The CDP investment fund, wholly owned by the Italian Ministry of Finance, has begun channeling funds into Israeli start-up companies, primarily in the AI and quantum sectors, according to a report published yesterday (Tuesday) in Globes. The goal: to attract these companies to operate in Italy, strengthen local industry, and establish technological sovereignty in the quantum era.
Last month, the fund led an investment of approximately $20–30 million in the Israeli company Classiq, which has developed an operating system for quantum computers, together with Japan’s SoftBank. This was an extension of a fundraising round from May, which valued the company at $400 million. In Italy, there are now expectations for cooperation that will strengthen the quantum field in the country.
CDP manages around €4.7 billion and serves as an important tool for implementing Italian government policy. According to a senior Israeli source familiar with its activities, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is well aware of these investments and sees them as part of a €1 billion national program to promote artificial intelligence.
Between Criticism and Investments
The Italian government periodically intensifies its criticism of Israel and publicly voices reservations about the fighting in Gaza, yet in practice, Italy continues to invest in Israel – albeit quietly and behind the scenes.
