Innovating through chaos and breaking barriers

This past year, we all witnessed how Israel endured a tragedy that left deep scars across the nation. In the wake of this heartbreak, however, the resilience of Israel’s people emerged as a powerful force, shining a light amid the darkness. This spirit of perseverance was especially evident in the high-tech and research sectors, where innovation continued to flourish.

At the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI), in collaboration with Yissum, its technology transfer company, researchers embodied this spirit of resilience. Their groundbreaking achievements in 2024 showcased the transformative power of innovation and underscored the determination to build a better future. These discoveries – spanning fields such as healthcare, quantum computing, and sustainability – serve as a powerful reminder that progress and hope often emerge together, even during national crises. 

Despite the year’s challenges, HUJI and Yissum facilitated the establishment of 14 new startups in 2024, a testament to the commitment to keep moving forward.

Breakthroughs That Inspire Hope

A collaboration between Sheba Research Authority (Tel-HaShomer), ARC Innovation, and Salignostics is underway to develop an innovative early oral cancer diagnostic tool using saliva. This groundbreaking technology, created by Prof. Aaron Palmon, who also serves in the Office of the President of the Hebrew University as VP of Research & Development, could revolutionize cancer detection by enabling non-invasive, cost-effective, and early diagnosis, potentially saving lives through earlier intervention. By using saliva as a diagnostic medium, this tool has the power to democratize healthcare, providing a simple and accessible solution to detect oral cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. This technology has the potential to impact communities worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings where access to traditional diagnostic methods is limited. Countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where oral cancer rates are higher and healthcare infrastructure may be limited, stand to gain significantly from this innovative approach.

Another standout example of HUJI’s impact is Pre-Cure’s “Tumor-on-a-Chip” technology. This breakthrough cancer treatment solution significantly accelerates the optimization of therapies, enabling healthcare systems to deliver faster, more effective treatments. It’s a powerful reminder of how HUJI’s research not only advances scientific knowledge but also improves lives worldwide.

One of many other milestones comes from Qedma, whose quantum error mitigation software, and partnership with IBM, tackles one of the greatest hurdles in quantum computing. In a world where stability often feels precarious, such advancements remind us that even the most complex challenges can be solved through ingenuity and perseverance. 

A Commitment to Life and the Future

As I reflect on this past year – and my years at Yissum – I feel both proud of the progress we’ve made and optimistic about the future. This is my final year as CEO of Yissum, and I look back on our accomplishments with immense gratitude. 

I am confident that Hebrew University will continue to lead in research and innovation, and I am delighted to pass the torch to my successor, Alon Natanson. Alon’s vision and leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission, and I am excited to see how he will build on our successes in the years ahead.

Looking forward, Hebrew University remains steadfast in its commitment to making a tangible societal impact. Our work in fields like biological aging, fertility, and sustainable health systems will shape the future of humanity, driving solutions for the challenges ahead.

Explore a selection of key discoveries from Hebrew University over the past year here by  clicking here.

Israel’s high-tech industry has once again proven its position as a global leader in innovation. More importantly, it has shown that even in the shadow of unimaginable challenges, progress is possible. I am honored to have been part of this incredible journey and am eager to see how Alon and the entire Yissum team will continue to lead the way.

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About Yissum

Yissum is the technology transfer company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Founded in 1964, it serves as a bridge between cutting-edge academic research and a global community of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry. Yissum’s mission is to benefit society by converting extraordinary innovations and transformational technologies into commercial solutions that address our most urgent global challenges. Yissum has registered over 11,681 patents globally, licensed over 1,160 technologies and has spun out more than 261 companies. Yissum’s business partners span the globe. For further information please visit www.yissum.co.il.

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