Israel Seeks 200 Global AI Experts
In initiative led by Israel Innovation Authority, NIS 7M, allocated to attract top-tier talent over the next three years and help the country keep pace in global AI race.
Israel is not only falling behind the U.S. and Europe when it comes to pulling in investments in startups that develop artificial intelligence-based technologies but is also facing a shortage in human capital in the field.
To address the shortage, Israel has earmarked $1.96 million to bring in at least 200 foreign experts over the next three years to help the Jewish nation keep pace with the fast development and adoption of AI models around the globe.
Currently, an estimated 300 to 400 graduates with advanced degrees enter Israel’s tech industry annually in AI research roles, far short of rising demand in the sector, according to the Israel Innovation Authority, which is in charge of setting out the nation’s tech policy.
“Expanding Israel’s AI talent pool is critical for maintaining its leadership in the field,” said Hanan Brand, startup division head at the Israel Innovation Authority. “The number of local academic graduates is insufficient, and the shortage grows annually.”
As part of the initiative spearheaded by the National Artificial Intelligence Program, three organizations have been budgeted with identifying global AI experts with advanced academic degrees and practical experience, including returning Israeli citizens or those eligible under the Law of Return.
The program has teamed up with Nish Hitech – Recruitment & Assignment LTD., which works with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS); the Gvahim organization, which assists new immigrants with building careers in Israel and is backed by the Jewish Agency; and ScienceAbroad, which collaborates with Nefesh B’Nefesh, Vanday Recruitment Agency, and Ocean Relocation.
Israel still ranks among the top 10 ecosystems for AI, but it is far from unlocking the full potential of the revolutionary technology as competition in the global AI race intensifies. Over the past year, industry leaders and tech entrepreneurs have raised concerns that Israel is missing the AI wave and needs to implement a long-term strategy to allocate money and resources to boost education and academic research, encourage startups, and provide the infrastructure and computational power needed to run AI models.
“The role of AI technologies in the local high-tech sector is growing, driving substantial ‘technological disruption’ across industries,” said National AI program director Ziv Katzir. “Unlike other R&D fields, AI demands advanced academic backgrounds and several years of hands-on experience.”
Meanwhile, the growing and fast integration of AI technologies across various industries has resulted in a shortage of experts with experience in machine learning, image processing, natural language processing (NLP), and generative AI.
As part of the new program, the three selected agencies will identify global AI experts, match them to unfilled positions in Israeli tech companies, particularly startups, and assist with their relocation and integration into Israeli society.
“The high demand for workers and the stringent knowledge requirements results in a significant talent shortage,” Katzir added.
Israel is home to more than 2,200 AI companies, which account for a quarter of local tech firms, of which more than 60 percent are software companies.
“We believe this program will bring hundreds of experts to Israel in the coming years, supporting the success of numerous startups and strengthening the local industry’s capabilities and global standing,” said Katzir.
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