Israel's burgeoning space-tech industry is driving innovation both on Earth and in Space. In this map, we analyzed over 100 Israeli startups that are either leveraging Space technologies to revolutionize various Earth industries or developing cutting-edge innovations for the Space industry, positioning Israel as a potential home for the next 'space unicorn'.
Introduction to Israel's Space-Tech Evolution
This report is designed to shed light on the burgeoning space tech sector in Israel, with a specific focus on the industry's potential for evolution and expansion through ‘Dual Application’ - startups whose technology can address specific needs in conventional Earth-based industries while simultaneously tackling Space-related challenges, utilizing space resources and technologies, or leveraging insights or capabilities derived from space.
The Global Space-Tech Shift
In recent years space tech has witnessed significant growth in investment and innovation, accompanied by increased interest from venture capital funds and a growing ecosystem of space tech startups. This growth is attributed to key market drivers including, most importantly, drastically decreased launch costs, as well as the reduction in payload sizes, the shift from the public to private sector, a focus on everyday applications, involvement from tech giants, and an increase in satellite data collection.
Dual Application - Bridging EARTH & SPACE
Space-tech is no longer just rocket launchers, satellites and space stations. Dual Application refers to the development of technologies by startups that address specific needs in Earth-based industries while simultaneously tackling space-related challenges, utilizing space resources and technologies, or leveraging insights derived from space.
Based on this approach, Israeli startups are increasingly being recognized as prime candidates for partnerships, acquisitions, and investment opportunities by financial and strategic players in the space sector, where the focus on specialized components and technologies has put Israel on the verge of producing a 'space unicorn’.
Space Sectors
After conducting an in-depth analysis into sectors within the space industry where Israeli startups are making significant contributions, we have categorized the companies into eight distinct segments.
Space Infrastructure - Physical and technological systems or components required to support space exploration, research, and commercial activities.
In-Space Operations - Activities aimed to serve missions in space, including satellite assembly, maintenance, and scientific experiments.
Communications & Navigation - Technologies in satellites and spacecraft for data transmission, signals, location determination, and movement guidance.
Earth Observation - Systems and services used to collect and analyze Earth data for scientific, environmental, and commercial purposes.
In-Space Manufacturing - Development and production of various goods, materials, and equipment within the space environment.
Computing & Software - Systems, hardware, and software used for processing, managing, and storing data of space missions, research, and exploration.
Space Services - Commercial and governmental services provided in and for space, in order to support exploration, research, and commercial activities like satellite launches and debris removal.
Exploration & Resources - Utilizing space technologies and resources to conduct research and exploration, both in space and on earth.
In Israel, the concept of Dual Application underscores significant untapped potential among many Israeli startups. These startups allow technology to bridge the earth and space sectors, showcasing Israeli agility and innovative spirit.
From the map we can get a sense of the distribution of the space categories and the distribution of the industries on Earth. The Largest space categories are Earth Observation (26%), Communications & Navigation (25%) and Space Infrastructure (20%). This distribution is due to the fact that most startups are utilizing or developing satellite, satcom, or navigation systems. Additionally, many startups use satellite data and images to solve problems in different Earth industries. Finally, we see startups that are developing components and infrastructure that can be applicable to space. The main Earth industries that we see on the map are Smart Mobility (17%), Aerospace & Aviation (16%), ClimateTech (12%) and AgriTech (11%).
When we look at the years these startups were founded, we see a growing rate of new startups from year to year, where most of the startups on the map were founded in recent years. With the expansion of new industries on Earth that are utilizing space technologies and that are creating solutions for space, we expect that this trend will continue.
Conclusions
The ever-expanding boundaries of what can be achieved in space, coupled with the growing demand for space-based solutions on earth, create a conducive environment for the emergence of fresh, forward-thinking ventures in the space sector. In the near-term, we are anticipating more space-related startups in Israel, an expanded reach of space technologies across other industries, growing interest from VC Funds in deep-tech and space, and a growing economic market in the space industry that can be tackled by Israeli ingenuity.
*Written in collaboration with the Israel Space Agency and the Israel Innovation Authority*
Earth & Beyond Ventures:
Doron Zauer
General Partner
Earth & Beyond Ventures
Noga Yaari
VP Ecosystem
Earth & Beyond Ventures
Yishai Freedman
Analyst
Earth & Beyond Ventures
Deloitte Catalyst:
Amit Harel
Partner
Deloitte Catalyst Tel-Aviv Leader
Deloitte Israel
Idan Adler
Head of R&D and Innovation Center
Deloitte Israel