At Start-Up Nation Central, we see innovative climate tech as an increasingly key sector of the Israeli tech ecosystem, which is known globally for its ability to untangle difficult challenges and is well-equipped to offer solutions.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) 

Aviation fuels derived from non-fossil resources may be the most promising way to diminish the hefty carbon footprint of air transport.

However, sustainable alternatives from biogenic sources are scarce and can be four to six times more expensive than regular fossil fuels.

One way to overcome these problems would be to utilize carbon dioxide itself to create sustainable fuel. Israeli startup RepAir Carbon Capture has developed an electrochemical device that utilizes electricity to separate CO2 from the air cost-efficiently and ensures that the CO2 captured from the atmosphere is economically viable.

Because CO2 is extracted from the air and emitted again when flying, the overall effect is a net-zero CO2 emission flight. This intersection of cheap, renewable electricity and available CO2 could be a gamechanger in sustainable synthetic fuel production.

Carbonade also is introducing a groundbreaking solution toward supporting the synthetic fuel revolution. Its patented, scalable electrochemical CO2 reduction solution can efficiently convert carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, a building block of low-carbon synthetic fuels, plastics and more.

Electric aviation

Batteries are heavy for long-route air travel, but electric aircrafts can provide a solution for low-range commuting. Introducing Alice – the first all-electric commuter aircraft developed in Israel by Eviation Aircraft in partnership with Parker Aerospace.

Alice, which recently completed its maiden flight near Eviation headquarters in Washington State, is designed to carry nine passengers, with nearly zero emissions, reduced maintenance and operational costs. Eviation has signed a letter of intent with Massachusetts-based Cape Air for the purchase of 75 all-electric Alice commuter aircrafts.

Energy efficiency

The complement to better fuels is better fuel efficiency. Planes produce less CO2 by improving engines, enhancing aerodynamics, and using lighter materials.

Seevix has developed a biopolymer material inspired by spider silk, which is particularly lightweight as well as strong, elastic and impact absorbent.

Another solution to make aircrafts lighter is a DC-BUS subnetwork from Yamar that controls all passenger seat functions using a single DC power line, eliminating the need for multiple heavy and long wires typically used in cabins.