Israel stands at a critical decision point in the global quantum race. Choices made in the coming years will determine whether the country maintains its leadership in quantum technologies or misses one of the most significant technological and economic opportunities of the next decades.
The issue was at the center of a professional panel held as part of the Tel Aviv Sparks Innovation Festival, bringing together representatives of venture capital funds, technology companies, and security experts to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Israel’s quantum ecosystem in the international arena.
According to a report by Mizuho Securities, the global quantum computing market is currently valued at around $1 billion, but is expected to grow to more than $200 billion by the end of the next decade. The forecast points to a profound shift with far-reaching implications for national security, finance, healthcare, science, and global competitiveness.
“The decisions we make today will determine whether Israel continues to lead in quantum technologies or gives up this opportunity,” said Dorit Dor, Co-Founder of Qbeat Ventures. While quantum computers are still in early stages, she noted that the pace of progress is accelerating rapidly. “The potential to reshape the global economy and the technological balance of power is enormous,” Dor said, stressing that quantum investment is a long-term commitment requiring capital, patience, and sustained support.
Panel participants highlighted Israel’s clear strengths in software, algorithms, and the integration of complex systems, alongside advanced academic research. At the same time, they warned that without strong government backing, workforce training, and broad international collaboration, Israel’s competitive edge could gradually weaken.
National security considerations played a central role in the discussion. Tal Inbar, VP of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Heqa Security, emphasized that quantum encryption is not a future concept, but a critical defensive layer already today. According to Inbar, state actors are collecting encrypted data now with the intention of decrypting it in the future, making early preparedness essential for protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive information.
The connection between hardware and software was also a key theme. Nir Minerbi, Founder and CEO of Classiq, noted that global value in quantum computing increasingly comes from linking hardware capabilities with real-world applications. “Israel has a comparative advantage in software and algorithms, and the right combination with local hardware efforts and international partnerships will allow it to remain relevant and competitive,” he said.
The conclusion of the panel was clear: Israel’s success in the quantum era will not depend on a single breakthrough, but on building a comprehensive ecosystem connecting academia, industry, defense, government, and global partners. How Israel aligns long-term investment, regulation, and international cooperation will determine whether it secures a leading position in global quantum innovation – or misses one of the most powerful growth engines of the next generation.
