Israel rolls out tender for national quantum computer, and plans for advanced AI push

Israel is stepping up its efforts in the burgeoning field of quantum computing by launching a tender for a national quantum computer, a move aimed at securing "Israeli technological sovereignty." This initiative, announced Tuesday, is a key component of a government-wide strategy to advance quantum computing and artificial intelligence capabilities.

The "Project Nexus" tender, a joint effort by the Prime Minister’s Office National Artificial Intelligence Directorate and the Finance Ministry Accountant General’s Department, seeks to establish a locally produced quantum computer. Beyond strengthening Israel's technological independence, the project intends to provide a significant impetus to the nation's high-tech sector and enhance its global competitiveness in the long run. Details regarding the budget and implementation timeline remain undisclosed.

This development comes as countries worldwide engage in an intense race for dominance in next-generation technologies. Erez Askal, Director of the National AI Directorate, estimated in July that the national plan would require an annual budget of approximately NIS 5 billion ($1.66 billion). The Israel Innovation Authority recently committed NIS 100 million ($33 million) to establish national infrastructure for quantum computing research and development, supporting local companies and universities in testing and adopting these advanced technologies.

Nadav Cohen, an AI and computer science professor at Tel Aviv University, emphasized the importance of Israel's early initiative in emerging technologies, particularly after what he described as a late start in AI development. However, he cautioned that given Israel's resource limitations compared to superpowers, the nation must strategically prioritize investment areas where it has the potential to lead, rather than attempting to excel in all fields. The push for quantum computing and AI is seen as crucial for Israel to keep pace with major global players like the United States and China, who are significantly increasing their investments in these transformative technologies.

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Israel taking initiative and acting early on an emerging technology is a step in the right direction because we were very late when it comes to AI. But since we are not a superpower with endless resources, Israel needs to set national investment priorities and carefully choose the areas where we have the potential to lead, and focus on them as opposed to trying to be good at everything.