Israel Launches National Quantum Computing Platform to Boost Global AI Leadership

Israel's National Artificial Intelligence Headquarters has initiated three key steps, the most significant being the announcement of a national quantum computing platform. This initiative, part of the "Nexus Project," aims to establish Israel as a global leader in quantum computing and support the country's existing advanced technologies. The project involves a long-term tender to acquire a quantum computer once the technology matures, with multiple stages expected to involve international companies and take considerable time.

About six weeks ago, the Israel Innovation Authority issued a call to establish a national research and development infrastructure to provide advanced quantum computing capabilities to industry and academia. This infrastructure will integrate at least three different quantum processing technologies and serve as a hub for evaluation, integration, and adoption of quantum computing technologies. It will enable companies and researchers to test, compare, and develop applications across various quantum platforms, accelerating research and strengthening Israel's position at the forefront of quantum computing.

The National AI Headquarters plans to implement this infrastructure by the end of the year, primarily to support quantum programs of Israeli companies. Alongside the quantum computing tender, the headquarters announced additional initiatives aimed at leading globally in physical AI, which combines artificial intelligence with the physical world. They issued an early request for information (RFI) to explore establishing a national experimental field for Physical AI, designed as a global center for real-world simulations in diverse environments such as roads, medical facilities, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture.

This project is expected to drive breakthroughs in robotics, edge computing, sensing, and data processing, integrating global commercial activity with unique Israeli capabilities. The headquarters is also examining national strategies regarding foundational AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini. Recognizing these AI models as critical strategic infrastructure, the headquarters issued an RFI to promote Israeli sovereignty in foundational models, advance Israel's leadership, map market capabilities, and explore ways to leverage Israel's comparative advantages.

Currently, Israel already supports quantum computing efforts, including a quantum infrastructure at Tel Aviv University in collaboration with the Israeli quantum company Quantum Machines. While this existing infrastructure is not the first quantum activity in Israel, the planned quantum computer by the National AI Headquarters will be the first dedicated quantum computer for state needs alongside the private market.