Avenas has won first place in the Rhodium Ventures 2025 startup competition, organized by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem School of Business and Rhodium Ventures, in partnership with Earth & Beyond Ventures, Kyocera and the MAAYAN Student Foundation. The startup secured an investment commitment of up to NIS 6.5 million from the Earth & Beyond Ventures fund, subject to a due diligence process.
Held for the first time this year, the competition was open to Deep Tech startups aiming to promote scientific technologies and strengthen the connection between academic research and industry. Participating companies were at the pre-seed or seed stage and all maintained an affiliation with Jerusalem or the Hebrew University, whether through alumni, researchers, technologies originating in university laboratories, or activities in the city.

The winning startup, Avenas, is developing a transparent nano-coating that significantly reduces heat buildup in buildings and vehicles, without consuming energy. This innovative coating provides unique, energy-free thermal insulation and can substantially reduce air-conditioning costs across a wide range of spaces.

Prof. Orly Sade, Dean of the School of Business Administration at the Hebrew University, said: "The Rhodium Ventures Award reflects our vision of combining academic excellence, entrepreneurship and innovation to generate real-world impact. The competition showcases startups that translate cutting-edge research into practical solutions, and Avenas’ win is a powerful example of how science-based ventures can contribute to sustainability and energy efficiency. For our students and researchers, this is an exceptional opportunity to experience the entrepreneurial journey up close, to work directly with investors and industry leaders, and to gain the tools needed to turn ideas into successful companies. We believe that the combination of leading research, entrepreneurial spirit and a supportive ecosystem is the key to creating meaningful impact."

Mr. Daniel Recanati, Chairman of the Rhodium Ventures Award, said: "Avenas presents a breakthrough that connects scientific innovation with a real global need. In the wake of global warming, the ability to reduce heating in buildings and vehicles without any energy consumption is a game changer, both economically and environmentally. The finalist startups reflect the next generation of Israeli deep tech: innovative, research-based and groundbreaking. We are proud to award the prize to a company that is redefining what efficient, clean and science-based technology looks like."

Second place went to PhenoRoot, which uses advanced 3D imaging, computer vision and artificial intelligence-based analysis to provide rapid, high-resolution phenotyping of root systems growing in soil under real-world conditions.

Third place went to NIRON, which is developing an innovative artificial sensing technology that “smells” using tiny optical sensors and is based on AI.

Rhodium Ventures is a venture capital fund that invests in world-changing technologies. Among the dozens of companies it has invested in are Yotpo, QuamCore, StoreDot, Face.com and others.