Israel’s first quantum computer on its way
(AustralianJewishNews) write about The Israeli Innovation Authority and the Defense Ministry expenditure of approximately NIS 200 million (US$62 million) to develop Israel’s first quantum computer and lay the foundation for Israeli computational ability. Inside Quantum Technology here summarizes Ben-David and Staff article.
Quantum computing is expected to lead to future developments in economics, technology, security, engineering, and science. According to their joint announcement Tuesday, the budget will fund two parallel avenues. The Israel Innovation Authority will focus on developing the infrastructure for quantum computational ability which, it said, may include the use of technology from abroad. The Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), meanwhile, will establish a national centre with quantum capabilities that will work with academia, industry, and government partners to develop a quantum processor and then a complete quantum computer.
Israel has about two dozen startups and companies currently focused on quantum technologies, including Quantum Machines, which raised US$50 million last September. The company was founded in 2018 and went on to develop a standard universal language for quantum computers, as well as a unique platform that helps them run.
“Quantum computing is a technology Israeli industry cannot ignore,” said Israel Innovation Authority CEO Dror Bin in a statement Tuesday. “The industry must develop knowledge and access to infrastructure in which it can develop growth engines for activities in which it will decide to lead.”
Dr. Danny Gold, head of the Defense Ministry’s DDR&D, said, “Quantum computing, on all levels, is showing signs of being an important future component of the state’s security and its technological superiority.
“Starting this process in the framework of the national program constitutes a significant step towards achieving Israeli independence in this area,” he added.
This new initiative is part of the 2018 launch of Israel’s National Quantum Science and Technology Program with a budget of NIS 200 million, later expanded to NIS 1.25 billion (US$390 million). The program was initiated to facilitate relevant quantum research, develop human capital in the field, encourage industrial projects, and invite international cooperation on research and development.
