
In 1996, four students from Tel Aviv (Arik Vardi, Yair Goldfinger, Sephi Vigiser and Amnon Amir) created ICQ, the first mass messenger. By 1998, it had 12 million users, and AOL bought Mirabilis for $287 million. In 2010, ICQ was acquired by Mail.Ru Group. Today, the messenger remains an iconic symbol of the early Internet era.
7. Check Point – the global standard in IT security
Gil Shved founded Check Point in 1993, creating the first commercial firewall. Today, the company protects 100% of the Fortune 100 and 98% of the Fortune 500. With a market capitalisation of over $15 billion (as of 2025), Check Point remains a leader in cybersecurity.
8. Dogo – an anti-terrorist robot
General Robotics introduced Dogo in 2016, a 12kg robot with a 360° view armed with a Glock pistol or non-lethal weapons. It is used by special forces around the world to neutralise threats in buildings. In 2024, Dogo 2.0 was released with improved AI for autonomous operation.
9. Mobileye – driving safety system
Mobileye, founded in 1999 by Amnon Shashua, uses cameras and algorithms to prevent accidents. The system recognises pedestrians, vehicles, and obstacles, and has become a standard for automakers such as Tesla and BMW. In 2017, Intel bought Mobileye for $15.3 billion, the largest exit in Israeli history.
10. Indigo Digital Press – the first colour digital printing press
Benny Landa founded Indigo in 1977 and in 1993 introduced the E-Print 1000, the first digital press for colour printing. The technology became the basis for the HP Indigo Press. In 2002, HP acquired Indigo for $830 million, and Landa continues to innovate in nanoprinting.
11. StoreDot – charging your smartphone in 1 minute
In 2014, StoreDot showed a prototype charger for the Samsung Galaxy S4 that works in 30 seconds. The technology is based on quantum dots and nanocrystals developed from Alzheimer’s research. In 2025, StoreDot is testing batteries for electric vehicles that promise to charge in 5 minutes.
12. Powermat – wireless charger
In 2013, Powermat introduced wireless charging for the iPhone 5 and then created a network of charging surfaces in the US (Starbucks, Delta). In 2024, the company launched Powermat 2.0, which supports charging up to 1 metre away.
13. Trusteer – IT security for banks
Trusteer, founded in 2006, has developed solutions to secure banking transactions. Its customers include 7 of the 10 largest US banks. In 2013, IBM bought the company for about $1 billion. Today, Trusteer’s technologies are integrated into IBM Security.
14. Silentium – active noise reduction
Silentium has created a Silence-in-a-chip chip that generates inverse sound waves to suppress noise. The technology is used in Jaguar cars and Samsung appliances. In 2025, Silentium signed a contract with Boeing for noise cancellation in aviation.
15. Quicktionary – translator pen
Wizcom launched the Quicktionary in 1995, a pen that scans and translates text. The third generation (2020s) added a touchscreen and voice playback, making the device popular with students and travellers.
16. Lumio – the virtual keyboard
In 2002, Lumio introduced a projection keyboard with infrared sensors. The technology has become the basis for modern virtual interfaces, including music keyboards and mice.
17. Umoove – gaze control
Umoove has developed a platform for controlling devices with head and eye movements. The software-only technology is used in gaming and diagnostics of diseases (such as Parkinson’s). In 2024, Umoove integrated the system into VR helmets.
18. SCiO – a pocket-sized molecular sensor
In 2014, Consumer Physics introduced SCiO, a flash drive-sized spectrometer that analyses the composition of food and medicine. The device raised $2.7 million on Kickstarter and is used in the food industry.
19. LZW algorithm
Abraham Lempel and Jacob Ziv of Technion created the LZW data compression algorithm, which was further developed by Terry Welch. It became the basis for the GIF and PDF formats, remaining the compression standard since the 1980s.
20. RSA algorithm
Adi Shamir (Weizmann Institute), together with Rivest and Adleman, developed RSA, the first public key encryption algorithm. It is used in HTTPS, VPNs, and digital signatures. Shamir received the Turing Prize in 2002.
