Sound Forward Conference Spotlights Audio Tech Expansion in Israel
The Sound Forward conference in Tel Aviv highlighted the expansion of audio tech into automotive, healthcare, and security, showcasing AI voice diagnostics and smart vehicle interfaces.
Advanced audio and sound technologies are rapidly expanding beyond music creation into medicine, automotive, security, and cybersecurity. This was the core message of the Sound Forward conference, hosted by the MusicTech Tel Aviv 2026 community at Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv as part of Israeli Hi-Tech Week.
Gathering around 500 entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and industry leaders, the event highlighted the rapid diversification of acoustic innovations. David Friedman and Ilan Levy, co-founders of the MusicTech Innovation Lab, alongside business development director Nili Katzif-HaCohen, outlined strategic plans for 2027. These include launching dedicated health and media startup tracks and further expanding global operations. Currently, the hub operates across 12 different verticals, bridging early-stage startups with multinational corporations.
Cutting-Edge Acoustic Innovations
Several startups showcased groundbreaking applications during the event. Multikol, led by Addi Nebovani, presented an AI-powered deepfake voice detection solution to prevent fraud and identity theft. Audisea, headed by Yair Yanovitz, demonstrated underwater acoustic sensor arrays designed to detect security threats around ports and gas platforms. Meanwhile, SonicEdge, led by Dr. Moti Margalit, unveiled silicon chip-based technology for manufacturing ultra-miniature speakers tailored for advanced audio devices.
In a panel dedicated to the future driving experience, Danny Cherzkassy, CEO of Kardome, and Hamdat Sagi, head of Volkswagen Group's Israeli innovation center, discussed integrating artificial intelligence and voice in vehicles. Cherzkassy outlined a scenario where drivers can converse naturally with their cars, asking why a warning light has illuminated and receiving immediate voice feedback without navigating complex screens, alongside acoustic sensors detecting emergency sirens in the surrounding traffic.
Healthcare and Industrial Applications
Healthcare applications also took center stage. Ido Shahar, VP of R&D at Sensi.Ai, presented AI systems that analyze ambient sounds in elderly homes—such as coughing patterns, breathing, mood, and sleep disruptions—to proactively identify health deterioration or emotional distress, prevent hospitalizations, and preserve independence. Concurrently, experts discussed the potential of audio and music in trauma rehabilitation and mental health.
Dov Moran, managing partner at Grove Ventures, emphasized the momentum of the sector in the AI era. He noted that technologies previously too complex or commercially unfeasible are now becoming viable. Voice and acoustic analysis can now assist in early fault detection in industrial machinery, energy systems, and medical equipment, turning past challenges into tangible business opportunities.
The conference concluded with discussions on the future of the music industry and an exit panel featuring Israeli companies acquired by global corporations, including Insignito, Aiode, and Revelator.
