Yissum’s 3rd Seed Fund to Create Multiple StartUps based on Hebrew University NanoTechnology Research
JERUSALEM: Yissum, The Technology Transfer Company of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, announced today the launch of its new NanoTech Fund which will focus exclusively on promising innovations emerging from Hebrew University’s elite nanotech research. The Fund has already secured $6M from top international strategic and institutional investors, and will raise up to $9M.
The NanoTech Fund will focus on smart materials and nanotechnologies, funding deep technologies offering integrated solutions in the areas of 3D printing, quantum science, and renewable energy. As the global nanomaterials and nanotech markets continue to grow, the fund will ensure the continued leadership of Hebrew University researchers such as Prof. Uri Banin (Qlight founder, acquired by Merck), Prof. Shlomo Magdassi (serial entrepreneur including DipTech acquired by Ferro, and Nano Dimension (TLV: NNDM)) and Prof. Oded Shoseyov (serial entrepreneur including Valentis Nanotech, Collplant, (NASDAQ: CLGN), and SP NANO Ltd) in nanotech research with significant commercial potential.
“Yissum’s NanoTech fund is uniquely positioned to invest in the most innovative smart materials technologies created by Hebrew University researchers,” said Dr. Yaron Daniely, CEO and President of Yissum. “Drawing on the experiences and successes of our other two funds focused on healthcare and foodtech, this fund will leverage core strengths of Hebrew University for the benefit of its investors and, most importantly, the world.” The fund has already made preliminary investments in three technologies including 3D printing of wood, a diamond-based hand-held MRI, and metal-free display in solar cells.
Yissum’s NanoTech fund is the third investment vehicle created by Yissum in the last six years, with more than $50M raised by these funds to date. It joins Integra Holdings, founded in 2012, focused on Hebrew University biotech technologies including therapeutics, medical devices and diagnostics, and Agrinnovation, founded in 2015, focused on agricultural and food innovations originating from The Hebrew University’s Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture Food and Environment.
The NanoTech fund is launching as the Nano IL 2018 international conference is underway in Jerusalem. With over 800 participants from around the world, the three-day event is the leading international nanotechnology conference in Israel and is taking place in cooperation with the nanotechnology centers at Hebrew University and other Israeli universities.
About Yissum
Yissum is the technology transfer company of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Founded in 1964, it is the third company of its kind to be established and serves as a bridge between cutting-edge academic research and a global community of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry. Yissum’s mission is to benefit society by converting extraordinary innovations and transformational technologies into commercial solutions that address our most urgent global challenges. Yissum has registered over 10,000 patents covering 2,800 inventions; licensed over 900 technologies and has spun out more than 135 companies. Yissum’s business partners span the globe and include companies such as Boston Scientific, Google, ICL, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Microsoft, Novartis and many more. For further information please visit www.yissum.co.il
Source: Yissum
