Israel launches NIS 100 million push for national quantum computing hub

The Israel Innovation Authority has opened a call for proposals to build a national quantum computing R&D infrastructure that would give Israeli companies and researchers access to advanced systems. The program is designed to speed up testing, integration and adoption across multiple quantum technologies as Israel tries to strengthen its position in a fast-moving global field.

Why it matters: - The new infrastructure is meant to give Israeli industry and academia access to quantum computing tools that are still expensive, fragmented, and difficult to compare across platforms. - The program could shorten development cycles for applications in cryptography, chemistry, materials science, optimization, finance, and healthcare. - Israel is trying to build a national capability before one quantum architecture pulls ahead globally.

What happened: - The Israel Innovation Authority launched a new call for proposals to establish a national quantum computing research and development infrastructure. - The program carries NIS 100 million in funding. - The infrastructure will be based in Israel and open to companies and researchers. - The call is aimed at industrial corporations and user consortia that want to establish and operate the national center.

The details: - The infrastructure must integrate at least three different quantum processing technologies. - The center will serve as a national hub for evaluation, integration, and adoption of quantum computing technologies. - Users will be able to test technologies, compare platforms, and develop applications across different quantum architectures. - The R&D offering must cover the full quantum stack, including hardware and qubits, control and measurement systems, error correction, software, algorithms, user interfaces, and applications. - The program also calls for benchmarking, platform selection, proof-of-concept work, technology integration, and adaptation of solutions to industry needs. - The operator must provide support for quantum startups and companies, plus training, workshops, and multidisciplinary workforce development. - The infrastructure must be fully established within 18 months of approval. - R&D services must begin within the first 12 months, including hardware access, cloud services, and algorithm evaluation. - The operator must meet service-level targets for deployment, performance, and rapid repair of critical failures. - Users must receive access to the most advanced versions of each selected technology, with upgrades tied to global market developments.

Between the lines: - The call reflects uncertainty over which quantum technology will prove dominant, so the infrastructure is designed to support multiple approaches in parallel. - The requirement for interoperability and continuous upgrades suggests the government wants a living platform, not a one-time procurement. - The program also functions as industrial policy, linking research capacity with commercialization and workforce development. - Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel said the investment is meant to build Israel's resilience and long-term economic leadership. - Dror Bin, CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority, said the goal is to turn scientific and technological knowledge into a competitive advantage for Israeli high-tech.

What's next: - The authority will review proposals from eligible industry groups and consortia. - The selected operator will be responsible for building and running the national infrastructure in Israel. - If the program stays on schedule, Israeli users could start accessing services within a year and a fully deployed center could follow within 18 months.

The bottom line: - Israel is betting NIS 100 million that a shared, multi-platform quantum hub will help the country move faster than building isolated systems one by one.