Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
From artificial intelligence and autonomous systems to post-quantum cybersecurity, Abu Dhabi-developed technologies took centre stage at the recently concluded International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR) 2026 as research increasingly moves into real-world security applications.
At ISNR, Aletihad spoke with entities across the Advanced Technology Research Council ecosystem (ATRC), including the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), ATRC’s applied research arm, and VentureOne, its commercialization arm.
TII supports the transition of research into market-ready ventures, including startups such as SteerAI and QuantumGate, highlighting how UAE-developed innovation is strengthening resilience, sovereignty and the future of security.
Dr Chaouki Kasmi, on behalf of TACTICA AI and CentaureAI, both developed by TII, said the organisation is increasingly focused on transforming research into practical solutions and startups.
“TII is an amazing incubator for talent to develop, test, and demonstrate innovations,” he said.
Dr Kasmi said technologies they showcased at ISNR spanned autonomy, crisis management, sensors, communications, drones, and national security applications.
He highlighted TACTICA AI, which analyses space imagery across defence, agriculture, and maritime sectors, and CentaureAI, a platform designed to enhance CCTV systems through artificial intelligence and support emergency response.
“We do not create AI just for the sake of looking at a video feed,” he said, noting that the focus goes beyond simple AI detection systems towards integrated platforms that support action and decision-making.
AI Driving Future of Defence
Dr Victor Mateu, Chief Researcher at the Cryptography Research Center at TII, highlighted technologies designed to strengthen AI capabilities and prepare organisations for future cyber risks.
Among them is InnoviumAI, a platform currently in its final development phase that aims to help organisations integrate AI by bringing together agentic AI capabilities, MCP tools, and multiple language models within one system while supporting governance, stronger data control, and productivity.
“We want something that allows agentic AI in the service of companies by enabling governance, data control and increased productivity,” he said.
Dr Mateu also noted that protecting confidential data remains increasingly important as defence and security systems become more data-driven.
“The future in the areas of defence will most likely be run by AI,” he added.
Autonomous Technologies
Beyond cybersecurity, exhibitors are also focusing on autonomous technologies to reduce operational risks.
Rickard Martensson, the Head of Growth at SteerAI, said the company’s participation reflects its focus on technologies supporting defence, security, and national resilience.
Martensson explained that SteerAI develops autonomous software for land vehicles and marine vessels, enabling them to operate independently or remotely.
The company showcased its CoreX autonomous system and xRift platform, an AI-powered off-road vehicle designed for surveillance, transport, and operations in challenging environments while keeping personnel out of harm’s way.
“Our technology is based on bringing humans out of vehicles or ships,” he added.
From Research to Realworld Security Solutions
At VentureOne, efforts are focused on accelerating the path from research to commercial deployment.
Rodrigo Campos, Executive Director of Business Development at VentureOne, said several technologies developed under ATRC are already moving into startups and industry applications.
“Some of them have made their way into commercial startups and ventures, all born out of Abu Dhabi,” he said.
The technologies showcased include quantum communications, post-quantum cryptography, radar systems, and autonomous solutions.
Campos stressed that strengthening sovereign capabilities remains central to these efforts.
“National security and building UAE-developed capabilities that enhance resilience and sovereignty are crucial,” he added.
Meanwhile, QuantumGate, developed by VentureOne, is focusing on strengthening future cybersecurity resilience through post-quantum technologies.
Safeguarding Sensitive Communication
Adnan Fakhouri, Customer Success Lead Engineer at QuantumGate, said the company showcased solutions designed to help organisations prepare for the next generation of security challenges.
“By beginning the transition towards post-quantum technologies now, we can better protect sensitive government systems against future cyber threats,” he said.
The technologies displayed at ISNR included post-quantum VPN systems, passwordless identity tools, Secure VMI, and migration solutions designed to help organisations transition towards future-ready security environments.
Among them, Secure VMI focuses on protecting sensitive information on personal devices while enabling secure remote access and stronger data protection.
Highlighting the broader importance of these technologies, Fakhouri said: “Post-quantum cryptography is the new set of cryptographic algorithms that are intended and designed to safeguard sensitive communication for the future.”
