In a world where technology and innovation intersect with every facet of our lives, it’s leaders like Dr. Najwa Aaraj who are paving the way for a secure and advanced future. The Quantum Innovation Summit is proud to honor Dr. Najwa Aaraj with the Femtum Leap Innovation Award, the epitome of our awards categories in 2024. This award, an initiative spearheaded by Quantum Innovation Summit founder Malak Trabelsi Loeb, recognizes Dr. Aaraj’s exceptional contributions to quantum technology and cybersecurity, marking her as a trailblazer in these critical fields.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj: A Visionary Leader
Dr. Najwa Aaraj is the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research pillar of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in Abu Dhabi. Under her leadership, TII is advancing the UAE’s position as a global leader in advanced technology, setting new benchmarks in the field of cybersecurity, and spearheading cutting-edge quantum research and applications.
With over 18 years of experience, Dr. Aaraj has an impressive career that spans several key positions in leading global firms. Before her current role at TII, she was the Chief Researcher at the Cryptography Research Center (CRC) and the Autonomous Robotics Research Center (ARRC). She has also held senior positions at DarkMatter, Booz & Company, IBM T.J. Watson Security Research, Intel Security Research Group, and NEC Laboratories.
Her academic background is equally distinguished. Dr. Aaraj earned her PhD with Highest Distinction in Applied Cryptography and Embedded Systems Security from Princeton University. Her extensive research has made significant contributions to the fields of cryptography, trusted platforms, security architecture, software exploit detection, and biometrics.
Pioneering Quantum Technology
Dr. Aaraj’s work in quantum technology is groundbreaking. As a renowned world-class expert, she has been at the forefront of developing quantum-resistant cryptographic methods, ensuring data security in the quantum age. This work is critical for protecting sensitive information against future quantum computing threats.
Her leadership at TII involves overseeing advancements in quantum key distribution, which uses the principles of quantum mechanics to create secure communication channels, as well as research that explores the practical applications of quantum computing, from enhancing cybersecurity frameworks to revolutionizing sectors such as healthcare, finance, and energy, and more. Dr. Aaraj’s efforts are pivotal in transitioning theoretical quantum concepts into real-world solutions that drive innovation and economic growth.
Contributions to Innovation
Dr. Aaraj’s expertise extends beyond quantum technology. She has made significant strides in shaping the robotics and autonomous vehicles ecosystem in the UAE and beyond, exploring their applications across air, land, sea, and underwater. Her work has resulted in numerous conference papers, IEEE and ACM journal articles, book chapters, and patents. Her research and innovations are widely recognized and have garnered several prestigious awards.
Some of her notable accolades include the Special Recognition award at the Arab Woman Awards 2021, held in partnership with the United Nations, and the Wu Prize of Research Excellence from Princeton University. These awards underscore her role as a leading figure in technology and innovation.
Leading the Charge in Cybersecurity
In her role at TII, Dr. Aaraj is at the forefront of advancing cybersecurity. Her expertise in applied cryptography, trusted platforms, and security architecture is driving the development of robust solutions that address contemporary cybersecurity challenges. Under her leadership, TII is developing cutting-edge technologies that enhance the security of digital infrastructures and protect against evolving cyber threats.
Dr. Aaraj’s contributions extend beyond her technical achievements. She serves on the advisory board of Neutigers, a New York-based startup revolutionizing next-generation artificial intelligence (AI). She is also an adviser within the Strategic Advisory Group at Paladin Capital Group (Cyber Venture Capital) and an Adjunct Professor at the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, she advises multiple security and machine learning startups, including the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, and is a board member of Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB).
Inspiring Women in STEAM
The Femtum Leap Innovation Award celebrates Dr. Aaraj’s contributions and highlights the broader impact of women leading innovation in quantum technology and science. Her journey is a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion in driving technological advancements. By breaking barriers and setting new standards, Dr. Aaraj inspires future generations to pursue excellence in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields.
This award aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5): Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Dr. Aaraj’s recognition underscores the importance of empowering women in technology and fostering an inclusive environment that nurtures innovation.
Join Us in Celebrating Dr. Najwa Aaraj
The Quantum Innovation Summit 2025 invites you to join us in honoring Dr. Najwa Aaraj’s remarkable achievements. Her leadership and innovation are shaping a secure and advanced technological future, not just for the UAE but for the global community. Dr. Najwa Aaraj’s journey is a beacon of inspiration, highlighting the profound impact of visionary leaders in the world of technology. Her contributions are paving the way for a secure and innovative future, demonstrating the limitless possibilities when expertise, dedication, and a commitment to excellence converge.
📢 Nominations for the Femtum Leap Awards 2025 will open on August 1st, 2024. This is your chance to recognize the incredible women who are leading innovation in quantum technology. To learn more and nominate a visionary, visit: Femtum Leap Awards 2025.
🔗 Empowering Women in Quantum Technology: The Femtum Leap Awards are a cornerstone of the Quantum Innovation Summit 2025, reflecting our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women in science and technology, in alignment with SDG Goal 5. These awards showcase the extraordinary contributions of women who are not just participating in but leading the quantum revolution. Learn more about this groundbreaking initiative.
🔗 Join Us at the Quantum Innovation Summit 2025: Be part of a community that is shaping the future of technology. The summit will feature pioneering discussions, innovative workshops, and opportunities to network with global leaders in quantum technology. Discover how you can be involved or send us an email to info@qisdxb.com.
Let’s celebrate and support the remarkable achievements of women in technology. Join us in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Together, we can shape a more equitable and innovative future.
