In response to its geographic and climatic challenges, as well as the relative scarcity of natural resources, Israel has made significant strides in the field of technology for agriculture (agri-tech) and food production (food tech). In addition to optimizing hydraulic resources, in recent years new systems have been developed based on data management and connectivity (Internet of things) to allow producers to optimize basic processes through a wide range of tools including specialized sensors installed in the soil and plants; drones and robots; genetic modification; smart irrigation; and software for the collection and analysis of big data (big data).
The food industry is considered one of the most important industries in the world, with an estimated value of $8.7 billion in 2018. The food technology sector (food tech) has been growing around the world and especially in Israel. This trend represents a second wave of agri-food technology innovation-driven both by growing global demand for efficient and sustainable food production technologies and Israel's comparative advantage in artificial intelligence, robotics, Big Data, and computing. In 2018 alone, agri-food technology companies obtained more than $100 million in capital investments. In 2018, more than 300 startups were registered in food tech, specialized in the areas of cultivated meat, new sources of protein, food personalization, digitization, connectivity, and applications in the field of food, among others. The Israel Innovation Authority supports the development of the sector with R&D projects and the two food tech-oriented incubators, The Kitchen Hub and FreshStart.
Relevant technology companies in the sector
Agritech and foodtech Companies Finder - Startup Nation Central Finder
- https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/tag/agtech
- https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/tag/agriculture
- https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/tag/foodtech
Foodtech companies catalogue – Instituto de Exportación de Israel