In recent years, bioconvergence in Israel has emerged as a strategic approach to the development of advanced technologies. The potential of this approach was acknowledged by the government with the initiation of the National Bioconvergence Program in 2022, which aims to establish comprehensive frameworks for research, industry, infrastructure, and regulation within the field.
Concurrently, the regional climate and environmental challenges – including desertification, reduced precipitation, rising temperatures, air pollution, and soil erosion – are becoming more severe, necessitating systemic and innovative solutions. In preparation, the Innovation Authority participates in the National Climate Change Preparedness Program and promotes investments targeted at technological innovations to address environmental challenges.
This chapter aims to delineate the current status of Israeli companies operating at the intersection of bioconvergence and climate. By categorizing all companies identified as engaged in bioconvergence and conducting a sectoral analysis, this study will assess the areas demonstrating significant activity, determine the proportion of these companies relative to the overall activity in the climate sector in Israel, and identify existing gaps in this area.
Although bioconvergence represents an emerging field in Israel, it is already characterized by considerable activity addressing climate and environmental challenges. An examination of the company ecosystem reveals that out of 185 bioconvergence companies in Israel, approximately 42% (77 companies) are involved in applications pertaining to environmental needs, signifying a natural potential for emphasis on this sector as a foundation for climate solutions.
Notably, substantial governmental support for bioconvergence companies operating in the climate domain is also apparent. Among the 77 companies identified in the mapping, 71 submitted applications to the Innovation Authority, resulting in the approval of 270 case files – approximately 60% of all submissions – pertaining to 61 companies. This approval rate markedly exceeds the overall average approval rate at the Authority, which stands at approximately 46%. The cumulative value of the financial assistance amounts to approximately NIS 517 million, reflecting an average of NIS 1.91 million per case, in contrast to an average of only NIS 1.3 million for all case files within the Authority. These figures not only underscore the recognition of bioconvergence’s potential but also indicate an institutional commitment to the expansion of this field as a mechanism for addressing climate challenges.
However, despite the notable support, the penetration of bioconvergence within the broader climate ecosystem – comprising 2,412 active companies – remains in its nascent stages. An analysis of these companies by sector presents a varied landscape; the alternative food sector distinctly leads, with approximately 12% of all food companies in Israel classified as bioconvergence enterprises. It is pertinent to highlight that in the alternative food sector, classification is predicated on technological affinity to bioconvergence rather than on direct environmental contribution, which varies across companies. Additional sectors exhibiting significant, albeit limited, activity include agriculture (approximately 5%) and industrial applications (approximately 5%). Conversely, the penetration rate of bioconvergence in other sectors – including water, energy, waste, construction, and the environment – remains low, standing at less than 4% of all companies in each of the sectors. These findings reflect, on one hand, the prominence of bioconvergence in addressing climate challenges, while simultaneously making evident the substantial potential for concentrated development, particularly in areas that urgently require innovative solutions.
To enhance the recognition and integration of bioconvergence among key stakeholders in the climate ecosystem, the Innovation Authority also engages in initiatives beyond direct investment. For instance, a dedicated event organized by the Innovation Authority in collaboration with the ESIL Incubator exposed the Israeli energy community to the inherent potential of the bioconvergence approach. Similar endeavors are occurring within the academic sphere, highlighted by research presentations on the interconnections between bioconvergence and climate. Overall, this activity signifies an acknowledgment that the maturation of the entire ecosystem represents a crucial prerequisite for the growth and implementation of innovative environmental solutions. Bioconvergence is poised for significant advancement; while public support constitutes a strong foundation, the complete realization of its potential remains forthcoming. Sustaining consistency in support policies and pursuing multidimensional initiatives will be vital for expediting the growth and application of bioconvergence as a basis for advanced environmental solutions.