Amazon and Google Compete to Build Israel’s First AI Supercomputer

Amazon and Google are vying for an $80 million (NIS 300 million) contract to build Israel’s first artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputer. Spearheaded by the Israel Innovation Authority, the ambitious project is set to equip the nation with cutting-edge AI capabilities, funded equally by the government and the selected tech giant.

The initiative, developed by Chief Scientist Dr. Orna Berry, will utilize between 1,000 and 2,000 Nvidia H100 graphics processors. These processors are designed to train sophisticated language models, offering computational power far beyond conventional systems. Though smaller than Western national supercomputers, the Israeli system will enable industries to develop advanced AI tools, such as customer service engines and academic research systems. It will also support the development of Hebrew and Arabic language models, reflecting Israel’s multilingual needs.

A Path Full of Delays

Launched in 2022, the project initially fell under the Ministry of Defense Directorate for Research and Development (DDR&D). However, construction stalled due to the Gaza war, causing setbacks in its timeline. Now managed by the Israel Innovation Authority, the project is on track to be completed by 2027, barring further delays.

Despite its progress, political tensions surrounding the budget may complicate the project. Both the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Finance are advocating for a new national directorate to oversee the budget, potentially moving control away from the Innovation Authority.

Transforming Israel’s AI Landscape

The supercomputer’s infrastructure, composed of interconnected standard computer servers, will allow Israel to develop its own ChatGPT-like systems and other high-performance AI tools. This capability will strengthen Israel’s position in the global AI arena, fostering innovation across sectors from customer service to academic research.

As Amazon and Google compete for the contract, the winning bidder will play a pivotal role in shaping Israel’s technological future. By the project’s completion, Israel aims to join the ranks of countries leveraging national AI supercomputers to drive economic growth and innovation.

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