Israel Announces a $29M R&D Center For Quantum Computing

Israel is setting up the world’s first research and development center of its kind for quantum computing.

It will provide industry and academia in Israel with access to a full stack quantum computer – capable of operating millions of times faster than ordinary computers – to run direct computations with a future option for cloud accessibility. 

Total budget for the project is NIS100 million ($29 million), which will be covered by the Israel Innovation Authority over a three-year period. It said it had selected Quantum Machines, which creates hardware and software solution for the control and operation of quantum computers, to establish the center.

The center will focus on all layers of hardware and software on three different quantum processing technologies (superconducting qubits, cold ions and optic computer).

Orit Farkash HaCohen, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, described the center as “a substantial leap in the Israeli civilian technology’s fortitude”.

Dr. Ami Appelbaum, Chairman of the Israel Innovation Authority, said: “The center will provide services in response to technological needs that will enable Israeli industry and academia to access R&D infrastructure that will advance existing technological innovation in the industry by leaps and bounds.

“This center is the answer to an existing strategic market failure and is part of the authority’s policy of enabling the industry to maintain its leading position at the forefront of breakthrough and disruptive technologies.”

Israel’s defense ministry will issue an additional tender to finance the development of quantum technologies for military use, costing an extra NIS100 million.