Startup: Alpha Tau Medical

Founded by its CEO, Mr. Uzi Sofer in 2016, Alpha Tau Medical Ltd, is a Jerusalem based, medical device company that focuses on research, development, and commercialization of the Alpha DaRT for treatment of solid tumors. The technology was initially developed by Prof. Itzhak Kelson and Prof. Yona Keisari from Tel Aviv University. Alpha DaRT™ (Diffusing Alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy) enables highly potent and conformal alpha-irradiation of solid tumors. The treatment is delivered by intratumoral insertion of radium-224 impregnated seeds. When the radium decays, its short-lived daughters are released from the seed, and disperse while emitting high-energy alpha particles that destroy the tumor. Since the alpha-emitting atoms diffuse only a short distance, Alpha DaRT mainly affects the tumor, sparing the healthy tissue around it.

Ronen Segal – Chief Technology Officer

Ronen Segal, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Alpha TAU Medical, lives in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Homat Shmuel and together with his wife Merav, are proud parents of 5 wonderful kids. Ronen has more than 20 years of experience in leading technological innovation. Before joining Alpha TAU, he served for 8 years as the CTO and Deputy CEO of Brainsway, a Neuroscience company that developed and commercialized a non-drug treatment for brain-disorders. During that time he also founded and was the Chairman of the Israeli Innovation Authority’s Brain Consortium (BSMT), which has facilitated the collaboration of 5 neuro companies and 12 academic research groups for breakthroughs in the field. In 2004 he co-Founded WiTech Communications, a startup company that provided wireless video solutions for diverse commercial applications and was acquired by Eastman Kodak. Prior, Ronen served as project leader for OpTun Inc., responsible for the development of novel fiber-optical communication components. In his early years, after studying Electro-Optical Engineering and Applied Physics at the Jerusalem College of Technology, he served in the Israeli Navy, leading the development and integration of data communication systems for new submarines as well as worked for the Israeli Ministry of Defense Advanced Technology Unit (MAFAT), where he was responsible for the development and integration of a multi-disciplinary unmanned air vehicle (UAV) system.

Venue: BIOHOUSE

BIOHOUSE is a unique platform for Biomed companies that combines R&D facilities in top tier medical centers, professional services, both general and specific biomedical ventures, and strategic connections to industry and investors. Global by nature, BIOHOUSE initiated operations in Israel and plans to expand to the USA and other countries.

Shai Melcer – CEO

Shai Melcer is a multi-disciplinarian with a rich, wide-range academic and professional background. Shai has practiced Law and performed scientific research and headed several organizations, projects and ventures. In his current position as CEO of BIOHOUSE, Shai is establishing a biomedical community, connecting medical centers, entrepreneurs and strategic partners of industry and investment. Previously, Shai has held the following positions: Executive Director of BioJerusalem at the Jerusalem Development Authority, a government cluster-initiative promoting the Biomed industry in Jerusalem; Director of the Meyerhoff Youth Center for Advanced Studies (NOAR SHOCHER MADA) in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Co-founder of ‘BioGiv’ at the Hebrew University – Israel’s first academia-based Biotech ‘excubator’; Founder and chairman of MOACH – Hebrew University Teachers and Researchers Organization; and Hebrew University Senate member – experimental research student representative. Shai holds an LLB, an LLM and a PhD in Biology (Genetics), all from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

For a list of companies like Alpha Tau Medical working to fight cancer, click here.

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Concept and Production: Brief.

Animation: Yam Matarasso

Partners: Start-Up Nation Central, Scale Up Velocity, Jerusalem Foundation, The Jerusalem Development Authority, Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage, Jerusalem Municipality