This Israeli Tech Company Is Mapping the Future in 3D ft. Omer David Keilaf from Innoviz Technologies

Is Tesla bluffing about full self-driving? Omer Keilaf, co-founder and CEO of Innoviz, joins IsraelTech to explain why LIDAR - not cameras - is the key to safe autonomy. With over 20 years of experience building life-changing technologies and a background in Israel’s elite Unit 81, Omer isn’t only shaping the future, he’s already living in it.

From military-grade hardware to software-defined vehicles, this isn’t just a conversation about cars - it’s about national security, deeptech breakthroughs, and where Israel is outpacing global giants.

We cover:
- What LIDAR really is (and why it’s misunderstood)
- Why Tesla’s camera-only approach is flawed
- How Israel’s defense roots power its tech edge
- The future of autonomous driving and 3D sensing
- Innoviz’s role in global automotive platforms

About Omer Keilaf

Omer Keilaf is a deep tech pioneer with over two decades of experience transforming breakthrough ideas into global products. As the co-founder and CEO of Innoviz Technologies, he has led the company to the forefront of LiDAR innovation, securing design wins with top-tier automotive giants including BMW Group and Volkswagen Group.

Under his leadership, Innoviz became the first Israeli company to go public via a SPAC merger in April 2021, raising $371 million and scaling to over 400 employees.

Before founding Innoviz, Omer served as an officer in an elite technology unit within the IDF Intelligence Corps, and held key R&D and leadership roles at Consumer Physics, STMicroelectronics, and the IDF itself.

About Innoviz

Innoviz Technologies is a global leader in LiDAR sensing, powering the autonomous vehicle revolution with its cutting-edge hardware and perception software. As a Tier 1 supplier to automotive giants like BMW and Volkswagen, Innoviz delivers high-performance, solid-state LiDAR solutions that enable safer, smarter, and more reliable autonomous driving.

Publicly listed via a historic SPAC merger in 2021, Innoviz continues to expand its impact across automotive, robotics, and industrial sectors - shaping the way the world moves.

Shorts of the Week

Israel builds Iron Domes. Now it's building one for your kid. w/ Orit Levy of BabyArk

Think all sensors are the same? Think again. w/ Omer Keilaf of Innoviz

Photographers hate editing. ImagenAI built something so they don’t have to. w/ Shahar Polak of ImagenAI

This Israeli startup is shaking up your morning routine w/ Isaac Taitler of Tairob

This Week in Israeli Tech News

1. Zero Networks Raises $55M to Redefine Microsegmentation

   The Israeli cybersecurity startup just closed a $55M Series C after tripling its customer base and growing revenue 3x in under two years.

2. Merlin Ventures Launches $75M Cyber Fund to Back Israel’s Seed-Stage Startups
   With a strong track record of exits like Talon, Dig Security, and Veriti, Merlin Ventures is expanding its role as a key launchpad for early-stage Israeli cybersecurity companies.

3. Buildots Raises $45M to Scale Predictive AI for Construction 
   From semiconductor fabs to global contractors, Buildots is modernizing construction management with computer vision and real-time analytics.

4. Deel Hits $1B Revenue Run Rate, Plans $500M in M&A

   Founded by Israeli Alex Bouaziz, Deel is one of the only profitable, global HR tech giants at scale - with over 1.25M workers supported in 150+ countries.

5. Speedata Raises $44M to Accelerate Big Data with Custom Chips
   The Tel Aviv startup is building purpose-built analytics processors to dramatically improve performance and efficiency in data centers.

6. Scytale Acquires AudITech for $15M to Expand SOX Compliance Automation

   Scytale is enhancing its AI-driven GRC platform by integrating AudITech’s SOX-focused technology and team.

7. MIND Raises $30M Series A to Revolutionize Data Loss Prevention

   The Israeli cybersecurity startup is leveraging AI to address legacy data loss prevention challenges with automated, context-driven solutions.

Culture Corner

1,600-Year-Old Byzantine Mosaic Restored and Unveiled in Negev Desert

A stunning Byzantine-era mosaic, originally discovered in 1990 near Be'er Shema in the western Negev, is now on public display after an extensive restoration. The 1,600-year-old mosaic once adorned a monastery and features 55 intricate medallions depicting mythological figures, animals, hunting scenes, and everyday life. Archaeologists also uncovered a wine press and clay jug warehouses nearby, revealing the site's role in ancient wine production along the region's historic spice route. The Israel Antiquities Authority had reburied the mosaic after its initial discovery to protect it from damage, but it began deteriorating while underground. Now, fully conserved and relocated to the Merhavim Regional Council complex, the mosaic is protected and available for the public to view for the first time. If you’re listening and want to see, you can see it on youtube or spotify where the platform allows us to upload video. We will also release some video of the mosaics on our social media platforms.

Listen to the full story here

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