Social Startups: When Innovation Meets Social Impact in Israel

Israel is often nicknamed the “Start-up Nation” for its exceptional ability to produce technological innovations in fields such as cybersecurity, fintech, and digital health. Yet beyond the commercially driven success stories, another, quieter ecosystem—now rapidly expanding—is drawing attention: social startups. Driven by a committed vision and a desire for impact, these young companies combine technological innovation with a social mission. Their ambition? To address urgent challenges such as access to drinking water, inclusive education, or preventive medicine in vulnerable contexts, both in Israel and abroad.

One of the pioneering figures in this movement is Asterra, a company founded in 2013 that developed a technology using satellite imagery to detect water leaks in urban networks—an innovation originally designed to search for water on Mars. Based on the analysis of microwaves reflected by the ground, it enables municipalities around the world to preserve a precious resource while saving millions.

“We wanted to show that Israeli technology can be used not only to make a profit, but also to protect the environment and improve people’s lives,” explains James Perry, CEO.

Since its creation, the company has located more than 70,000 leaks in over 60 countries.

In a completely different field, OrCam Technologies is another emblematic example. Founded by the creators of Mobileye, this company has developed a portable device, mounted on a pair of glasses, capable of reading text aloud, and recognizing faces or objects for people who are blind or visually impaired. Powered by artificial intelligence, the device has transformed the lives of thousands of people with visual impairments worldwide.

“What we want to offer is autonomy. When someone can read a menu on their own or identify a banknote without outside help, it’s a huge step toward dignity,” says Ziv Aviram, OrCam co-founder.

Beyond the products themselves, these startups share a common conviction: technology is a powerful lever for reducing inequalities. Many benefit from the support of incubators or funds specializing in social innovation, such as TechForGood or PresenTense, which guide entrepreneurs throughout the development of their impact-driven projects.

This momentum is also supported by public policy and universities. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, for example, has launched a master’s program in social entrepreneurship, attracting dozens of students each year who are eager to combine innovation with commitment.

In a global context where social and environmental challenges are becoming increasingly urgent, Israeli social startups are emerging as laboratories for concrete solutions, adapted to complex realities. Their growth is not measured solely by revenue or fundraising, but by the number of lives transformed.

Caroline Haïat