18 innovations from Bar-Ilan University, available for licensing, co-investment, or spin-out through BIRAD.
Levy Oren
We introduce a unique and novel customizable 3D interface for producing scalable, biomimetic artificial reefs (ARs), utilizing real data collected from coral ecosystems. This interface employs 3D technologies, 3D imaging with AI generative models, and 3D printing, to extract core reef characteristics, which can be translated and digitized into a 3D printed reef. The advantages of 3D printing lie in providing customized tools by which to integrate the vital details of natural reefs, such as rugosity and complexity, into a sustainable manufacturing process. This methodology can offer economic solutions for developing both small and large-scale biomimetic structures for a variety of restoration situations, that closely resemble the coral reefs they intend to support. Our method consists of the following steps: 1. 3D photogrammetric scan. 2. Generating 3D models based on the scans and prior knowledge from reefs. 3. Printing the generated 3D models. Artificial reefs are designed to resemble natural reefs to the highest degree possible, maximizing restoration efforts both ecologically and aesthetically. Coral reefs are mapped in 3D by diver-based or platform passed using AUV photogrammetry. This technology enables the production of highly detailed 3D models of the substrate and detection of the sessile organisms that inhabit the reef. Conducting photogrammetric surveys in areas which are designated for reef reformation with our ARs, is highly beneficial, as it identifies which natural reef structures harbor the large biodiversity as well as depicting their numerical composition (diversity) within the reef structure using unique AI. CAD design platforms (i.e., Rhinoceros© and Grasshopper©) create biomimetic or bio-inspired designs, using ceramic 3D printing (3DP). Incorporating our 3D model (images) provides a natural foundation to interactively customize it to fit the needs of any type of reef geographically, depth, etc. or refine the biomimetic design. The 3D models are further analyzed geometrically using advanced data-analysis tools, to extract the general features and characteristics that will lead to a successful AR. We offer plug-ins for designing artificial structures that consolidate algorithms based on the formation of a coral reef structure and our eDNA information that can predict the types of biodiversity it may maintain/accommodate. An eDNA and metabarcoding package is combined to monitor and extract key biological and ecological information about coral reefs, indicating its pivotal potential as an evaluation tool for ARs and reef restoration success. Removable appendages incorporated in the desing of our ARs, will be used for eDNA biomass (organism) surveys, alongside seawater samples, without interfering with the restoration process. As the information extracted from eDNA is broadly expansive, it can be utilized to predict biodiversity outcomes of the 3D printed AR based on the 3D imaged reef. Furthermore, eDNA data can help to understand what characteristics of the 3D modeled reef are related to the diversity of organisms that inhabit it, which guide further the fabrication of the AR. eDNA is a useful tool to observe these hard to identify communities and to understand which species benefit most from the AR structure. This information will be collected to understand the community composition, abundance, and richness, available through eDNA analysis. Data collected from coral reefs, using eDNA and 3D imaging, can reinforce their resilience through establishing baselines, monitoring, and evaluation of restoration activities. Combining these data-acquisition tools with 3DP offers a holistic approach to manufacturing biomimetic ARs that are tailor-made to any coral reef worldwide. Eventually leading to an entirely data-driven interface utilizing parametric design software and machine-learning tools to curate an algorithm for customizing ARs, according to the specific, desired characteristics of the reef, such as reef structure/type, biodiversity, depth, coral morphology, etc. Moreover, the algorithm will automate the optimization of AR designs according to the data it is supplied from eDNA, 3D imaging, and other monitoring surveys. This methodology would make it possible to determine the precise design parameters needed to construct an AR, provide a baseline for the expected biodiversity that could accumulate on 3D printed ARs, and ensure no excess waste in the manufacturing process. The development of sustainable large-scale and long-term projects that can provide key social and economic benefits will be a demand of the future. When marine restoration projects manage to meet these requirements, they are able to achieve restoration goals together with social and economic change. Novelty Point out the novel aspects, of your invention (what is new about it, or what are its new features) in detail. Please emphasize the non-obvious/unpredicted aspects of the invention. The novelty of this invention lies in the fabric of the following ingredients: 1. Using unique and novel AI algorithm to map the local biodiversity to select “hotspot” biomimicry reefs. 2. Using novel generative AI methods to generate 3D models based on 3D photogrammetric scans of the environment. 3. Using a unique and novel cross-examination of the AI analyzing with eDNA – predictive biodiversity of 3D printed reef 4. Using unique and novel translation of 3D photogrammetric scanning of the reef into a 3D printable shape. 5. Using unique and novel algorithm to translate the 3D shape into a movement of the 3D printing of pasty materials, such as clay, aligned with calcium carbonate 4f. Advantages of the Invention Describe the advantages of your invention over the conventional manner for solving the problem, describing how and why your invention does it better: The advantages of the invention are: 1. Biomimicry/natural reef replication 2. High rate of biological success 3. Eco-materials using clay 4. Tailor made for any location. 5. Cost effective with digital manufacturing 6. Integration of a process by using multi-disciplinary approach: 7. Incorporation of reef and environmental characteristics 8. Large-scale solutions using advanced scaling and fabrication
Elbaz Alon Lior
We developed a new family of catalysts and supports for electrolyzers, based on aerogel chemistry. Transition metals such as Ni, Fe, Co, Ti, Cu, and others have been used to synthesized single, double and triple metal oxides in high surface area morphology called aerogel. This allows high catalyst utilization and synergistic effect between the metal to achieve significantly better performance in electrolyzers to produce green hydrogen.
Tischler Yaakov Raphael
Gas detection via IR emission
Margel Shlomo
Rechargable N-halopolylamide derivatives crosslinked nanoparticles for antimicrobial, antifouling and self-cleaning applications
Zitoun David
Hydrogen sensor from organometallic precursor
Aurbach Doron
Cost-Effective Hydrogen Production by Consecutive Charge - Spontaneous Discharge Cycles of High Surface and Catalytic Electrode System
