Quantum encryption is critical defense technology for Israel, Tal Inbar, VP of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Heqa Security, said at the Tel Aviv Sparks Innovation Festival on Wednesday.
“Quantum encryption is not a futuristic technology- it is a critical layer of defense today against real threats to infrastructure and sensitive data,” Inbar said.
Inbar was one of the speakers at a special panel discussing the future of quantum computing in Israel, its potential, and the challenges across several key industries, including high-tech, defense, healthcare, and finance.
“Countries and organizations face continuous attacks from state actors and advanced groups, including actors in Iran collecting data today to decrypt in the future,” explained Inbar. This concept, known as “harvest now, decrypt later,” assumes that harvested encrypted information can be decrypted when quantum cryptography becomes the norm.
“This reality demands not only technological innovation but smart regulation that enables responsible large-scale adoption of quantum encryption. Israel has a strategic opportunity to combine research excellence, advanced civil-defense industries, and progressive regulation to position itself at the global forefront of cybersecurity in the quantum era,” Inbar added.
“Quantum computing reinvents problem-solving, pushing beyond what existing technologies can handle. Today, quantum computers are still small, and some problems can still be solved classically. But the technology is advancing fast, and its potential to transform science, security, and the economy is enormous,” explained Dorit Dor, Co-Founder of venture capital fund Qbeat Ventures.
Israel will need key investments to reach its potential
According to Dor, Israel’s quantum ecosystem has innovative companies, leading universities, and talented entrepreneurs, and with the addition of “investment funds that understand the field, advanced financial tools, and collaboration between public and private sectors, we can leverage local knowledge to create global impact.”
The investment would require “capital, patience, and sustained commitment,” Dor added, while emphasizing the need for state support, private investment, and a strong academia to “avoid falling behind.”
According to Nir Minerbi, Founder and CEO of Classiq, Israel must develop both its hardware and software to be “quantum compatible,” with the main advantages being its R&D capabilities and its ability to connect quantum computing hardware to real-world applications.
“Israel has a comparative advantage in software, algorithms, and integration with existing systems. Combining local hardware efforts, leading software, and international partnerships will allow Israel to remain relevant and competitive,” he said.