2 Firms Win 2024 ‘Rising Startup’ Asper Prize At Hebrew University

Two companies have jointly won the 2024 “Rising Startup” Asper Prize, hosted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. 

The last-minute decision saw GynTools and HydroX each win a prize of 100,000 shekels (approx. $27,000). 

The prize was awarded by ASPER-HUJI Innovate, the innovation center of the Hebrew University, which was created to nurture an entrepreneurial spirit amongst students, researchers and alumni at the university.

GynTools is the developer of Gyni, an AI-driven diagnostic tool designed for quick and accurate detection of vaginal infections at the point of treatment, a condition that is misdiagnosed in approximately 50 percent of initial consultations.

HydroX has created a water-based, non-toxic and non-explosive liquid to store and transport hydrogen, which was developed at the university. 

The energy-efficient technology significantly reduces the cost of storing and transporting hydrogen, making it a viable alternative to carbon.  

The two were selected by a global panel of judges from among 40 entrants competing for the prize, which was established by the Asper Foundation along with the university’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. 

“The Asper Prize finalists are grappling with the hardest issues of the day – from AI energy consumption to medical diagnostics, and from pinpoint cancer drug delivery to addressing food and feed shortages,” said Gail Asper, Chair of the Asper Foundation. 

“We are excited about the future of ASPER-HUJI Innovate and look forward to seeing it continue to grow and serve as a magnet for thousands of students, researchers, and alumni,” she said.