Israel at the Forefront of Virtual and Augmented Reality

Israel, often dubbed the “Start-Up Nation,” is reaffirming its position as a global tech leader by widely adopting virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). These immersive tools, which blend digital and physical worlds, are revolutionizing key sectors such as education, healthcare, entertainment, and professional training. Through a series of ambitious initiatives, the country is demonstrating how these technologies can transform the way we learn, heal, work, and engage with culture.

One of the main fields of application in Israel is education, where VR and AR are opening up new ways to capture students’ attention and enrich the learning process.

As Gil Ilutowich, CEO of Compedia—a startup specializing in immersive educational solutions—explains: “Augmented reality allows students to visualize abstract concepts in a concrete and interactive way. They are no longer just listening or reading; they literally experience knowledge. This fosters both motivation and deeper understanding.”

Companies such as InceptionXR are developing VR training programs tailored to both schools and professionals, making it easier to acquire complex skills in a controlled environment. The technology allows users to simulate real-life scenarios, scientific experiments, historical events, and even technical training sessions, all in a safe and engaging setting.

Healthcare: VR for rehabilitation and medical training

The Israeli medical sector is also embracing these innovations with enthusiasm. A striking example is 6Degrees, a startup that created MyMove, a VR program designed to ease phantom limb pain among amputees, particularly injured soldiers. Dr. Eli Weiss, who leads the project at Sheba Medical Center, notes: “Virtual reality enables patients to relearn how to mobilize their virtual bodies, significantly reducing their pain and facilitating rehabilitation. This is a breakthrough that truly changes the landscape of post-trauma care.”

Beyond rehabilitation, VR and AR are also being used to train medical teams and first responders by simulating complex emergency scenarios. This immersive approach enhances operational readiness while reducing the risks associated with real-life training.

Entertainment: immersive culture in Tel Aviv

The entertainment industry is fully embracing this digital revolution. In Tel Aviv, venues like X-Space, created by producer Carmi Wurtman, are dedicated to augmented reality experiences.

“Our goal is to merge art, music, and technology to create a completely new immersive universe,” says Wurtman. “We want to offer audiences an interactive experience that goes far beyond passive viewing.”

This trend reflects a growing appetite for hybrid cultural forms, where spectators become active participants, immersed in a technology-transformed environment.

Professional training: redefining safety and efficiency

In the professional world, AR and VR are reshaping training, particularly in industrial and technical sectors. With ultra-realistic simulations, workers can practice handling complex equipment or responding to hazardous situations—without facing real danger.

Yael Levi, head of training at a construction company in Tel Aviv, shares her experience: “Integrating virtual reality into our training programs has drastically improved employees’ understanding of safety procedures. They learn faster and retain essential practices more effectively, which has reduced accidents on the ground.”

These technologies are also proving invaluable for project design and visualization, especially in architecture and engineering, where 3D modeling and interactive environments bring concepts to life.

Looking ahead: the fusion of AI and immersive tech

Israel is not planning to slow down. Companies such as EON Reality are developing platforms that combine artificial intelligence with virtual reality to create educational and professional environments that are increasingly personalized and effective.

Israel stands as a living laboratory for virtual and augmented reality—where innovation translates into tangible impact. Whether in classrooms, hospitals, cultural venues, or construction sites, these technologies are reshaping practices, improving quality of life, and opening up new horizons. In a world seeking greater efficiency and immersion, Israel is charting an exemplary path worth following closely.

Caroline Haïat