VentureOne's Reda Nidhakou On Driving Innovation In AI
“If your customers don't perceive the impact you're bringing to the table, it’s very difficult to make the case for adopting the technology, specifically new technologies like AI.”
Reda Nidhakou, acting CEO of VentureOne, the commercialization arm of the UAE's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), is keen on turning advanced research from the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) into practical solutions for end users.
In an interview with Inc. Arabia at GITEX GLOBAL 2024, Nidhakou discussed VentureOne’s role in developing and delivering technologies that address real-world needs. Nidhakou explained that the company’s investments are guided by three key principles: to deliver technology products with end users in mind, to develop differentiated solutions that stand out in the market, and to create impact.
“Our role at VentureOne is to bring technologies from TII into the hands of end users in a product shape,” Nidhakou explained. “The key to what we do is ensuring the technologies we work on are built in full alignment with end users — starting from identifying pain points to designing the solutions, and all the way through to executing the research and testing our solutions.”
While VentureOne’s focus includes artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, the company is also actively exploring other fields such as robotics, automation, and cybersecurity. This month, VentureOne launched SteerAI, a technology venture that converts standard industrial vehicles into autonomous units using AI mobility systems. Initially targeting the logistics and defense sectors, SteerAI integrates a hardware kit, software stack, and fleet management system, enabling autonomous ground vehicles to conduct complex missions efficiently, saving time and resources while enhancing workforce safety.
For Nidhakou, the success of any technology venture is rooted in its tangible impact on customers. “If your customers don't perceive the impact you're bringing to the table, it’s very difficult to make the case for adopting the technology, specifically new technologies like AI,” he said.
Nidhakou also highlighted how the UAE's environment is conducive to building AI ventures. “The UAE has put together all the ingredients necessary to thrive in AI—from computing to strategy, governance, funding, and our own AI models like Falcon, to specialized champions like AI71 that build solutions on top of these models,” he noted. This, he believes, creates a strong ecosystem for both talent and ventures to grow.
Check out the full video for more of Nidhakou's insights!
