National AI Directorate announces 'Project Nexus' to develop, build quantum computer in Israel

Israel is launching "Project Nexus" to develop a quantum computer and advance physical artificial intelligence, aiming for global leadership in these technological domains. The initiative is part of the national AI strategy and aims to secure the country's technological infrastructure.

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Government Decision 4255 aims to secure Israel's place at the forefront of global AI. Our role is to accelerate the advancement of AI in Israel, which is why we are transitioning swiftly and professionally from defining vision and strategy to practical implementation on the ground, together with all government partners.

Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel, Director of the National AI Directorate, stated that the directorate's role is to accelerate AI advancement in Israel, moving from strategy to practical implementation. He emphasized that these steps are crucial for securing sovereign infrastructure and leveraging Israel's comparative advantages for long-term global leadership.

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The steps we are launching now are a central phase in securing our sovereign infrastructure while continuing to focus our efforts on the State of Israel's comparative advantages for long-term global leadership.

Senior Finance Ministry Deputy Accountant General for Innovation and Technology Evyatar Peretz highlighted the collaboration between his department and the AI Directorate. This partnership enables the translation of government decisions into practical mechanisms for establishing the necessary infrastructure. An RFI will also be published to advance Israeli sovereignty in foundational models and promote local leadership.

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The close collaboration between the Accountant General's Department and the National Directorate enables us to translate government decisions into practical, contractual mechanisms that will establish the required infrastructure on the ground.

Quantum computing has been a priority for the Israeli government since 2018, with several programs aimed at positioning the nation among the world's top five in the field. Previous achievements include the development of a domestically built quantum computer in 2024 and a collaboration between Israeli startup Qedma and IBM to create a device that surpassed the performance of the world's most powerful supercomputer.

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The steps we are leading today, from quantum computing to Physical AI and foundational models, provide the industry and the economy with the necessary foundation to lower barriers, ensure technological sovereignty, and make global breakthroughs.