30 November 2017

Rabbis award creator of new technology that offers respite for the blind and visually impaired

1st December 2017– The winners of the Conference of European Rabbis Internet Entrepreneur Prize were announced at a Gala Event at Slush Media’s world leading start-up event in Helsinki.

The prize, which saw over four hundred start-ups enter, gave cash prizes to digital and web-based ventures that have potential to change the world and improve lives. For the first time Slush’s conference will host the prize giving, Slush brings together over 18,000 people from across the global tech scene to showcase new advances and new technology.

First prize for the Internet Entrepreneur award went to Hans Jørgen Wiberg and Christian Erfurt, both from Denmark, who created Be My Eyes. Be My Eyes is a free mobile phone app designed to bring site to the blind and visually impaired. With the press of a button, the app establishes a live video connection between blind and visually impaired users and sighted volunteers who ‘lend their eyes’ so that the blind and visually impaired can navigate daily tasks with greater ease.

The second prize went to Israel based Eli Beer, founder of United Hatzalah Israel. Inspired by his experiences in Hatzalah and the emergency services, Beer designed the Moscowitz Life Compass app, which is the most advanced location technology available with the ability to locate the 5 closest EMS responders within 3 seconds of an emergency.

Third prize went to Russian- born Mikhail Lanchikov, CEO of EyeMove.IO. Following a chance conversation, Mikhail’s research led to the realisation that 10 common and dangerous diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, can be eye-detected. Since its inception, the idea has been transformed several times, with the development of the front mobile camera. Recently, Mikhail and his team learnt how to utilise the main smartphone lens for the disease diagnostics.

The keynote address was given by Dr. Cornelius Boersch, the founder of Mountain partners AG.

Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis, in his speech at the Gala Event, said: “Once again the CER has taken Judaism to new frontiers and the cutting edge of technology internationally. Religion is as relevant now as it has ever been and our presence at Slush is testament to that. The CER wants to ensure that technology improves the world and I am incredibly proud of the advancements and innovations designed by this year’s winners.”