Gila Gamliel. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Israel is investing NIS 100 million, roughly $33 million, to establish a national quantum computing research and development infrastructure aimed at giving Israeli companies and universities access to multiple advanced quantum technologies.

The Israel Innovation Authority announced Monday that it had opened a call for proposals to build and operate the platform, which is intended to serve as a national center for testing, comparing, and adopting quantum computing systems.

The planned infrastructure will integrate at least three different quantum-processing technologies, reflecting the fact that no single approach has yet emerged as the clear industry leader. Israeli researchers and companies will be able to compare platforms, develop algorithms and applications, and test which systems are best suited to particular commercial and scientific problems.

“Our responsibility is to invest today in the technologies that will reshape the world in the decades to come,” Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Gila Gamliel said.

“The national quantum computing infrastructure is a cornerstone in building an ecosystem that connects academia, industry, and government, accelerates breakthrough innovation, and reinforces Israel’s position as a global innovation powerhouse,” she added.

Quantum computers use the properties of quantum physics to perform certain calculations that could be prohibitively difficult for conventional computers. Although the technology remains at an early stage, it could eventually transform fields including cryptography, drug development, materials science, finance, and industrial optimization.

The Israeli platform is expected to provide services across the entire quantum computing stack, including hardware and qubits, control and measurement systems, error correction, software, algorithms, and practical applications.

It will also offer access to quantum hardware and cloud-based systems, support proof-of-concept projects, and provide training and technical assistance to Israeli startups, companies, and academic researchers.

“Quantum computing is expected to fundamentally transform the way industries address highly complex computational challenges,” said Israel Innovation Authority CEO Dror Bin.

Bin said the project would help convert Israeli scientific expertise into a competitive advantage for the country’s technology sector.

The successful applicant will be required to establish and operate the infrastructure in Israel. The center must be fully established within 18 months of approval and begin providing at least some research and development services within the first year.

The initiative is intended to help Israeli companies shorten development cycles and compete in the expanding international race to commercialize quantum technologies.