Airovation Technologies has been named the winner of the prestigious 2025 Asper Prize for “The Hebrew University Rising Startup.” The prize is part of a startup competition launched by ASPER-HUJI Innovate - The Hebrew University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship - in collaboration with the Asper Foundation and the Gail Asper Family Foundation. More than fifty startups entered the competition, with Airovation Technologies earning the top spot after presenting to an international panel of judges. The initiative reflects the University’s strong commitment to bridging academia and industry by fostering innovation among students, faculty, and alumni.

The winning company:

• Airovation Technologies - A climate-tech startup rooted in innovations from the Hebrew University and commercialized through Yissum, Airovation Technologies is a climate-tech company that helps some of the world’s most polluting industries, like cement, fertilizers, and hydrogen, capture and reuse carbon emissions in a way that’s both profitable and good for the planet.

The competition attracted startups from diverse sectors, aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). After rigorous evaluations by a panel including senior executives from top Israeli venture capital funds, five finalists presented their ventures to the global assembly of the University's Board of Trustees

Prof. Asher Cohen, President of Hebrew University, said, “As Hebrew University marks 100 years of excellence, I am deeply proud of how far we’ve come in transforming scientific excellence into societal impact. This year’s Asper Prize finalists represent the very best of that mission - turning pioneering research into solutions for real-world challenges, from carbon capture and smart rail to breakthroughs in heart and gut health. Even in times of national hardship, our University remains a source of resilience, creativity, and hope.”

Gail Asper, Chair of the Asper Foundation, added: “This year’s Asper Prize finalists are addressing the very real and complex problems facing our world and our region—from chronic disease to climate and mobility solutions. At a time when the challenges in Israel and beyond feel especially heavy, these startups give us reason to believe in a brighter future. The Asper Foundation is proud to support ASPER-HUJI Innovate and its role in nurturing visionary entrepreneurs who are not only dreaming big, but acting boldly to make those dreams a reality.”

Dr. Amnon Dekel, Executive Director of ASPER-HUJI Innovate praised the finalists: “The five finalists of this year’s Asper Prize exemplify purpose-driven innovation. Whether it's turning fresh produce into gut-health enhancers, reimagining rail transport, or capturing industrial carbon, these ventures stand at the intersection of science and social good. Despite the hardships facing Israeli society today, the creativity and determination of our entrepreneurs remind us that innovation is one of our greatest tools for healing, rebuilding, and leading”.

Four Other Start-Ups that Qualified for Finals

• Harp Diagnostics - HARP Diagnostics is developing a smart and easy-to-use system for monitoring gastrointestinal (GI) conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn’s and Colitis.
• Wonder Veggies - A Yissum company born out of cutting-edge research at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Wonder Veggies is transforming the global fresh produce market—worth over $1.5 trillion—with a first-of-its-kind, patented technology that naturally adds gut-friendly probiotics to fresh fruits and vegetables, without altering their taste, texture, or shelf life.
• DirecTrainS – DirectTrains Systems (DTS) transforms rail lines into smart, modular, low-emission networks—without laying a single mile of new track.
• CardioVia - CardioVia is a medical technology startup that is developing a new and safer way to treat heart disease—by focusing on the outer surface of the heart, an area known as the pericardial space. A partnership between Hadassah Medical Center and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge norms and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the university, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research, with over 11,000 patents and groundbreaking contributions recognized by nine Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 81st globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2024), it celebrates a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en.