Apple acquired the secretive Israeli startup Q.ai (Ramat Gan-based, ~100 employees, founded three years ago) for an estimated $1.5 billion. The company developed technology to decipher silent speech by reading micro-movements of the face and jaw.

The deal highlights growing interest from US tech giants in Israeli AI capabilities, particularly in advanced user interfaces and wearable devices.

In parallel, AI infrastructure company Vast Data reached a $30 billion valuation in its latest round. Israeli institutions including Harel, Phoenix, Amitim, and Meitav realized approximately $45 million in gains from the valuation increase.

Additional ecosystem activity

Eleven Israeli or Israeli-founded companies were selected for Google’s 33-member Gemini Startup Forum, collaborating with Google Cloud, DeepMind, and Wiz on AI-driven defenses.

The Israeli tech ecosystem in New York now hosts 470 startups with a dedicated hub supporting their US operations.

The updates reflect continued active engagement by venture capital and technology giants around Israeli companies in AI and infrastructure domains.