Latest news with #NajwaAaraj
Khaleej Times
05-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Quantum Innovation Summit 2025 concludes with major announcements and strategic alliances
The Quantum Innovation Summit 2025, hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council and organised by Vernewell Group, brought together global pioneers, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore the future of quantum science and technology. The event concluded with major announcements, strategic collaborations, and discussions that reinforced the UAE's leadership in quantum innovation. Held over three days, the summit convened key stakeholders from government, academia, and industry, featuring leading organisations such as Microsoft, IBM, D-Wave, Palo Alto Networks, IonQ, Quantlase, QuantumGate, PASQAL, ID Quantique, and Quantinuum. Experts engaged in discussions on the integration of quantum technology in computing, cryptography, AI, and cybersecurity, accelerating its adoption across industries. The event opened with the Quantum Futures Forum, aligning quantum advancements with global security and economic resilience. The Quantum Debates provided a platform for thought leaders to address challenges in governance, investment, and industrial adoption, fostering collaboration for a quantum-powered economy. The official inauguration featured a keynote address by Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, who underscored the national security imperatives of quantum technologies. This was followed by a keynote from Dr Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), highlighting advancements in quantum computing, cryptography, and sovereign R&D capabilities. A key highlight of the summit was the launch of VerneX Quantum Valley by Vernewell Group, headquartered at NYU Abu Dhabi's Center for Quantum and Topological Systems (CQTS), to drive commercialisation and deep-tech entrepreneurship. Several strategic partnerships were also announced, including a collaboration between ID Quantique and Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy to enhance quantum-secure communications, a partnership between Kipu Quantum and CQTS NYU Abu Dhabi to advance quantum algorithm development, and a strategic alliance between Vernewell Group and REACH Group to accelerate quantum adoption. The event also featured the Quantum Marine Conference, an initiative exploring quantum's role in maritime security and operational efficiency. The Academic Aisle provided a platform for researchers and students to showcase innovations, while the Vernewell QInnovision World Challenge highlighted quantum-powered solutions. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Dr Saeed Al Dhaheri, and Faisal Al Bannai were recognised with the National Achievement Leadership in Innovation Awards for their contributions to cybersecurity, digital transformation, and sovereign technology development. The FemTum Leap Awards honoured women shaping the future of quantum technology, emphasising the importance of inclusive leadership in deep tech. Reflecting on the summit's success, Malak Trabelsi Loeb, Founder of the Quantum Innovation Summit and CEO of Vernewell Group, stated: "With the support of the UAE Cyber Security Council, our esteemed academic partner, the Center for Quantum and Topological Systems at NYU Abu Dhabi, and key industry leaders, the summit has strengthened its position as a global platform for quantum advancement. The strategic partnerships and commitments made reinforce our mission to drive economic resilience, security, and sustainable progress through quantum technology." The next edition of the Quantum Innovation Summit is set for April 7-9, 2026, promising an expanded global network, deeper industry partnerships, and breakthrough advancements in quantum technologies.
Trade Arabia
23-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
VentureOne, Adasi team up to integrate autonomous flight tech
As dual-use technologies increasingly drive economies of scale worldwide, Adasi, a leader in UAV system manufacturing, has announced their adoption of two advanced autonomous flight technologies by Abu Dhabi's VentureOne: Perceptra, a new cutting-edge GPS-less navigation technology, and Saluki, a high-security flight control technology for autonomous systems. These technologies, both developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, are designed to deliver secure, resilient operations in the most challenging environments. They have been optimized for UAV manufacturers, offering enhanced resilience, precision, and security for autonomous aerial operations, it stated. The agreement between VentureOne, Adasi, and TII was formalized at IDEX 2025, the Middle East's largest defense exhibition, at which Saluki and Perceptra were unveiled. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has long been a fundamental pillar of navigation, supporting applications from everyday smartphone use to critical defense and military operations. However, this widespread reliance on GPS has exposed vulnerabilities that can be exploited through techniques like jamming and spoofing. Jamming occurs when signals on the same frequency overwhelm GPS receivers, preventing accurate location tracking, while spoofing involves transmitting counterfeit signals to deceive receivers into calculating incorrect positions or times. These vulnerabilities pose significant risks across sectors that depend on precise navigation, including autonomous drones, commercial aviation, and military aircraft. In defence and security, compromised GPS signals can impact mission success and personnel safety, while in aviation, navigation errors may cause flight path deviations and operational disruptions – reports of which have the aviation industry and international regulators such as IATA and European regulator EASA seeking urgent solutions for GPS interference, according to one Reuters report in 2024. For autonomous systems like drones and self-driving vehicles, the inability to maintain accurate positioning can create safety hazards, particularly in dynamic or high-risk environments, from aviation to defence. As the use of GPS-dependent systems continues to grow, the need for resilient, alternative navigation solutions has become increasingly critical. Perceptra and