"The climate crisis did not disappear," Gideon Behar told The Jerusalem Post. "The world needs Israel: Israeli innovation, solutions, ideas, vision, and strategies."
Currently set targets are too low, and the watered-down Climate Change Bill of 2023 is a step in the right direction, but there is much more left to do.
Although the Tigris and Euphrates rivers have swelled in recent heavy rains, a dry climate is the norm in Iraq, and with Turkish and Iranian dams cutting off water flow.
The startups will use the money to further their efforts in addressing the pressing global climate crisis.
"I am happy to join Ben-Gurion University and lead an institution based on a vision that will revolutionize environmental and climate policy in Israel," Zandberg said.
The lava flow hit thermal-based water pipes in the region just south of the capital, disrupting the supply of hot water to more than 20,000 people.
The SeaWatch application was launched seven years ago due to challenges enforcing violations in the sea and nature reserves. Last year, the team updated the app empowering a more effective response.
Dozens of Israeli companies applied for the reward. The prize is a joint initiative of JNF-Canada and KKL-JNF in partnership with StartUp Nation Central. The ceremony was held in Tel Aviv.
The award-winning company aims to close the gap between profitability and sustainability.
The mission is meant to deliver first-of-its-kind views of the phytoplankton -- microscopic plant-like organisms -- that convert carbon dioxide into cellular material to feed oceanic life.