21. Nanowire
In 1998, Technion scientists created a nanowire with a thickness of 1 nm – 1000 times thinner than a hair. It promises to revolutionise microelectronics and is already being used in experimental chips.
22. PillCam – a pill camera
Gavriel Iddan of Given Imaging introduced the PillCam, a swallowing camera for gastrointestinal diagnostics, in 2001. In 2013, Covidien bought the company for $970 million. Today, PillCam is used in 80 countries.
23. Copaxone – a medicine for multiple sclerosis
Teva developed Copaxone, the first drug to treat multiple sclerosis. Since 1996, it has helped millions of patients and is on the WHO list of essential medicines.
24. Medigus – the smallest camcorder
Medigus has created a 0.99 mm diameter camera for endoscopy in the treatment of GERD. In 2025, the technology will be integrated into robotic surgical systems.
25. ReWalk – an exoskeleton for the paralysed
ReWalk, developed by Amit Hoffer, enables people with paralysis to walk. In 2014, it received FDA approval, and in 2024, ReWalk 7 was released with AI control.
26. IceCure – freezing tumours
IceCure uses cryoablation to treat tumours of the breast and other organs. The procedure takes 15 minutes and is approved in the US and EU. In 2025, trials began for the treatment of lung cancer.
27. OrCam – glasses for the blind
OrCam MyEye, launched in 2013, reads text and recognises objects for the visually impaired. In 2024, it added face recognition with 98% accuracy.
28. Ola Mundo – communication for autistic people
Ofer Harel created Ola Mundo, a sign language app for people with speech impairments. In 2025, it is used in 50 countries, helping 100,000 users.
29. Babysense – baby’s breathing monitor
Since 1992, Babysense has been saving babies from SIDS by monitoring their breathing through sensors under the mattress. More than 2 million devices have been sold worldwide.
30. PrePex – circumcision without surgery
PrePex, approved by the WHO in 2012, allows circumcision without blood or anaesthesia. By 2025, more than 500,000 procedures will have been performed in Africa.
31. RealView Imaging – 3D holograms in medicine
RealView creates 3D holograms of organs for surgery. In 2024, the technology was successfully applied in 200+ cardiac surgeries.
32. RegenCure – a membrane for fractures
RegenCure has developed a membrane that accelerates bone healing. In 2025, trials began to treat complex fractures in the elderly.
33. ElMindA – brain diagnostics
ElMindA uses BNA technology to map the brain, helping to treat depression and Parkinson’s. In 2024, it was approved by the FDA for the diagnosis of ADHD.
34. EarlySense – patient monitoring
EarlySense monitors patients through sensors under the mattress, reducing false alarms. It is used in 300+ US hospitals.
35. Deep Optics – multifocal lenses
Deep Optics’ Omnifocals adapt to distance in real time. In 2025, the technology will be integrated into Meta.
36. Uzi – submachine gun
The Uzi, created by Uziel Gal in 1954, has become an iconic weapon used in 95 countries. More than 10 million units have been produced.
37. Lavi – a fighter jet
IAI’s Lavi, launched in 1986, was shut down in 1987 under US pressure. Technology formed the basis of the Israeli start-up boom.
38. “Iron Dome” – a missile defence system
Developed by Rafael, the Iron Dome has intercepted more than 3,000 missiles with an efficiency of 90% since 2011. In 2025, it will be exported to 10 countries.
39. Scout – UAV
IAI’s Scout, introduced in 1979, defeated the MiG-21 in 1982. It is used in reconnaissance by the armies of 5 countries.
40. Heron – a drone
IAI’s Heron, launched in 1994, is Israel’s best-selling UAV. The Super Heron (2014) flies for 50 hours with a payload of 500 kg.
41. Guardium – patrol vehicle
Guardium has been patrolling Israel’s borders since 2008. In 2024, the autonomous threat response function was added.
42. Protector USV – an unmanned boat
Rafael’s Protector is the first combat boat with remote control. It is used by the navies of 7 countries for patrolling.
