The Culture of Israeli Startups and the Wild Ideas that are Helping Change the World
- Viva Sarah Press
- Jul 25, 2018
- 1 min read
For the second year in a row, I presented the workshop -- “The Culture of Israeli Startups and the Wild Ideas that are Helping Change the World” -- at the annual Onward Conference in Israel. This all-day event serves up nine speakers on a range of topics, united by the theme, Israel Today – Challenges & Opportunities.
My talk touched on space sciences, cannabis, cyber defense, agri-tech, health innovation, and research.
The Boston Onward Israel and University of Florida Onward Israel participants gave audible wows when I spoke about Israel’s forte in nano-satellites and medical marijuana research.
There were clear giggles at the wild idea of a pooper scooper that may one day hit the market and turn doggy doo into dust.
They seemed to love the idea of a fail forward culture. And, they seemed fascinated by examples of how one technology can be adapted to another use.
I don’t understand algorithms but as an innovation journalist I have a great understanding of the culture of entrepreneurship and creativity going on in Israel and beyond. And I use my role as a journalist to talk about amazing behind-the-scenes stories and share up lesser known facts about cool innovations.
When we think of the news from Israel, we tend to think about political or diplomatic headlines. But, as I explained in my talk, there are also headlines focusing on creativity and innovation and world-changing ideas.
It is remiss to read – and know about -- only one kind of news.