News
Israel Debuts AI-Driven 'Horizon Scan' System at Expo 2025 in Japan
- By John K. Waters
- 08/01/2025
Israel has introduced a new artificial intelligence-based tool for forecasting global trends at Expo 2025 in Osaka, marking a significant milestone in the country’s use of big data for national strategy and innovation.
The Horizon Scan system, developed by the Horizon Line Division of Israel’s Innovation, Science, and Technology Ministry, was unveiled at a dedicated conference hosted within the Israeli Pavilion at the world’s fair, The Jerusalem Post reported. It is billed as the first national mechanism to systematically apply AI and big data analytics to track developments across eight domains, including technology, society, geopolitics, and climate.
Israeli Innovation Minister Gila Gamliel, in a video address, called the system "an extraordinary national technological achievement," saying it will help ensure Israel’s scientific security and readiness for rapidly evolving global challenges.
Live Demonstrations and International Collaboration
The event featured demonstrations of the AI tool and presentations from Israeli researchers Dr. Victor Israel and Dr. Elisha Stoian. Japanese officials and diplomats attended, including representatives from Japan’s Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI).
According to organizers, the conference helped lay the groundwork for closer scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries.
“Our cooperation in science, technology, and innovation connects researchers, students, and ideas,” said Gilad Cohen, Israel’s ambassador to Japan, noting the growing partnership between the nations.
Blending Heritage with Innovation
The Horizon Scan launch is part of Israel’s broader presence at Expo 2025, where the national pavilion—titled "Forever"—presents a mix of ancient heritage and modern innovation. A 2,000-year-old Jerusalem stone stands at the center of the display, surrounded by digital projections showcasing Israel’s global contributions in cybersecurity, healthcare, and mobility.
Themed "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," Expo 2025 runs through mid-October and is expected to draw 28 million visitors. Organizers say it is Japan’s most internationally inclusive world’s fair to date.
About the Author
John K. Waters is the editor in chief of a number of Converge360.com sites, with a focus on high-end development, AI and future tech. He's been writing about cutting-edge technologies and culture of Silicon Valley for more than two decades, and he's written more than a dozen books. He also co-scripted the documentary film Silicon Valley: A 100 Year Renaissance, which aired on PBS. He can be reached at [email protected].