Israel has showcased its advanced technological capabilities for predicting future trends at Expo 2025 Osaka, highlighting a unique national mechanism that uses artificial intelligence and big data to identify emerging technologies and global shifts.
The Senior "Horizon Line" Division of Israel's Innovation, Science, and Technology Ministry hosted a specialized conference at the world's fair to present its "Horizon Scan" mechanism. According to a press release, this system is the first of its kind to make extensive use of AI and big data analysis to systematically identify potential developments across eight core domains: technology, economy, society, security, state, geopolitics, demography, climate, and ideology.
In a video address, Innovation, Science, and Technology Minister Gila Gamliel praised the mechanism as an "extraordinary national technological achievement" that embodies Israeli excellence. She stated that the tool is vital for strengthening Israel's technological independence and scientific security, allowing the nation to prepare for "dramatic and accelerated changes" in the future.
The conference brought together entrepreneurs, researchers, Japanese government officials, and diplomats, featuring live demonstrations of the AI systems and lectures by leading researchers from the Horizon Line Division, including Dr. Victor Israel and Dr. Elisha Stoian.
The event also facilitated key meetings between Israeli and Japanese experts. Researchers from the Horizon Line Division met with their counterparts from Japan's Cabinet Office and the National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP), as well as the innovation division of the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI).
The Japanese hosts reportedly expressed significant interest in Israel's innovative methods, laying the groundwork for future collaboration between the two nations.
Growing partnership between Israel and Japan
Ambassador of Israel to Japan, Gilad Cohen, emphasized the growing friendship and partnership between the two countries. "Our cooperation in science, technology, and innovation connects researchers, students, and ideas," he said, adding that such partnerships are crucial for tackling global challenges.
The "Horizon Scan" mechanism is a core component of Israel's presence at Expo 2025, which aims to present a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern innovation. The Israeli Pavilion, titled "Forever," features a 2,000-year-old building stone from Jerusalem as a central symbol of resilience.
Digital projections on the stone highlight Israel's global contributions in fields like healthcare, mobility, and cybersecurity, bridging the gap between its historical roots and its forward-looking technological vision.
Expo 2025 Osaka, which runs from April 13 to October 13, 2025, is themed "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." The exhibition is expected to attract approximately 28 million visitors and features the widest international participation ever recorded at a Japanese Expo.