National AI Directorate Launches First Stages of State Program
The National AI Directorate at the Prime Minister's Office and the Accountant General's Division at the Ministry of Finance have launched three initial stages of the National AI Program. A special tender committee has approved the publication of tenders and calls for proposals to establish infrastructure for quantum computing, Physical AI, and foundation models.
The National AI Directorate at the Prime Minister's Office and the Accountant General's Division at the Ministry of Finance launched three initial stages of the National AI Program on Tuesday. The special tender committee for the National Directorate's affairs approved the publication of tenders and calls for proposals to establish infrastructure in the fields of quantum computing, Physical AI, and foundation models.
As part of the "Nexus Project," a tender was published for the establishment of a national quantum computing platform. The goal of this initiative is to build an Israeli-made quantum computer, support existing technologies in Israel, and strengthen the country's status in the field.
Simultaneously, a preliminary Request for Information (RFI) was published to examine the establishment of a national testbed for Physical AI. The facility is intended to serve as a center for real-world simulations and modeling of edge cases in various environments, including roads, medical facilities, advanced manufacturing environments, and agriculture. According to the announcement, the move is designed to promote developments in robotics, edge computing, sensors, and data processing.
The third initiative is an RFI to characterize national action paths in the field of foundation models. The National Directorate seeks to map market capabilities, examine Israel's relative advantages, and promote the establishment of Israeli sovereignty and leadership in this field, which has become a critical strategic infrastructure.
Head of the National AI Directorate, Brigadier General (res.) Erez Askel, said:
"Government Decision 4255 aims to determine Israel's place at the forefront of global artificial intelligence. Our role is to accelerate the advancement of AI in Israel, and therefore we are moving quickly and professionally from defining the vision and strategy to practical implementation on the ground together with all government partners. The steps we are launching now are a key stage in securing our sovereign infrastructures while continuing to concentrate efforts on the relative advantages of the State of Israel for global leadership for years to come."
Senior Deputy Accountant General for Innovation and Technology at the Ministry of Finance and Chairman of the special tender committee, Evyatar Peretz, stated that the connection between the Accountant General's Division and the National Directorate allows for translating government decisions into practical mechanisms and tenders. According to him, these moves in the fields of quantum computing, Physical AI, and foundation models are intended to create the necessary infrastructure for the industry and the economy, lower barriers, and strengthen technological sovereignty.