43. MUSIC – protecting aircraft
MUSIC by Elbit protects aircraft from MANPADS using a laser. In 2025, it will be installed on 50+ civilian airliners.
44. Trophy – tank defence
The Rafael Trophy has been protecting tanks from missiles since 2005. It is installed on 1000+ vehicles in Israel and the USA.
45. Camero – radar through walls
The Camero Xaver sees objects behind walls using micro-radar. It is used by special forces in 20 countries.
46. BriefCam – video analysis
BriefCam compresses hours of video into minutes, helping to catch criminals (such as the Tsarnaevs). In 2025, it will protect the Statue of Liberty.
47. Water-Gen – water from the air
Water-Gen extracts water from the air with an energy of 250 W/l. In 2024, 5000 devices were delivered to disaster areas.
48. Netafim – drip irrigation
Simcha Blass founded Netafim in 1965, increasing yields by 50%. Today, the company operates in 110 countries.
49. Cherry tomatoes
Bred in 1973 at the Hebrew University. 1.5 billion kg of cherry tomatoes are sold annually.
50. BioBee – plant bioprotection
BioBee uses insects instead of pesticides. In 2025, the technology will cover 20 million hectares.
51. AKOL – IT for farmers
AKOL helps farmers manage their production. It is used in 30 countries, including India.
52. TraitUP – plant genetics
Morflora’s TraitUP improves non-GMO seeds. In 2024, the technology increased corn yields by 30%.
53. GFA – fish in the desert
GFA breeds fish without wastewater. Farms in the UAE will be launched in 2025.
54. GrainPro – grain storage
GrainPro saves crops in Asia and Africa. 1 million cocoons sold by 2025.
55. Tal-Ya – condensate collection
Tal-Ya reduces the need for water by 50%. It is used on 10 million hectares.
56. Potatoes for the desert
David Levy developed potatoes for hot climates. In 2025, it was exported to 15 African countries.
57. Veterix – a capsule for livestock
Veterix monitors animal health. In 2024, 50,000 capsules were sold.
58. Desalination of water
Sidney Loeb introduced reverse osmosis in 1967. Today, Israel desalinates 90% of its drinking water.
59. Airobotics – an autonomous drone
Airobotics Optimus has been used in industry since 2017. In 2025, drones will patrol US ports.
60. Wind Tulip – wind turbine
Leviathan’s Wind Tulip generates energy silently. 500 turbines have been installed in Europe.
61. “Elbit supercapacitor
Elbit has created a source of energy for trolleybuses without wires. In 2025, it was launched in Tel Aviv.
62. Phinergy – a metal-air battery
Phinergy promises 1600 km of range for electric vehicles. In 2025, production for drones will begin.
63. Epilady – epilator
Epilady has sold 30 million devices since 1986. In 2024, it launched an AI model.
64. eVigilo – emergency notification
eVigilo has saved thousands of lives in Chile. In 2025, the system was introduced in Japan.
65. Gauzy – interactive glass
Gauzy turns glass into a screen. In 2025, the technology will be used in 5000 Mercedes cars.
66. Cardboard Technologies – cardboard bicycle
The $12 bicycle can withstand 180 kg. In 2025, production was launched in India.
67. SoftWheel – wheel with suspension
SoftWheel reduces vibrations by 30%. By 2025, it will be integrated into 10,000 wheelchairs.
68. Happify – a platform for happiness
Happify has helped 1.5 million users since 2013. In 2025, VR therapy was added.
69. Waze – navigation with the community
Waze, founded in 2006, was acquired by Google for $1.1 billion in 2013. Today, 150 million people use it every month.
And finally
Israeli inventions are not just technologies, but solutions that have changed medicine, security, the environment and everyday life. From DNA computers to cardboard bicycles, the country continues to amaze the world with its innovative spirit. As of March 2025, many of these technologies have found new applications, strengthening Israel’s position as a global leader in science and technology.
Author: Aleksandr Potetiuiev
