Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in the fields of quantum-safe cryptography and autonomous systems. With leadership like that of Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO, and Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, CIO, TII is focused on solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology. With ten specialized research centers, TII has positioned itself as a key player in various technological domains, aiming to export its innovations globally.
At the heart of TII’s efforts lies its Cryptography Research Center, which is pioneering quantum-safe cryptography. “We’re working on cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to quantum attacks,” explained Dr. Aaraj. The significance of this research becomes clearer when considering that future quantum computers could break many of today’s encryption standards. TII has already developed quantum-safe cryptographic libraries in both software and hardware to combat these potential threats.
The Cryptography Research Center is also venturing into blockchain technologies and privacy-preserving innovations. Its crypto analysis lab is dedicated to ensuring end-to-end supply chain security, analyzing software and hardware vulnerabilities. As Dr. Aaraj emphasized, “We want to start deploying them [quantum-safe algorithms] now, even though the quantum computer is not ready yet, because data gets stored for a long time and we want to protect against what we call the ‘store now, decrypt later’ attacks.”
Alongside TII’s cryptography efforts, their Autonomous Robotics Research Center is advancing AI-driven autonomous systems across multiple domains. From aerial drones for environmental tasks like mangrove seeding to indoor warehouse inspection technologies, TII is demonstrating the practical applications of its innovations. “We’re deploying aerial technologies to do search-and-rescue missions in the air, sea, and on the ground,” said Dr. Aaraj, highlighting the versatility of TII’s autonomous systems.
TII is also collaborating with local industries. Their autonomous water taxi project with Abu Dhabi Ports and logistics drones underscore their focus on bringing high-tech solutions to the market. “Today we are at an advanced technological readiness level,” Dr. Aaraj remarked, noting that many of these innovations are not just theoretical but are being actively deployed with clients.
The institute’s research centers are aligned with a broader vision to bolster the UAE’s position in the global tech landscape. As Dr. Aaraj stated, “We want to take the lead in ten technological domains,” which include AI, directed energy research, and sustainability, among others. The mission is clear: TII isn’t just innovating for the sake of research; it is creating technologies to solve real-world problems and to foster the UAE’s deep-tech economy.
Dr. Chaouki Kasmi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the country’s role in shaping the institute’s direction. “The universal drive has a name: the leadership of this country,” he said. “Our goal through applied research programs is to develop future technologies for a better world and for the evolution of the UAE’s economy into deep tech.”
As 2024 unfolds, TII is poised to unveil even more groundbreaking advancements in autonomous systems and cryptography, further cementing Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for innovation. “We might see very interesting things … by the end of the year,” Dr. Kasmi hinted, leaving the door open for more exciting developments.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office