Abu Dhabi startup turns existing CCTV & IoT into live intel
CentaureAI transforms cameras and sensors into real-time operational awareness
#UAE #SmartCities – Abu Dhabi-based startup CentaureAI, built on deep tech developed by Advanced Technology Research Council’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII), has launched an AI platform designed to transform existing cameras, sensors and security systems into active, real-time intelligence networks. Announced at Make it in the Emirates 2026 following successful early deployments, the platform applies AI to live video and sensor streams to detect objects, classify activity, recognise behaviour patterns, assess crowd movement and prioritise alerts across complex physical environments. CentaureAI is the second startup to emerge from the ATRC’s applied research ecosystem this week, following the launch of multi-domain decision-support platform TACTICA AI.
SO WHAT? – Most surveillance infrastructure generates vast amounts of footage that is reviewed after incidents occur rather than acted on as they unfold. New AI video platforms aim to make surveillance video more useful and analysis more real-time. CentaureAI addresses this gap, turning passive recording assets into an operational layer that detects, interprets and prioritises in real time. For smart city operators, transport hubs, energy sites and critical infrastructure managers, this approach could prove to be highly valuable saving time, money, property and even lives. In high security environments or emergency situations where seconds determine outcomes, CentaureAI aims to significantly advance operational capability and speed.
KEY POINTS:
CentaureAI, an Abu Dhabi-based startup built on deep tech from the Technology Innovation Institute, has launched its AI surveillance platform at Make it in the Emirates 2026, following successful early deployments. The platform is designed to move organisations beyond traditional surveillance toward active, real-time operational intelligence.
The platform integrates with existing infrastructure such as CCTV networks, IP cameras, access-control systems, IoT devices, physical sensors and environmental inputs, allowing customers to enhance current systems without replacing physical infrastructure. This lowers the barrier to adoption significantly across both public and private sector environments.
CentaureAI applies AI to live video and sensor streams to detect objects, classify activity, recognise behaviour patterns, assess crowd movement, identify unusual events and prioritise alerts. Rather than overwhelming control rooms with footage, it helps teams focus on what requires attention and respond through structured workflows.
Automated incident workflows are a core operational feature, covering escalation, logging, notifications and trigger-based responses. The platform is designed not only to flag that something has happened, but to help assess risk, determine priority and support the next step, reducing control room burden and limiting missed signals.
A proprietary Terahertz (electromagnetic) sensor, TeraSentrix, forms part of the platform’s hardware roadmap. The passive sensor detects concealed metallic and non-metallic threats and feeds directly into the platform for high-confidence alerts.
CentaureAI is designed for deployment across a broad range of environments: public safety, smart cities, transport hubs, energy sites, industrial facilities, logistics centres, large venues, campuses and corporate security settings. Its sector breadth positions it as an operational intelligence platform rather than a single-use security tool.
CentaureAI is the second TII-originated startup to launch at Make it in the Emirates 2026, following multi-domain decision-support platform TACTICA AI.
ZOOM OUT – CentaureAI and TACTICA AI are the latest additions to a growing portfolio of commercial ventures spun out of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council ecosystem, primarily based on research coming out of Technology Innovation Institute. ATRC established VentureOne as its dedicated commercialisation arm in 2020, with translating frontier research into market-ready products central to its mandate from the outset. The portfolio now spans a significant range of technology domains: AI71 in enterprise AI, QuantumGate in quantum-secure encryption and identity management, SteerAI in autonomous vehicle solutions, and Nabat in agritech robotics and ecosystem restoration. The launch of two new AI ventures at Make it in the Emirates 2026 demonstrates that that ATRC’s sovereign tech is moving from the lab into live deployments across an increasing range of sectors.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]
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TACTICA AI brings Agentic AI to mission-critical ops (Middle East AI News)
Abu Dhabi launches AI & robotics climate tech venture (Middle East AI News)
ATRC technology venture to transform vehicles into AVs (Middle East AI News)
ATRC plans to launch three new tech ventures by year end (Middle East AI News)
Abu Dhabi launches new global AI company (Middle East AI News)