Ep 5. The Future

My Israel is a travel documentary series that follows host and narrator, Amit, as he explores the diverse landscapes, cultures, and people of Israel. In season 1, episode 5, titled "The Future," Amit delves into the innovative and cutting-edge technologies that are being developed in Israel, earning the country the nickname "Start-Up Nation."

The episode begins with Amit visiting the Israel Innovation Authority, which is responsible for funding and promoting scientific and technological research and development in Israel. He speaks with Dr. Ami Applebaum, the Chairman of the Israel Innovation Authority, about the role of innovation in Israel's economy and society. Dr. Applebaum explains that Israeli innovation is driven by the need to solve problems and challenges unique to the country, such as water scarcity and security threats.

Amit then visits the Tel Aviv headquarters of Waze, a GPS navigation app that was developed in Israel and later acquired by Google. He speaks with Waze co-founder and CEO, Noam Bardin, about the creation of the app and how it uses crowdsourcing to improve the accuracy of its maps and traffic updates. Amit also learns about Waze Carpool, a ride-sharing service that was launched in Israel and is designed to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable transportation.

Next, Amit travels to the Weizmann Institute of Science, a world-renowned research institution in Rehovot, south of Tel Aviv. He meets with Dr. Rotem Sorek, a microbiologist who is researching the human microbiome, the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms that live inside and on our bodies. Dr. Sorek explains how his research could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and even cancer.

Amit also visits Mobileye, a company that produces advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicle technology. Mobileye co-founder and CEO, Prof. Amnon Shashua, explains how the company's technology can make driving safer and more efficient, and how it is working towards bringing fully self-driving cars to market. Amit even gets to test out Mobileye's collision avoidance system during a driving simulation.

Finally, Amit visits the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, a center in Jaffa that promotes peace and coexistence through innovation and technology. He speaks with the center's CEO, Yaniv Rivlin, about how innovation and entrepreneurship can bring people together and bridge cultural divides. Amit also meets with two entrepreneurs who are working on projects that promote sustainability and social responsibility.

Throughout the episode, Amit highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Israeli people, and how their innovations are making a positive impact not only in Israel but around the world. "The Future" showcases Israel's dynamic and vibrant tech scene, and how it is poised to continue leading the way in innovation in the years to come.