Eu Day Light

Brigadier General (Ret.) Erez Askal, head of the National Artificial Intelligence Directorate at the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, delivered the opening address at AI Week held at Tel Aviv University.

Describing artificial intelligence as a revolution that will transform how the state operates, Askal said, "We are on the threshold of a different reality of sovereignty. Within a few years, national infrastructure will operate on the basis of artificial intelligence. Whoever controls artificial intelligence will hold a key position for all nations."

Askal stated that Israel needs to establish technological sovereignty in energy, computing capacity, a national artificial intelligence model, quantum computing and workforce training in order to become a leader in artificial intelligence.

He said the objectives include developing energy infrastructure with a capacity of 2 gigawatts, securing 100,000 graphics processing units (GPUs), creating a sovereign foundation model and developing an Israeli quantum computer. A comprehensive national investment plan was also presented to achieve these objectives.

Askal emphasized that, alongside developing AI infrastructure, it is necessary to establish a trustworthy, equitable and accountable AI ecosystem. He highlighted the importance of securing and protecting artificial intelligence systems and using them in cyber defense.

The national institute introduced by Askal aims to use artificial intelligence to address concrete challenges facing society. The initiative plans to tackle 10 problems annually over five years, focusing on areas such as fourth-grade mathematics education, traffic congestion on Highway 6 and initial consultations between doctors and patients.

It was also noted that realizing the artificial intelligence vision requires flexible regulations, leadership and discussions on values and ethical issues.

On the same day, Israel announced the launch of the National Institute for Impact-Driven Artificial Intelligence (NIIA), operating under the National Artificial Intelligence Directorate within the Prime Minister's Office.

The institute aims to bridge the gap between the technological capabilities of artificial intelligence and practical applications designed to improve citizens' quality of life. To this end, it plans to bring together government institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society and philanthropic organizations.

The institute will focus on nine areas of national challenges, including the healthcare system, population aging, education, national resilience, environment and climate, equality and economic growth.

The institute, which plans to work on real-world challenges, aims to undertake between 10 and 14 missions annually and bring five of its first 10 missions to the implementation stage within one year. Its work is intended not merely to develop technology or conduct pilot projects, but to achieve measurable outcomes and enable relevant institutions to independently implement the solutions developed.