The National AI Directorate and the Finance Ministry in Israel have announced Project Nexus. This initiative aims to build a locally produced quantum computer and push forward development in physical artificial intelligence. The effort aligns with Government Decision 4255 to maintain Israel's position at the forefront of global technological development.
Project Nexus represents a shift from strategy definition to practical implementation. The government intends to create the necessary infrastructure to support advanced computing and foundational AI models. Officials state that the goal is to secure technological sovereignty and provide the national economy with the tools for long-term growth.
Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel, Director of the National AI Directorate, stated that these steps serve as a central phase in building sovereign infrastructure. The government is coordinating with private industry partners to lower barriers for deep-tech development. This follows previous efforts to position Israel among the top five nations in quantum computing capabilities.
In addition to quantum development, the government is prioritizing physical AI. This field involves deploying AI in real-world scenarios such as autonomous drones and energy management systems. By connecting AI to manufacturing and field operations, the state aims to leverage its strengths in integration and planning. The Finance Ministry will soon publish a Request for Information to assess current market capabilities and map out the next stages for these foundational technologies.
This announcement arrives after years of sustained focus on quantum research. Previous milestones included the 2024 unveiling of a domestic quantum computer and collaborations involving domestic startups and international partners. The new mandate under Project Nexus seeks to build on these foundations to ensure the industry remains competitive as global demand for specialized computing continues to rise.