In a significant shift, talks between the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) and tech giants Amazon and Google regarding the development of a government supercomputer have collapsed.
Following the breakdown in negotiations, the Israeli government has opened up the project to other bidders, signaling a shift toward an alternative technological partnership.
As reported by Globes, the tender for the supercomputer project is valued at NIS 290 million (approximately $79.4 million), with the winning bidder set to receive a government grant of NIS 160 million ($44 million).
Amazon and Google, both of which had previously worked with Israel on other military-linked projects, including the controversial Nimbus cloud deal, have backed out for different reasons. While Google pulled away from the tender, citing the financial unfeasibility of the project, Amazon participated but was ultimately not selected. ….more