Saluki overcome many of today's numerous challenges with advanced vision-based navigation, delivering reliable, resilient performance. Dr Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: "Perceptra, with its GPS-less capabilities, and Saluki, with its sophisticated Zero Trust architecture, represent a significant leap in autonomous navigation with the potential to transform multiple sectors." "From supporting safe travel in commercial flights, search-and-rescue missions with precise navigation, to enabling efficient urban drone logistics for deliveries in densely populated cities, these technologies have broad real-world applications," noted Aaraj. "Their adaptability also makes them invaluable in defense, ensuring secure and resilient operations in even the most challenging environments. This collaboration reflects our commitment to developing advanced, dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and defense needs while positioning the UAE as a leader in next-generation autonomous systems," he added. Perceptra is a vision-based system that ensures reliable navigation without GPS, allowing aerial platforms to operate in GNSS-denied environments. It features visual relocking, low navigation errors, and easy integration across platforms for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. Saluki is a secure, high-performance flight controller and mission computer with Zero Trust architecture. With PX4 compatibility, Gen AI capabilities, and 300 TOPS compute power, it supports multi-vehicle management for mission-critical defense applications. "At Adasi, we integrate only the most advanced, field-proven technologies to ensure our UAVs operate with unmatched precision, resilience, and security, even in the most contested environments," remarked its CEO Juma Al Kaabi. "Perceptra and Saluki provide exactly what next-generation UAVs require: secure, GPS-independent navigation and AI-powered mission control," he added. Reda Nidhakou, the Acting CEO of VentureOne, said: "We are dedicated to ensuring that cutting-edge research becomes reality to make a positive impact and transform industries."
Mid East Info
19-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE Launches Next-Gen GPS-Less Navigation and Secure Flight Control to Strengthen Aviation Security - Middle East Business News and Information
VentureOne and ADASI Partner to Integrate Advanced Autonomous Flight Technologies Powered by TII – Perceptra and Saluki Unveiled at IDEX 2025. Abu Dhabi-UAE:February, 2025 – As dual-use technologies increasingly drive economies of scale worldwide, ADASI, a leader in UAV system manufacturing, has announced their adoption of two advanced autonomous flight technologies by Abu Dhabi's VentureOne: Perceptra, a new cutting-edge GPS-less navigation technology, and Saluki, a high-security flight control technology for autonomous systems. These technologies, both developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, are designed to deliver secure, resilient operations in the most challenging environments. They have been optimized for UAV manufacturers, offering enhanced resilience, precision, and security for autonomous aerial operations. The agreement between VentureOne, ADASI, and TII was formalized at IDEX 2025, the Middle East's largest defense exhibition, at which Saluki and Perceptra were unveiled. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has long been a fundamental pillar of navigation, supporting applications from everyday smartphone use to critical defense and military operations. However, this widespread reliance on GPS has exposed vulnerabilities that can be exploited through techniques like jamming and spoofing. Jamming occurs when signals on the same frequency overwhelm GPS receivers, preventing accurate location tracking, while spoofing involves transmitting counterfeit signals to deceive receivers into calculating incorrect positions or times. These vulnerabilities pose significant risks across sectors that depend on precise navigation, including autonomous drones, commercial aviation, and military aircraft. In defense and security, compromised GPS signals can impact mission success and personnel safety, while in aviation, navigation errors may cause flight path deviations and operational disruptions – reports of which have the aviation industry and international regulators such as IATA and European regulator EASA seeking urgent solutions for GPS interference, according to one Reuters report in 2024. For autonomous systems like drones and self-driving vehicles, the inability to maintain accurate positioning can create safety hazards, particularly in dynamic or high-risk environments, from aviation to defense. As the use of GPS-dependent systems continues to grow, the need for resilient, alternative navigation solutions has become increasingly critical. Perceptra and Saluki overcome many of today's numerous challenges with advanced vision-based navigation, delivering reliable, resilient performance. Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said, 'Perceptra, with its GPS-less capabilities, and Saluki, with its sophisticated Zero Trust architecture, represent a significant leap in autonomous navigation with the potential to transform multiple sectors. From supporting safe travel in commercial flights, search-and-rescue missions with precise navigation, to enabling efficient urban drone logistics for deliveries in densely populated cities, these technologies have broad real-world applications. Their adaptability also makes them invaluable in defense, ensuring secure and resilient operations in even the most challenging environments. This collaboration reflects our commitment to developing advanced, dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and defense needs while positioning the UAE as a leader in next-generation autonomous systems.' Perceptra is a vision-based system that ensures reliable navigation without GPS, allowing aerial platforms to operate in GNSS-denied environments. It features visual relocking, low navigation errors, and easy integration across platforms for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. Saluki is a secure, high-performance flight controller and mission computer with Zero Trust architecture. With PX4 compatibility, Gen AI capabilities, and 300 TOPS compute power, it supports multi-vehicle management for mission-critical defense applications. 