Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Across the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) ecosystem, teams of researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs are developing innovations whose full potential is beginning to emerge.
From cybersecurity solutions designed for the quantum era to autonomous systems and “self-healing” materials, their projects demonstrate how locally developed deep-tech tools is beginning to find real-world industrial and commercial applications. The full range was showcased at the recently concluded Make it in the Emirates.
Among these exhibitors was QuantumGate, which specialises in post-quantum cryptography. It offers solutions built on proprietary technologies developed locally by world-class cryptographers and cybersecurity experts.
An entity under VentureOne, the commercialisation arm of the ATRC, QuantumGate helps organisations strengthen their digital security using UAE-developed technologies — such as passwordless login systems and secure communication tools, said cybersecurity engineer Adnan Fakhouri.
At the same time, the company prepares its clients for future quantum-related cyber threats, Fakhouri said.
"The future outlook for the field of post-quantum cryptography is very promising, especially in the UAE, with strong regulatory backing from the Cyber Security Council," he said.
At MIITE, QuantumGate presented four core products focused on post-quantum security, including cryptographic asset discovery, quantum-resistant encryption and secure communications, passwordless authentication, and secure mobile infrastructure solutions.
Fakhouri attributed the company’s continued momentum to the UAE’s commitment to turning research into commercially deployable products.
He said this full-stack ecosystem — spanning research, commercialisation, regulation, and local talent — positions the UAE as “a trusted, innovation-driven hub for advanced technology”.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), ATRC’s applied research arm, turned the spotlight on the growing importance of advanced materials and sustainable industrial technologies.
During the exhibition, TII showcased innovations such as lightweight body armour systems, sustainable biocomposites, and biochar solutions.
Dr Zineb Matouk, Senior Researcher at TII, said these solutions demonstrate “the strength of multidisciplinary local teams in developing solutions that address both national priorities and global market needs”.
She added that advanced materials support industrial innovation. These include self-healing, anti-corrosion and cooling coatings, phase change materials, and advanced thermoplastics and protective technologies, all of which can help prepare production lines for the future.
According to Dr Matouk, these innovations support local manufacturing, strengthen industrial resilience, reduce time-to-market periods, and create opportunities for high-value industries and skilled talent across the UAE economy.
When it comes to autonomous systems, SteerAI — also powered by ATRC’s VentureOne — demonstrates what is possible when deep technology is built locally.
Rickard Martensson, Head of Growth, described SteerAI as part of “a new generation of companies proving that the Emirates can originate world-class autonomous systems, not just adopt them”.
He explained that autonomy is becoming “one of the defining technology frontiers of this decade”, with applications across logistics, infrastructure, and industrial operations, helping position the UAE as a developer and exporter of advanced technologies rather than solely an importer.
Martensson added that autonomous systems contribute to both economic and human advancement by creating “high-value, knowledge-based jobs”, improving safety in hazardous environments, and enabling greater operational precision and scalability.
"Demand for autonomous platforms continues to grow across industries, and the UAE has the vision, infrastructure, and ambition to lead in this space," he said.
