• Airwayz chosen for its unique UTM software to drive technological innovation at the port

• 500 Global will oversee the program signifying the first time the venture capital firm has run an accelerator event in Israel

Tel Aviv, Israel April 12, 2022 – UTM/USSP specialist, Airwayz Drones, has today announced it has been chosen to participate in an accelerator at Ashdod Port to drive technological innovation at the Port of Israel. The intensive 12-week programme, setup and managed by venture capital firm 500 Global, will play host to a range of pioneering start-ups from a variety of fields with the goal driving sustainable innovation within blue tech.

The accelerator programme will allow Ashdod Port to trial and integrate new technologies that increase productivity and efficiency across a range of applications at the port, whilst offering the opportunity to integrate the tech into the port’s systems upon completion. Airwayz UTM will allow multiple fleets of drones to operate across the port in an array of scenarios, including logistics and security, as a proof-of-concept and will gain access to mentoring from Deloitte and 500 Global, as well as a full range of resources and support from Israel’s largest cargo port.

“We are delighted to have been selected by 500 Global and Ashdod Port to validate our innovative technology at such a significant location in Israel,” says Eyal Zor, CEO and Co-Founder of Airwayz. “The accelerator program will not only demonstrate another proof-of-concept for our unique UTM system – which is just the beginning of maritime use-cases for Airwayz in 2022 – but will showcase the pioneering stance Israel is taking to develop such original processes, particularly in air-mobility, as demonstrated by 500 Global’s enthusiasm to host this program.”

The event is the first time that 500 Global has setup an accelerator in Israel, further demonstrating that Israel is pushing the boundaries when it comes to technological innovation and the ability to create a sustainable ecosystem. Amongst other start-up companies from the energy, logistics, shipping and seaport industries, the program also presents an opportunity to attract further investment if successful.

Airwayz views seaports as the first installers of such drone technology and will also be involved in further projects at different ports globally in 2022, with its operating system able to perform in a variety of operations safely and efficiently. Airwayz flight systems and UTM/USSP platforms feature advanced functions such as tactical and strategic deconfliction, manned unmanned separation and advanced mission planning that enable the safe implementation of drones in any ecosystem.