Google expands AI partnership with Tel Aviv University, infrastructure for Gemma
Google is widening its AI research tie‑up with Tel Aviv University, rolling out a dedicated computing environment that targets the most demanding experiments. The move follows the original partnership announced under the banner “Deepening our AI research partnership with Tel Aviv University.” While the technical specs remain undisclosed, the effort is framed as a bridge between academic labs and Google’s newest open‑source model, Gemma. Here’s the thing: access to such infrastructure has historically been a bottleneck for university teams aiming to push the limits of large‑scale machine learning.
By embedding the hardware directly on campus, Google hopes to lower that barrier and give scholars a sandbox for testing cutting‑edge ideas. The university’s researchers will, in theory, be able to run resource‑intensive workloads without queuing for external cloud credits. That context sets the stage for the next statement, which outlines what Google expects the new setup to achieve.
We hope this infrastructure will help ensure that researchers can tackle the most ambitious, resource-intensive projects and explore the capabilities of Google's latest open models, such as Gemma, directly within their research. Empowering the next generation of AI researchers We are actively supporting the TAU research community through the integration of specialized AI and Data Science courses across traditionally non-computational fields--from Law and Humanities to Life Sciences--equipping students with advanced tools to tackle complex research questions in ways previously impossible. This effort supports the expansion of critical early education initiatives, like the BITS of AI program, designed to cultivate the next generation of AI researchers.
The funding from this collaboration will directly support PhD students, through scholarships and travel awards to help researchers present their findings globally. Additionally, this year we were able to award fellowships to two PhD students at TAU through our Google PhD Fellowship program. And to further expand students' access to Google AI tools, we are also offering students in Israeli universities one year of a Google AI Pro plan for free.
Advancing AI research through collaboration The partnership between Google and Tel Aviv University is based on a shared belief that the biggest challenges can only be solved when we work together. By combining TAU's academic excellence and pioneering spirit with Google's groundbreaking engineering and AI research capabilities, we can help accelerate the next wave of scientific breakthroughs.
Google's expanded partnership with Tel Aviv University adds a dedicated infrastructure for its open‑source model Gemma. The move builds on a collaboration formalized in 2020 that already produced AI for Social Good in 2021 and AI for Sustainability and Education in 2023. Researchers at TAU’s Center for AI and Data Science will now have direct access to the latest models, the announcement says.
Will the new resources translate into measurable outcomes, or will they remain largely experimental? The university hopes the platform will let scholars tackle ambitious, resource‑intensive projects, but it's unclear whether the promised capabilities will materialize at scale. Google emphasizes empowerment of the next generation of AI researchers, yet details on support mechanisms are sparse.
Because earlier initiatives have focused on multidisciplinary work for societal benefit, this extension appears consistent with past goals. However, without concrete metrics or timelines, assessing impact remains difficult. The partnership’s longevity and concrete results will likely determine whether the infrastructure fulfills its stated intent.
Further Reading
- Deepening our AI research partnership with Tel Aviv University - Google Blog
- Google, Tel Aviv University set up joint AI-based research program - Times of Israel
- The 2025 Google-TAU Summit - TAU Center for AI and Data Science
- Announcing the Awardees of TAD and Google 2025 Grants - TAU Center for AI and Data Science
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Common Questions Answered
What dedicated computing environment has Google introduced for Tel Aviv University to support the Gemma model?
Google has rolled out a dedicated computing environment that provides Tel Aviv University researchers with direct access to its newest open‑source model, Gemma. The infrastructure is designed to handle the most demanding, resource‑intensive AI experiments, though specific technical specifications have not been disclosed.
How does the expanded AI partnership build on the earlier collaborations between Google and Tel Aviv University?
The new partnership extends a collaboration formalized in 2020, which previously produced AI for Social Good in 2021 and AI for Sustainability and Education in 2023. By adding dedicated Gemma infrastructure, Google aims to deepen the research ties and accelerate joint projects across multiple domains.
Which non‑computational academic fields at Tel Aviv University are slated to receive specialized AI and Data Science courses under this partnership?
Google and TAU are integrating specialized AI and Data Science curricula into traditionally non‑computational disciplines such as Law, Humanities, and Life Sciences. These courses are intended to empower students and faculty in those areas to apply advanced AI techniques to their research.
What outcomes does Google expect from giving TAU’s Center for AI and Data Science direct access to the Gemma model?
Google expects that direct access to Gemma will enable TAU researchers to tackle ambitious, resource‑intensive projects and explore the model’s capabilities within their own labs. The goal is to empower the next generation of AI researchers and translate experimental work into measurable scientific and societal impacts.