In August, the National AI Directorate of the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Accountant General’s Department of the Israeli Ministry of Finance initiated the implementation phase of Israel’s national AI plan by publishing a series of initial calls for tenders and requests for information (RFIs). This is based on Government Resolution 4255. The Special Committee for Tenders within the Accountant General’s Department has approved the publications.
The three initiatives aim to secure drivers of growth, technological sovereignty and a global leadership role for Israel in the coming years – a clear signal to domestic industry and the ecosystem that the strategy is now to be put into practice.
- ‘Project Nexus’ – National Quantum Computing Platform
A tender for the development of a quantum computer manufactured in Israel. The aim: to ensure that Israel operates its own sovereign quantum platform, to consolidate the country’s global leadership in this field, and to promote the range of quantum-related technologies already being developed in the country. - Physical AI – National Test Bed
A Request for Information (RFI) to explore the establishment of a national test bed for next-generation physical AI, in line with the national objective of achieving global leadership in this field. The complex would serve as a global centre for the realistic simulation of edge-case scenarios – for example, in the fields of motorways, medical facilities, advanced manufacturing and agriculture. The project aims to drive breakthroughs in the fields of robotics, edge computing, sensor technology and data processing, whilst combining international commercial activities with specific Israeli expertise. - AI Foundation Models – Developing National Action Plans
A Request for Information (RFI) to develop approaches towards AI foundation models, which are increasingly regarded as critical strategic infrastructure. The Directorate aims to strengthen Israeli sovereignty in this field, promote national leadership, assess existing market capabilities and identify measures that maximise Israel’s comparative advantages.
Director of the National AI Directorate, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Askal:
“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.”
Source: PMO