The Jerusalem based MonitHer home breast-exam system won the $360,000 grand prize at the WeWork Creator Awards on June 20, which was attended by 5,000 people.
The handheld ultrasound system enables women to monitor their own breast tissue for abnormalities within 10 minutes in the comfort of their own homes, utilizing artificial intelligence and cloud technology to detect potential anomalies. MonitHer can be used once a month, much more frequently than mammograms and with greater ease.
The new device was developed by American immigrant to Israel Yehudit Abrams, who researched ultrasound technology while completing her post-doc at NASA prior to making aliyah.
The second place in the Business Venture category went to SensPD, a device and method to detect autism based on physiological factors. The company was awarded $180,000.
Third place went to TETHYS, which is developing technology to create low-cost, modular water-desalination plants fueled by solar power.
The Community Giver Award went to Sagi Shahar, CEO and co-founder of Nahshonim, an organization helping Israeli periphery communities develop small businesses and nonprofit organizations.
WeWork was co-founded by Israeli entrepreneur Adam Neumann in 2010. It offers co-working and networking space to more than 256,000 members around the world at 283 locations in more than 75 cities in 22 countries.
