Archives for News

Congratulations to Rafi Sweary, one of the founders of WalkMe of Israel and a former MIDC student intern. His company was recently acquired by SAP of Germany for $1.5 billion. WalkMe has developed a user interface known as a digital adoption platform (DAP) that simplifies the use of complex enterprise software, allowing companies to increase productivity and reduce risks. Rafi interned at the MIDC in the early 2000’s while he was getting his MBA at the University of Baltimore.

“I’d like to extend my warm congratulations to Rafi for the success of his company, WalkMe. It was a pleasure having Rafi as an intern at the MIDC. He was a quick study on the needs of startup high tech companies, which proved itself with WalkMe. Mazel Tov, Rafi!”, said Barry Bogage, retired Executive Director, MIDC.

WalkMe’s AI and machine learning platform is layered on top of other software products, mobile apps, or websites to assist its users — employees and customers of businesses – to quickly adapt to new technologies. The platform is fed contextual information to provide tailored guidance and automate tasks in real time based on each user’s needs. It collects data analytics to track user behavior for businesses to better understand how employees use the software.

WalkMe has about 1,000 employees of which 400 are working at its corporate headquarters in Tel Aviv and the remainder at its office in San Francisco. Among its more than 2,000 clients are the US Department of Defense and some 35% of Fortune 500 companies, including IBM, Nestle, LinkedIn, Adobe and PayPal.

Read these other articles of interest about WalkMe.

• https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-sap-acquires-israeli-co-walkme-for-15-billion-1001480686
• https://news.sap.com/2024/09/sap-completes-walkme-acquisition/

October 2024

The MIDC team met with DreaMed who recently set up offices in Silver Spring, MD. DreaMed’s mission is to unlock and scale medical knowledge so that every person living with diabetes can access personalized, expert-level care when and where it’s needed.  DreaMed strives to achieve this mission by creating software that uses advanced algorithms and analytics to transform the massive amounts of patient data available into expert-level treatment recommendations, and to do this on a global scale. Read more about DreaMed and the solutions and challenges the company is solving>>>.

Eran Atlas, CEO and Founder of DreaMed, told MIDC that “In a world of inequality in healthcare, it is our duty to use technology to increase access to expert care. DreaMed solutions are really pioneering this field. This is part of our DNA as an Israeli company”. 

By locating to Maryland, DreaMed is looking forward to expanding its reach and work with state health care systems, officials and customers.

Said David Speer, Executive Director about DreaMed, “the MIDC looks forward to assisting the company network with Maryland’s outstanding network of healthcare systems. DreaMed already has a proven track record integrating components of the patients’ electronic medical records, which allows all providers in the patients’ care continuum to provide expert-level diabetes care.”

DreaMed’s first product launch is endo.digital, a cloud-based SAAS platform that gives care provider organizations an end-to-end diabetes care pathway that can be deployed across all care settings where patients with diabetes are treated, both remotely and in person. It is the only decision to support the software cleared by the FDA to support both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The platform is compatible with the vast majority of diabetes devices on the market, integrates into the electronic medical record, and is clinically proven. Furthermore, the platform has demonstrated significant improvements in workflow efficiency, and increased in practice revenue. 

Read more about the company, its vision, history and recent achievements.

https://www.startuphealth.com/startup-health-blog/2023/06/23/dreamed-simplifies-diabetes-care-via-ai-driven-recommendations

https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjavutgsr

October 2024

We continue to stand in support of our friends and family in Israel, all while providing services for Israeli businesses and helping the economy there and in Maryland. We currently have 43 Israeli companies in Maryland ranging from life sciences to cyber, defense and other sectors. There are several new companies that are setting up a presence in Maryland, one of which is featured in this newsletter.

On September 4, I had the honor to be featured on a panel titled “Dilutive and Sources of Support”, which was part of a larger conference sponsored by The National Cancer Institute (part of the National Institutes of Health) and The Frederick National Laboratory. The four panelists each brought different perspectives for startups including venture capital, stem cell research grants and the support of large nationwide research foundations. We continue to highlight Maryland as one of the best places in the U.S. to expand internationally, particularly given the connections we have to NIH, other federal agencies, academia and the private sector.

David Speer
October 2024

The MIDC thanks Natalie Gutman Chen for her outstanding service as Minister of Trade and Economic Affairs, Embassy of Israel in Washington DC. Natalie has also served as an MIDC Board member during her three-year term at the Embassy of Israel. Read more about her accomplishments during her tenure.

The Economic and Trade Mission at the Embassy of Israel in D.C. mission is to promote and facilitate trade and investment between Israel and the United States, and to enhance bilateral commercial relations.

Here are some highlights of Natalie’s term and some of her major achievements.

