Israel has announced the world’s first R&D centre of this kind for quantum computing, giving the Israeli industry and academia access to full-stack quantum computers.
With a total project budget in the range of 100 million NIS ($ 29 million), which will be covered by the Israel Innovation Authority over a three-year period, in a statement it said it had selected quantum startup Quantum Machines to establish the centre.
The centre’s focus will be on the hardware and software of three different quantum processing technologies, namely superconducting qubits, cold ions and optical computers.
Orit Farkash HaCohen, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, described the centre as “a substantial leap in the Israeli civilian technology’s fortitude.”
While 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.”
The centre will only strengthen Israel’s credentials in quantum technologies. With a government intent on investing and building in related quantum areas, this announcement proves the country wants to lead both regionally and on a global scale.
