Startup Nation Central and Intel have selected three Israeli-linked start-ups as winners of their Edge AI Tech Challenge. The event highlights a growing shift toward artificial intelligence that runs directly on devices rather than depending entirely on cloud computing.

The competition drew more than 100 start-ups and ventures. It focused on practical AI applications for personal computers, medical devices, cameras, hearing aids, and other hardware where data is processed and decisions occur in real time.

First place went to Secondly, founded by serial entrepreneur Adam Cohen Hillel. The company is building an AI assistant that maintains long-term memory of user preferences, habits, and past interactions while keeping all information under user control.

Unlike most current AI assistants that treat each exchange as a new conversation, Secondly aims to deliver a continuous personal AI layer that operates across multiple devices.

'AI models are incredibly smart, but they miss the context'

"Today's AI models are incredibly smart, but they lack the context that would make them truly useful for you," Cohen Hillel said. The company plans to expand development and begin recruiting users and partners after the competition.

Second place was awarded to Fertigo Medical, led by Dr. Tzafrir Kolatt. The company is developing a system to improve IVF outcomes by helping physicians determine the best timing for embryo transfer. Its technology combines a miniature endoscope with AI-powered image analysis to assess the uterine lining in real time, providing what the company calls a "virtual biopsy" without tissue sampling.

Hush Hear, founded by Almaza Faras, took third place.

Inspired by Faras's personal experience with hearing loss, the startup has created a wearable system that lets users select which speaker to hear in noisy environments. The technology processes audio directly on the device, reducing delays that can disrupt natural conversation.

According to Intel and Startup Nation Central, the winners reflect a broader trend toward "edge AI" - artificial intelligence that operates closer to users and devices, delivering faster response times, greater privacy, and reduced dependence on cloud infrastructure.