She led a long-term collaboration process on water solutions with the U.S. Environment Protection Agency, incorporating Israeli companies alongside academia and relevant government agencies to bring Israeli technology into the U.S market. 

Natalie also initiated a process for collaboration on semiconductors between innovation agencies in Israel and the U.S Administration.

Additionally, she led activities to promote collaborations in the health sector to deepen the penetration of Israeli life science companies into the American market, specifically focusing on health equity.

Natalie was a frequent speaker on MIDC webinar, panels as well as community events in Washington, D.C., Montgomery, Howard and Baltimore Counties.

Prior to her position as Minister for Economic & Trade Affairs at Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC, she served as the Director of the International Financing Department in the Foreign Trade Administration, the Economic Attaché in Milan, Italy (2014-2018), Director of Bilateral Trade and Economic Agreements in the Foreign Trade Administration (2011-2014) and Economic Attaché in Brussels for both Israel’s Mission to the EU and the Israeli Embassy in Belgium. 

“We wish Natalie and her family much success as they return to Israel and we know she will continue to do great things for Israel’s trade and innovation worldwide”, stated David Kuntz, Chair, MIDC.

With an enviable business climate and a strong, diversified economic base, Baltimore County is home to over 20,000 established businesses, including eight MIDC companies in the defense, cybersecurity, fleet management, fintech and medical technology industries. The County’s expansive and vibrant economy includes top industries and employers, a competitive transportation network, access to global markets and dynamic partnerships with endless opportunities for economic growth.  

When you’re ready to start, relocate, or expand your business, Baltimore County Government’s Department of Economic and Workforce Development (DEWD) offers a variety of programs and services to encourage investment and foster job creation in the County.

DEWD’s designated Business Development Representatives offer site selection services to identify properties that suit your business needs, and facilitate introductions to property owners, brokers and developers. The team can help explore and navigate financing, funding, tax credit and incentive programs your business is qualified for. These opportunities include the Boost Loan, which provides access to capital for targeted small, minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses; Enterprise Zone property and income tax credits; and Commercial Revitalization incentives including an interest-free loan for façade improvements and free architectural design services for exterior improvements.

DEWD also provides small and start-up business guidance and education, and Business Services Representatives focus exclusively on helping to recruit, train and retain your team. Baltimore County’s Career Center education and training programs are designed to offer County residents—both youth and adults—an opportunity to advance their education, enhance their training skills and increase their earning potential. Job seeker assistance is also available virtually through the Mobile Career Center or at any of the County’s career centers.

DEWD’s recently launched tourism site, Discover Baltimore County, is filled with insightful tips and recommendations, and businesses are welcome to increase visibility and promote events through the calendar. Join DEWD’s mailing list to receive a business facing newsletter each month with updates on current initiatives and partnership opportunities. For more information on any of the services outlined above, or to connect directly with the DEWD team, email [email protected].

Despite the fact that the geopolitical challenges are affecting, somewhat dramatically, the Israeli economy, somehow as a country we continue to grow and drive success despite the odds.  As a country we are dealing with a very challenging internal struggle which includes too many of our business leaders on the frontlines.

The world as we know it changed, for the worse, on October 7th. Given the frightening circumstances, as a parent of five kids including two who are currently serving in the IDF, I feel more secure in Israel than I do anywhere else.

There are a few phrases, or idioms, that are very commonly used in Israel and describe Israelis to a “T.”

1)          Ein Breira – there is no alternative. We’re here and we’re not going anywhere. We can complain all we want, but no one will help us and complaining will only make us feel worse. So we do what we need to.

2)          “We only do the impossible. The challenging stuff we leave to others.”

3)          As Ben Gurion said, “In Israel, in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles.”

Our role as business leaders is to maintain and grow our economy. To create new jobs, new opportunities, new technologies. The Israeli Start-up Nation has brought so much good to the world, and our objective is to continue to bring light and goodness to the world. Those of us not on the front lines and working to ensure that those who are fighting for us, have a job and an economy to come home to.

The dedication of Israeli’s is summed up by serial entrepreneur Yizhar Shai, who tragically lost his son on Oct 7, and rededicated to creating a better world.  He famously called for a “moral response” to brutal terror: “Israeli high-tech should take on a mission that for every innocent life lost, for every fallen soldier, for every missing citizen, and for every abducted person; we should establish a startup company,” Shay told Calcalist. “This is a task that can be initiated and executed rapidly. The State of Israel can contribute, but we can manage without it as well. This isn’t merely a contribution; it’s a sound investment. Investors will play their part. The response to this destruction will be the creation of startup companies that will generate hundreds of thousands of jobs, contributing to the workforce and the overall economy. 

