The National AI Directorate has unveiled a significant move to secure technological independence by announcing plans for a national quantum computing platform. This project, known as the Nexus Project, aims to place Israel at the center of the global quantum landscape. Government officials state that the initiative will include a formal tender for a national quantum computer to support domestic research and development.
While the goal is to operate a domestically based system, officials clarify that this is a long-term strategy. The government plans to procure the technology only when it reaches the necessary maturity level. This process involves multiple phases and international participation, meaning the project will likely take years to reach full completion.
This announcement follows a separate effort by the Israel Innovation Authority to establish a national research and development infrastructure. That setup aims to integrate at least three distinct quantum processing technologies. The goal is to provide researchers and companies with the ability to test hardware and develop applications across various platforms, with operations expected to begin by the end of the year.
Beyond quantum computing, the Directorate is expanding its focus to what it terms physical AI. This initiative seeks to integrate artificial intelligence with real-world applications in areas like agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. A request for information has been issued for a national physical AI testing ground to help researchers simulate real-world conditions.
The Directorate is also assessing how Israel can strengthen its standing in foundation models, which are identified as critical national infrastructure. By mapping domestic capabilities and identifying competitive advantages, the government hopes to maintain its role as a leader in the global AI sector.