In 2025, Israel and the United States advanced plans to establish a joint $200 million science and innovation center dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies. The initiative, described as a significant strategic effort to deepen bilateral scientific cooperation, seeks to position both countries at the forefront of next-generation computing while expanding regional partnerships across the Middle East. The center is being promoted by Maj. Gen. (res.) Tamir Hayman, head of Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), and Dr. Smadar Itzkovich, founder of the AI & Quantum Sovereignty Lab (AIQ-Lab). Implementation is expected either through U.S. presidential executive authority or a dedicated legislative process.
According to the proposal, Israel and the United States would each contribute $20 million per year, beginning in 2026 and continuing through 2030. Headquarters are planned for both Tel Aviv and Arlington, Virginia, enabling joint research teams to collaborate on projects in cybersecurity, medical and genetic research, and water and food security, issues cited as shared regional priorities. Reporting from Israeli business outlets similarly notes that discussions around a binational quantum fund have drawn on precedents such as the Binational Science Foundation and the BIRD Foundation, providing a framework for cross-border R&D and commercial partnerships.
A primary goal of the initiative is to integrate regional partners into a cooperative technological orbit centered on the U.S.–Israel alliance. Countries named as potential participants include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Central Asian states such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. These states, many of which host large-scale data centers and energy infrastructure, are investing heavily in next-generation computing and could contribute resources essential to quantum development. The project’s architects describe this network as a counterweight to the emerging strategic alignment among Iran, China, and Russia, and as a continuation of diplomatic momentum from the Abraham Accords.
The initiative arises at a time when U.S. officials and Israeli researchers warn that China is rapidly closing the gap in quantum hardware and software. Dr. Itzkovich emphasized that maintaining leadership will require strengthened international partnerships, including securing more robust U.S.-Israel frameworks for technology protection, export controls, and shared infrastructure. Similar concerns arise in parallel reporting on proposed U.S.-Israel quantum funds, underscoring the need for updated Israeli regulations governing technology transfer, particularly regarding Chinese access.
Underlying these diplomatic efforts is the growing importance of quantum computing. Quantum processors, operating with qubits that can represent multiple states simultaneously, can solve problems far beyond the capacity of classical computers. Quantum systems could impact drug development, financial modeling, cryptography, and logistics. More than 20 countries have launched national quantum initiatives, with the United States and China leading multi-billion-dollar programs.
Israel’s technology sector features prominently in these discussions. The country hosts about nine quantum-computing startups and more than 2,300 AI companies, which have collectively raised tens of billions of dollars over the past decade. Israeli companies such as Classiq and Quantum Machines are noted for contributions to quantum hardware, software, and control systems. Meanwhile, more than 30 global semiconductor research centers, including Nvidia’s, operate in Israel, underscoring the country’s role in the broader ecosystem supporting advanced AI and quantum research.
Together, the three sources reflect a coordinated effort to leverage scientific collaboration for geopolitical alignment, economic development, and regional security. The proposed U.S.–Israel AI and quantum science center aims not only to advance cutting-edge research but also to reshape regional partnerships around technology, stability, and shared strategic interests.
Asaf Gilead, “Israel-US plan $200m quantum fund with UAE, Saudi Arabia,” Globes, (July 2, 2025).
Blair Penn, “Israel and US plan joint $200 million quantum fund, eyeing collaboration with UAE and Saudi Arabia,” Jerusalem Post, (July 13, 2025).
Matt Swayne, “U.S., Israel Plan $200 Million Quantum Fund — With Potential Gulf States Backing,” Quantom Insider, (July 14, 2025).
Sharon Wrobel, “Israel and US to forge $200m tech hub for AI and quantum science development,” Times of Israel, (July 16, 2025).