'At ADASI, we integrate only the most advanced, field-proven technologies to ensure our UAVs operate with unmatched precision, resilience, and security, even in the most contested environments,' said Juma Al Kaabi, the CEO of ADASI. 'Perceptra and Saluki provide exactly what next-generation UAVs require: secure, GPS-independent navigation and AI-powered mission control.' 'VentureOne is dedicated to ensuring that cutting-edge research becomes reality to make a positive impact and transform industries,' said Reda Nidhakou, the Acting CEO of VentureOne. 'Saluki and Perceptra are just two of many new innovations to come that will help ensure more resilient and safer drone operations in different sectors, starting with defense. We are working on a more comprehensive air autonomy and security portfolio that will play a central role in future drone operations.' Last week, TII announced its collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to support regulatory efforts by developing advanced methodologies for air corridor design. These methodologies aim to optimize flight routes and reduce the risk of aerial incidents in complex urban airspaces, ensuring safe and efficient navigation for both piloted and autonomous drone taxis. These efforts, alongside Perceptra and Saluki, reinforce Abu Dhabi's vision to lead in next-generation navigation and AI-powered autonomy. Both VentureOne and TII are part of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), which oversees Abu Dhabi's research and development ecosystem to advance transformative technologies with global impact. ADASI is part of the EDGE Group, the advanced technology and defense conglomerate. About VentureOne: VentureOne, the commercialization arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), bridges the gap between pioneering research and market-ready practical applications by delivering transformative solutions to partners and clients across the public and private sectors. It merges cutting-edge research with deep technical expertise, fostering innovation that enhances lives and generates meaningful impact.
Zawya
18-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE launches next-gen GPS-less navigation and secure flight control to strengthen aviation security
Abu Dhabi-UAE – As dual-use technologies increasingly drive economies of scale worldwide, ADASI, a leader in UAV system manufacturing, has announced their adoption of two advanced autonomous flight technologies by Abu Dhabi's VentureOne: Perceptra, a new cutting-edge GPS-less navigation technology, and Saluki, a high-security flight control technology for autonomous systems. These technologies, both developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, are designed to deliver secure, resilient operations in the most challenging environments. They have been optimized for UAV manufacturers, offering enhanced resilience, precision, and security for autonomous aerial operations. The agreement between VentureOne, ADASI, and TII was formalized at IDEX 2025, the Middle East's largest defense exhibition, at which Saluki and Perceptra were unveiled. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has long been a fundamental pillar of navigation, supporting applications from everyday smartphone use to critical defense and military operations. However, this widespread reliance on GPS has exposed vulnerabilities that can be exploited through techniques like jamming and spoofing. Jamming occurs when signals on the same frequency overwhelm GPS receivers, preventing accurate location tracking, while spoofing involves transmitting counterfeit signals to deceive receivers into calculating incorrect positions or times. These vulnerabilities pose significant risks across sectors that depend on precise navigation, including autonomous drones, commercial aviation, and military aircraft. In defense and security, compromised GPS signals can impact mission success and personnel safety, while in aviation, navigation errors may cause flight path deviations and operational disruptions – reports of which have the aviation industry and international regulators such as IATA and European regulator EASA seeking urgent solutions for GPS interference, according to one Reuters report in 2024. For autonomous systems like drones and self-driving vehicles, the inability to maintain accurate positioning can create safety hazards, particularly in dynamic or high-risk environments, from aviation to defense. As the use of GPS-dependent systems continues to grow, the need for resilient, alternative navigation solutions has become increasingly critical. Perceptra and Saluki overcome many of today's numerous challenges with advanced vision-based navigation, delivering reliable, resilient performance. Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said, "Perceptra, with its GPS-less capabilities, and Saluki, with its sophisticated Zero Trust architecture, represent a significant leap in autonomous navigation with the potential to transform multiple sectors. From supporting safe travel in commercial flights, search-and-rescue missions with precise navigation, to enabling efficient urban drone logistics for deliveries in densely populated cities, these technologies have broad real-world applications. Their adaptability also makes them invaluable in defense, ensuring secure and resilient operations in even the most challenging environments. This collaboration reflects our commitment to developing advanced, dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and defense needs while positioning the UAE as a leader in next-generation autonomous systems." Perceptra is a vision-based system that ensures reliable navigation without GPS, allowing aerial platforms to operate in GNSS-denied environments. It features visual relocking, low navigation errors, and easy integration across platforms for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. Saluki is a secure, high-performance flight controller and mission computer with Zero Trust architecture. With PX4 compatibility, Gen AI capabilities, and 300 TOPS compute power, it supports multi-vehicle management for mission-critical defense applications. "At ADASI, we integrate only the most advanced, field-proven technologies to ensure our UAVs operate with unmatched precision, resilience, and security, even in the most contested environments,' said Juma Al Kaabi, the CEO of ADASI. 