CTech's Monday Roundup of Israeli Tech News

Gene discovery startup announces breakthrough on drought-tolerant crops. Israel’s PlantArcBio has isolated the genes that help desert organisms survive. Now, the University of Wisconsin-Madison will test the genes’ impact on soybean yields. Read more

 

The world according to China’s no. 1 travel agent. In 2014, Shanghai-headquartered Ctrip, the largest online travel agency in Asia, launched a unique, first of its kind travel package in China: 88 days around the world, priced at $200,000. The company deliberated whether such a product would even have a market. All 22 tickets sold within 17 seconds. Read more

 

Medical cannabis company Together Pharma to set up skincare company. Together was created from a merger between Tel Aviv-listed shelf company Together Startup Network and Globus Pharma, an Israel-based company that has received permits for growing and marketing medical marijuana in Israel. The company partnered up with Israeli cosmetics and skincare company Premier Dead Sea for the new venture. Read more

 

SEC considering disciplinary action against interception company Ability. Tel Aviv-based Ability has been under probe since February 2017 in regards to a 2015 merger, and to business information filed by the company. Read more

 

McDonald’s reports record sales in Israel. McDonald’s tailored its menu for the Israeli market with health-oriented items such as freshly-cut salads, chicken wraps, and baby carrot snacks. Read more

News Briefs

 

Aurora Group to market 3D printers by Nano Dimension in China. Read more

 

Israel sees 19% rise in tourism in first half of 2018. Read more

 

Vincent Tchenguiz’s Consensus Business Group invests $6 million in Israeli venture fund. Read more

 

Lufthansa is considering launching direct flight to southern Israel. Read more