And while it is a struggle, every day, there are a lot of positive things happening. In Q1 2024, the Israeli tech ecosystem showcased its stability by amassing $1.8 billion in funding, reflecting an 8.5% increase from Q4 2023. Certainly, dramatically down from 2021 and even 2022, but an improvement nonetheless.

Despite tremendous pressure on many large companies such as Google, Microsoft, Intel  and Nvidia, we are seeing those companies double down on their Israeli forces and investments.

We just passed the two most difficult days on our calendar, which were so much harder this year.  Memorial Day, as we say each year, reminds us of the price we must pay to have our State.  Memorial Day is followed by Israel Independence Day- a day in which we celebrate what we’ve accomplished–and we’ve accomplished a lot in 76 years.  Yet, there’s still a lot to do.

For those of you who don’t know, Israel came in 5th place last week in the Eurovision, which is largely a popularity contest. Interestingly, Israel received the MOST votes from the people of 14 countries! Out of 37 countries that vote. So despite the fact that when we watch the news we see doom and gloom, we still have many friends and much support. 

And that’s my bottom line.  It’s time for those of us in global business to understand that working with Israeli technologies and companies is not only good business, and excellent investments, but also the right thing to do for the future of the world. 

Let’s create together!

Avi Rosenzweig
June 2024

David Kuntz, Chair of the MIDC Board of Directors, announced the nomination of Nina Rosenzwog and Dara Schnee to the MIDC Board of Directors effective July 1, 2024. “Both Nina and Dara are exceptional choices for the MIDC as they both have a tremendous variety of leadership positions in both the Jewish and general communities and we are confident both will bring great energy and insight to MIDC”, stated David Kuntz.

Nina Rosenzwog has dedicated her life to volunteering after a 40-year outstanding professional career as a Baltimore City School Psychologist. Nina has held numerous leadership positions at the Associated Jewish Federation of Baltimore as well as other Jewish organizations. Her first trip to Israel was 28 years ago and as a result Nina understands the economic situation in Israel and the importance of fostering and maintaining strong ties between Israel and Baltimore.   Her leadership service in the Baltimore Jewish Community is significant. Nina was the Co-Chair of the Associated’s Israel & Global committee; Co-Chair of the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partners and Co-Chair of the Baltimore Odessa Partnership. Nina also chaired the Women’s Campaign at the Associated and Women’s Philanthropy. Her Board positions include: the Jewish Community Center Association, Center for Jewish Education, Israel Bonds and Vice-President of the Federation of Jewish Women’s Organization of Maryland. Nina also served as a mentor and counselor for the Girl Empowerment Mission for 15 years.

summer 2024

This year’s Select USA Summit saw 33 incredible Israeli companies traveling to the Washington, DC area. The Summit is a federal government program aimed at promoting foreign direct investment into the United States. MIDC’s Executive Director, David Speer, attended two related programs including the Embassy of Israel’s reception featuring these Israeli companies.

The program included networking as well as hearing from dignitaries including Michael Herzog, Israeli Ambassador to the United States. David left the reception after meeting with many Israeli company representatives and was encouraged to hear that there were the same number of Israeli companies represented this year as there were last year for a similar program. Despite the incredible challenges in the wake of October 7, the Israeli business community continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what is seemingly impossible.

Another program, hosted by The National Cancer Institute (part of the National Institutes of Health), included presentations from 12 of these Israeli companies who had the chance to network with representatives from the National Institutes of Health as well as other federal government representatives. The discussions ranged from funding possibilities for these Israeli companies to finding partners for them in growing their operations in the U.S. Although these companies are all in the health care industry, the breadth and variety of the companies once again showcased Israeli’s strengths as entrepreneurs. It is no surprise that the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence is incredibly important to many of these companies and Israel continues to be a world leader in this space. The MIDC was able to network with the companies’ representatives and explain why Maryland is the best place to do business in the U.S. Having these federal government agencies and partners in our backyard, as well as the assistance of the MIDC, highlights the key advantages of Maryland.

Summer 2024

February 2024

Maryland and Israel share many paralleled strengths in industries including medical technology, cyber and homeland security, information systems and defense. ELTA North America and Rafael USA are both global leaders and integral parts of the U.S. defense landscape.

ELTA North America, a US defense company located in Howard County, Maryland, has been awarded a contract to produce Iron Dome Radars. This program is being funded by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

Starting in 2023, the ELM-2084 primary Iron Dome Radar System is being produced in Maryland.  The initial 3 systems produced will leverage a US-based supply chain and deliver systems directly to Israel in support of the on-going conflict. 

ELTA North America is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and support of innovative electronic systems for the United States government. Read more about ELTA North America.