'Perceptra and Saluki provide exactly what next-generation UAVs require: secure, GPS-independent navigation and AI-powered mission control.' 'VentureOne is dedicated to ensuring that cutting-edge research becomes reality to make a positive impact and transform industries,' said Reda Nidhakou, the Acting CEO of VentureOne. 'Saluki and Perceptra are just two of many new innovations to come that will help ensure more resilient and safer drone operations in different sectors, starting with defense. We are working on a more comprehensive air autonomy and security portfolio that will play a central role in future drone operations.' Last week, TII announced its collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to support regulatory efforts by developing advanced methodologies for air corridor design. These methodologies aim to optimize flight routes and reduce the risk of aerial incidents in complex urban airspaces, ensuring safe and efficient navigation for both piloted and autonomous drone taxis. These efforts, alongside Perceptra and Saluki, reinforce Abu Dhabi's vision to lead in next-generation navigation and AI-powered autonomy. Both VentureOne and TII are part of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), which oversees Abu Dhabi's research and development ecosystem to advance transformative technologies with global impact. ADASI is part of the EDGE Group, the advanced technology and defense conglomerate. About VentureOne VentureOne, the commercialization arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), bridges the gap between pioneering research and market-ready practical applications by delivering transformative solutions to partners and clients across the public and private sectors. It merges cutting-edge research with deep technical expertise, fostering innovation that enhances lives and generates meaningful impact. Connect with us on LinkedIn: Media contacts: communications@
Mid East Info
14-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE Begins Mapping Air Corridors for Air Taxis and Cargo Drones to Transform Urban Transportation
The UAE has taken a bold step towards redefining urban transportation with the commencement of air corridor mapping and regulatory framework development for piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones. This transformative initiative marks a major leap forward in the nation's mission to lead the future of mobility. Through a strategic partnership between the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) entities—Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ASPIRE—the UAE is on track to reshape the way people and goods move through urban spaces. With aerial corridors and regulations set to be defined within the next 20 months, this pioneering effort demonstrates the UAE's unwavering commitment to deploying safe, advanced, sustainable transportation solutions that will not only ease congestion but also set a global benchmark for future urban mobility systems. These routes will connect key international airports and iconic places in the UAE, extending further to ensure seamless integration of piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones across the nation's urban landscapes. His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA said: 'Air corridor mapping for piloted and autonomous air taxis and drones is a crucial milestone that will enable the seamless implementation of Advanced Air Mobility into the UAE's infrastructure. This initiative ensures the safe and efficient adoption of air mobility, delivering transformative solutions to urban transport and paving the way for a smarter, more connected future.' The UAE's forward-thinking approach to urban transportation will be supported by TII's expertise in airspace management, ensuring the safe integration of piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones into urban environments. These new air corridors will offer innovative solutions for passenger and cargo transport, relieving pressure on traditional road networks and improving connectivity. Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: 'This transformative collaboration with GCAA is reshaping the future of urban transportation. By advancing airspace management and integrating piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones, we are not only enhancing urban connectivity but also driving sustainable and accessible mobility solutions that will benefit future generations.' Stephane Timpano from ASPIRE said: 'Addressing real-time urban mobility challenges through innovative solutions like air taxis and drones is a major step forward. This initiative directly supports sustainable economic growth by creating a flexible and diverse transport system that eases pressure on urban infrastructure and fosters smarter, more resilient cities.' The agreement was announced during World Governments Summit 2025. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) refers to the use of automated aircraft in urban and suburban settings to deliver innovative transport solutions for people and goods. With TII at the helm of developing the technical aspects of AAM and ASPIRE focusing on creating a network of stakeholders, including regulators, industry leaders, and researchers, this collaboration aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures safety and operational efficiency. Prof. Enrico Natalizio, Chief Researcher of the Autonomous Robotics Research Center at TII, commented: 'At TII, we're developing advanced AI-powered control, vision and communication algorithms for autonomous systems that enable real-time decision-making for air taxis and drones. Having mastered this technology, we are able to propose methodologies for AAM corridors design to optimize routes, ensure collision avoidance, and integrate seamlessly with urban airspace, marking a key step toward efficient and safe autonomous air mobility in complex urban environments.' Together with GCAA, these entities will define the airspace regulations and develop airspace management systems, making the UAE a global benchmark for advanced urban mobility.
