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Introduction

Israel is set to launch a tender next month to establish the country’s first supercomputer. This initiative aims to ensure Israel remains a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, according to Dror Bin, the chief executive of the state-backed Israel Innovation Authority.

AI: A Double-Edged Sword

Speaking at an AI conference, Dror Bin highlighted that while AI has been beneficial for Israel’s tech sector, it could become a threat without proactive measures. AI is a rapidly evolving technology, and staying ahead requires significant investment and innovation.

Government Investment

The Israeli government is budgeting $250 million for a national AI programme that involves government, industry, and academia. Sixty percent of this budget will be executed in 2024, with the project expected to be completed by 2027. Additional funding may also be allocated.

Israel’s Tech Sector

Tech accounts for 20% of Israel’s economic output, making it one of the largest tech centers globally. Of Israel’s 9,000 startups, more than 2,200 utilize AI. With 73 generative AI firms, Israel ranks third in the world.

Ensuring Leadership

“Our goal is to make sure and to secure that Israel sustains its leadership, ranking, and position in the AI race in the world,” said Bin.

The Need for a Supercomputer

Bin emphasized the importance of a supercomputer for training large AI models. Currently, companies and researchers must buy time in the cloud due to the lack of local data centers with sufficient GPUs (graphic processing units).

Accessibility

The new supercomputer will be available to researchers and companies at a cost lower than the market rate, making advanced AI research more accessible.

Conclusion

This ambitious project underscores Israel’s commitment to maintaining its leadership in AI technology. The supercomputer will not only bolster the country’s tech sector but also ensure that Israel remains at the forefront of global AI advancements.

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