RAFAEL USA has been an integral part of the American defense landscape for the past 28 years and is located in Montgomery County.  Supporting U.S. forces, RAFAEL’s technological ingenuity, bold approach to innovation and operational expertise provides the best-of-breed Air, Land, Sea, Air & Missile Defense, and Space systems.

RAFAEL USA has partnered with Raytheon through a U.S. based Joint Venture – Raytheon Rafael Area Protection Systems (R2S) – to produce the Iron Dome in America. Currently at 70%, it is expected that in the near future, 100% will be Made in the U.S.A.

The Iron Dome is a multi-mission, combat-proven, air and missile defense system that combines SHORAD, C-RAM and cruise missile defense capabilities. The U.S. Army selected Iron Dome as an interim capability to counter cruise missiles. Two batteries were procured, and delivered in record time, to protect U.S. assets in contested areas. In the future, parts of Iron Dome could be incorporated into the U.S. Army’s Indirect Fires Protection Capability, which will counter cruise missiles, drones, rockets, artillery, and mortars. The U.S. Marine Corps is also evaluating the system.

Protecting maneuvering forces as well as population centers and strategic assets, Iron Dome handles multiple threats simultaneously, operating 24/7 in all weather conditions including rain, dust storms, fog, and low clouds. Estimating the trajectory of an incoming threat, the system determines whether or not an interception is required, and if so, detonates the target in the air with a 90% success rate. Read more about Rafael USA.

Israel 21 c recently featured an article citing 15 facts about the Iron Dome and is an excellent read>>>.https://www.israel21c.org/15-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-iron-dome/

February 1, 2024

On this first day of Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion Month, B’nai Israel Congregation, a vibrant and inclusive community in Rockville, Maryland with 1,100+ families, is proud to announce a partnership with RightHear, an Israeli-founded technology company, which specializes in accessibility solutions for people who are blind or low vision. With B’nai Israel’s installation of the RightHear system, the synagogue became the first in North America to offer this accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.

With the implementation of the RightHear system, B’nai Israel Congregation reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, always striving to ensure that all members and visitors can participate in synagogue activities, services, and events with greater ease and independence. It exemplifies the congregation’s commitment to innovation and its mission to create a synagogue that is a model of inclusivity for houses of worship worldwide.

Key features of the RightHear system at B’nai Israel Congregation include:

• Real-Time Audio Assistance: The RightHear mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, provides users with real-time audio guidance and information about the synagogue’s layout, including points of interest such as entrances, restrooms, seating areas, and more.

• Orientation Assistance: Users can effortlessly acquire better orientation around the synagogue, receive audio descriptions about their surroundings, and easily locate important areas, enhancing their overall experience and independence.

• Event and Service Information: The RightHear system is capable of delivering detailed information about upcoming events, service schedules, and any relevant announcements, ensuring that everyone is well-informed and can actively participate in congregational life, once they arrive in our building.

Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz, Associate Rabbi of B’nai Israel Congregation, expressed his enthusiasm about this historic achievement, stating, “Our Congregation is always striving to be an inclusive and welcoming space for all. With the RightHear system, we are taking a significant step forward in fulfilling this mission by becoming the first synagogue, not just in the US, but in North America to provide an accessible environment for people who are blind or have low vision. Our tradition teaches us to welcome all, to be inclusive, and to ensure that everyone can access the spiritual and communal resources we offer. We hope that our initiative inspires other religious institutions and organizations to follow suit and prioritize accessibility for all.”

Idan Meir, Co-Founder and CEO of RightHear added: “It is an extremely proud moment for us, as an Israeli startup, which opened our US headquarters here in Rockville, Maryland, to help deliver accessibility to the B’nai Israel congregation. The last few months have obviously been exceptionally difficult for us as an Israeli start-up, but as a social impact company with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, we are highly motivated to continue moving forward and making the world a better place for everyone. Our mission is to make the whole world more accessible, one building at a time, and thanks to partners like B’nai Israel, our mission continues to move forward”.

See RightHear in Action at B’nai Israel:

For more information about the RightHear system installation at the B’nai Israel Congregation, please contact: Darren Gladstone, US Operations Director, RightHear, [email protected] +1 240-789 9008.

Avery Sudow, Communications and Development Director, B’nai Israel, [email protected] 301-816-5569

About B’nai Israel Congregation: B’nai Israel Congregation is a thriving synagogue located in Rockville, Maryland, known for its vibrant community and commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. With a rich history and a forward-thinking approach, B’nai Israel welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to join them in prayer, study, and community engagement.

About RightHear: RightHear is a leading provider of indoor orientation and audio format signage systems that empower people with visual impairments to acquire better orientation in public and private spaces independently. The RightHear system combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly mobile apps to help businesses and organizations to achieve greater ADA Compliance and to ultimately create more inclusive environments for all.