Around the world, startup innovation has been focusing upon on ways to combat the pandemic coronavirus COVID-19. Hundreds of Israeli startups are involved in research on testing, treatment, equipment, and finding a vaccine against the novel coronavirus. The United States Congress has appropriated $8.3 billion dollars in new COVID-19 funding. Israel has announced financing to enable academic research for 85 projects in 26 institutions and universities.

Jerusalem startups involved in life sciences and bio-medicine have been working day and night on a variety of angles to get their solutions to market and to the public health sector as soon as possible. As part of the effort to tackle the pandemic, the Israel Patent Office announced that it will fast track patent applications in Israel that are connected to COVID-19. Zoom sessions are sharing dozens of promising technologies with investors around the globe.

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Hahoum joined in and gave greetings to one Zoom session organized by JLM-BioCity founded by Joe Van Zwaren. Sponsors included Azrieli College of Engineering, Bio-Jerusalem, and COVID Control Consortium (CCC). 

COVID Control Consortium represents companies developing and marketing treatments for control of the coronavirus and its effects. CCC managing partners are Jay McCrensky based in the Maryland area,  Richard Greene, is based in Israel but originally from Bethesda, Maryland, before moving to Jerusalem. 

Here are six examples of various approaches based in Jerusalem, Israel, from a long list of worthwhile businesses endeavors. 

1. Argaman recently made headlines for their specially treated fibers that kill microbes and can produce masks with N99 protection. Also, scrubs, uniforms, lab coats, and hospital linen can be treated to protect patients and medical workers from infection and disease. 

2. Respinova has developed a noninvasive technology to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). The air pressure pulse technology treatment developed for COPD is adaptable for COVID-19 lung treatments.

3. EDAS Healthcare is updating its technology and website for COVID-19 remote diagnosis. Enter your address, age, and gender, the AI (Artificial intelligence) data will let you know if you are well and you should go to work or get medical treatment. 

4. One Cell Medical Passive Antibody Therapy (PAT) is depending on resources to get to market its process for multidimensional analysis of single cells, to pivot from cancer to COVID-19 analysis and treatment.

5. BioFence has developed a chlorine-based antimicrobial, anti-viral coating which can be used to cover many surfaces to eliminate hazardous pathogens and reduce the chances of infections.

6. Academix search engine hosts early-stage development research papers from top experts, enabling scientists and developers to connect and collaborate.

There are dozens of more businesses throughout Israel that are reworking existing technology and software to curb the current world crisis. Remote diagnosis using cell phones to manage home medical care is no longer a topic of science fiction. Telemedicine is being used daily by hospital medical staff. CCC has six additional Israeli companies in the process of applying for membership.    

While startups and business are working to get products on the market and to the public, Jerusalem College of Technology (JCT) President Dr. Chaim Sukenik told BJL, "Corona related research proposals have been submitted by our research faculty in areas ranging from advanced sensors for blood oxygenation to new paradigms for Corona Data analysis."  JCT, also known as Machon Lev and Machon Tal, focused on the training engineers and health care professionals, is going full speed via Zoom learning sessions according to Dr. Sukenik

JCT is not only preparing for the future. Presently 600 nursing students have received special training in respiratory therapy to provide emergency back-up for Israeli hospital staff.  Plus, JCT Masters in Nursing students specializing in Geriatrics have begun working in nursing homes across Israel guiding staff in proper patient care and in performing COVID-19 tests for the elderly and for the nursing home workers. Other students have prepared 3D printed protective masks for East Jerusalem hospitals. 

Jerusalem with the Israeli startup and biotechnology communities have responded to the COVID19 challenge in multiple areas early, from hand sanitizers to respiratory masks, to therapies and vaccines--work is ongoing at a rapid pace.