Israel has launched its 10 million shekel ($2.68m) initiative to attract the best artificial intelligence (AI) minds worldwide to the country’s technology sector. Announced on Sunday by the Israel Innovation Authority, the initiative aims to improve the nation’s AI capabilities by bringing in highly skilled researchers with advanced degrees and significant industry experience.
The scheme is designed to address a significant shortage of AI professionals in the country where fewer than 700 MA students graduate each year in computer science, mathematics and statistics-related fields, with fewer than 100 receiving PhDs annually.
Israel intensifies its search for experienced AI professionals
The recently announced Call For Proposals (CFP) is calling for applications from organizations that have been involved in managing foreign human resources. These organizations will be expected to find and engage global AI experts in Israel’s high-tech ecosystem. The program is looking for candidates with a master’s or doctorate in relevant AI disciplines and applied industry experience.
The CFP has significant financial backing, which enables it to cover 50% to 70% of the approved budget for every participating organization. Programs will run for twenty-four months where substantial resources are to be allocated towards ensuring smooth integration of these foreign professionals and their families.
Additionally, this initiative includes partnerships with entities and NGOs experienced in absorbing foreign nationals, including returning Israeli residents and immigrants eligible for naturalization under the Law of Return.
Global AI experts begin shaping Israel’s tech future
The Israel Innovation Authority has said that the program is a pilot, and could lead to other similar initiatives in AI and other technology areas. CEO of the Authority, Dror Bin, explained that bringing in top experts from around the world is essential for maintaining the country’s leadership in this field. The hope is that its success will prompt further attempts at attracting global talent to Israel, thereby cementing its position as an international innovation hub.
This program will create an enabling environment for such professionals so they can initiate and drive groundbreaking projects expected to shape the next phase of technological development within the country’s high-tech sector. This move has been viewed as a reaction towards increasing worldwide demands for knowledge in artificial intelligence which different nations are striving hard to meet by building strong AI industries.
