Gamechangers: EDGE Group's Dr. Chaouki Kasmi

As a scientist, strategist, and systems builder, Dr. Chaouki Kasmi is on a mission to transform the UAE from a consumer of technology to a sovereign innovator.

In his role as the President of Technology and Innovation at the Abu Dhabi-based advanced technology and defense conglomerate EDGE Group, he oversees its two newly launched centers of excellence, the Radar and Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence, and the Electro-Optic Center of Excellence. Through them, he leads major efforts to embed artificial intelligence (AI) and frontier technology across the national defense and security value chain.

“One of the most pressing challenges in the GCC is the ability to generate timely, actionable intelligence from diverse and fragmented data sources,” Dr. Kasmi shares. “In sectors such as defense, emergency response, and environment mapping, operational success depends on the seamless integration of satellite imagery, sensor inputs, and open-source information. Traditionally, these capabilities have been enabled by foreign systems that are often not optimized for regional needs, lack interoperability, and raise concerns over long-term data sovereignty.”

It is to address these issues that Dr. Kasmi, in 2024, spearheaded the launch of TACTICA, a next-generation, multi-domain intelligence platform powered by the Abu Dhabi-based Technology Innovation Institute’s (TII) Falcon large language model (LLM). By fusing and analyzing multi-source intelligence data, TACTICA delivers mission-ready insights across a range of sectors through its voice-assisted interface.

“TACTICA reflects EDGE Group’s broader mission to deliver AI-native, sovereign solutions that elevate national decision-making, reduce dependency on external technologies, and unlock the full value of regional data ecosystems,” he says. “Once deployed, it will represent a critical step forward in transforming fragmented data into unified, real-time intelligence—built in the UAE, for the region, and beyond.”

According to Dr. Kasmi, the work that he is doing at EDGE Group to build sovereign AI solutions is going to be key to building a sustainable future. “To me, impact is not measured by visibility, but by the frameworks we leave behind—the systems, the talent, and the long-term technological edge that others can build upon,” he says. “A gamechanger doesn’t just move fast; they move systems forward.”

And for those hoping to shape impact at a similar scale, Dr. Kasmi offers this counsel. “To those who see my journey as a model, my advice is simple,” he says. “Focus on solving problems that matter to your nation, your industry, and your future. Build with depth, lead with intent, and stay committed to the long game. True impact is measured not in visibility, but in how deeply your work shifts what others believe is possible.”

Pictured in the lead image is the president of EDGE Group, Dr. Chaouki Kasmi. Courtesy of EDGE Group

Dr. Chaouki Kasmi was one of the artificial intelligence (AI) innovators celebrated in Gamechangers, a special feature built for Inc. Arabia's April/May 2025 issue. For the full list of Gamechangers, please click here.