Israel Launches National Quantum Computer Tender as Part of Broader AI Sovereignty Strategy

Insider BriefIsrael has launched a national tender to establish a domestically produced quantum computing platform, marking the first major implementation step in a broader government strategy aimed at strengthening technological sovereignty and expanding the country’s leadership in advanced computing and artificial intelligence.The initiative, announced by Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office National AI Directorate and the Ministry of Finance’s Accountant General’s Department, forms part of a series of national projects authorized under Government Decision 4255, which established the framework for Israel’s national artificial intelligence strategy.While the announcement also includes new artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, the statement includes “Project Nexus,” a tender to establish what officials described as a national “Blue and White” quantum computing platform built in Israel.According to the government statement, the project is intended to ensure that Israel possesses a locally produced quantum computer while supporting multiple quantum technologies already under development across the country’s research and industrial ecosystem.The government said the initiative is designed to guarantee the existence of a locally produced quantum computer and the State of Israel’s status as a global leader.“I think this is a smart and bold move by the government — launching a tender like this for a technology that’s still emerging takes courage,” said Dr. Smadar Itzkovich, founder and CEO of AI & Quantum Sovereignty Lab (AIQ-Lab), The Times of Israel reported. “It places Israel alongside Japan and the UK, which made similar moves this year. What interests me most going forward is thinking about what Israel’s big vision is for advancing the quantum field.”The announcement did not disclose technical specifications, procurement timelines, funding levels, participating companies or research institutions, or whether the platform will rely on a particular quantum computing architecture.Rather than supporting a single research effort, Project Nexus appears intended to create national infrastructure that can serve researchers, industry and government while accommodating multiple quantum technologies.Quantum computers use the principles of quantum mechanics to process certain classes of calculations differently than conventional computers. Although today’s systems remain experimental and are not expected to replace classical computers for most tasks, governments worldwide are investing in the technology because of its potential to accelerate research in fields such as chemistry, materials science, optimization and cryptography.Israel already has an active quantum technology sector spanning universities, startups and established technology companies. The government said the new platform is intended to support “the diverse technologies existing in Israel,” suggesting it will be designed to work across multiple approaches to quantum computing rather than focusing on a single hardware platform.The quantum initiative also reflects a broader international trend toward developing domestic capabilities in strategically important technologies. Countries including the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Germany and France have invested billions of dollars in national quantum programs aimed at reducing dependence on foreign technology while strengthening domestic research and industrial capacity.The Israeli announcement places similar emphasis on technological sovereignty, describing the projects as part of a national effort to establish future growth engines and strengthen the country’s long-term competitive position.Alongside Project Nexus, the government announced two Requests for Information (RFIs) focused on expanding Israel’s artificial intelligence infrastructure.The first seeks industry input on establishing a national Physical AI testing ground. Physical AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that interact directly with the physical world through robots, autonomous vehicles, sensors and industrial equipment.According to the government statement, the proposed facility would function as a national test environment capable of simulating complex real-world scenarios across highways, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, agricultural operations and other settings. Officials said the project is intended to support advances in robotics, edge computing, sensing and data processing while creating opportunities for commercial collaboration.The second RFI focuses on foundational AI models, seeking information to help shape future national policy around large-scale AI systems. Foundation models are large artificial intelligence models trained on broad datasets that can later be adapted for tasks such as language processing, image generation and software development.The government said the request is intended to examine pathways for strengthening Israeli capabilities in foundational models, map existing market capabilities and identify approaches that would maximize the country’s competitive advantages.Director of the National AI Directorate, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel: “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. 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 and Chairman of the Special Tenders Committee Evyatar Peretz: “The Finance Ministry Accountant General’s Department is committed to realizing Israel’s national vision in artificial intelligence. 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. 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.”Officials described the publication of the tender and RFIs as the beginning of the implementation phase of Israel’s national AI strategy rather than the announcement of individual research projects.The initiatives were approved by the Special Tenders Committee for National AI Directorate affairs within the Ministry of Finance’s Accountant General’s Department, according to the government statement.TopicsShare Get the latest research, company news, and market intelligence every week. MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLEMore in Research