Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has been named a founding partner in OPAQUE 3.0, a new security platform from US-based confidential computing company OPAQUE. The platform is designed to give organisations verifiable cryptographic proof of their AI systems’ behaviour, with TII providing the critical post-quantum cryptography to protect it against future threats.
Quick Facts
- TII is a founding partner of OPAQUE 3.0.
- Provided post-quantum cryptography to secure the platform.
- Deepens a partnership from a prior tech acquisition.
Securing the Future of AI
The partnership places TII’s technology at the core of a new global standard for AI security. OPAQUE 3.0 creates tamper-resistant and independently verifiable records that cover the entire AI lifecycle, from training and deployment to the operation of autonomous AI agents.
The core challenge TII’s contribution addresses is the threat of quantum computing. Future quantum computers are expected to be powerful enough to break today’s encryption standards. This means data encrypted and captured now could be vulnerable to decryption years from now. By embedding post-quantum cryptography, TII ensures the platform’s security is built to outlast these emerging threats, positioning the UAE as a key contributor to the foundational infrastructure of global AI.
Building on a Strategic Partnership
This announcement builds on a previous deal from earlier this year, when OPAQUE acquired TII’s confidential AI model training and post-quantum cryptography technology. That acquisition marked the first time UAE-developed cryptographic AI technology was acquired and deployed at scale by a major US company.
OPAQUE, which is backed by a $300 million valuation and serves clients like ServiceNow, Anthropic, and Accenture, stated that the TII technology helps enterprises and sovereign AI programs move into production four to five times faster. The new OPAQUE 3.0 partnership evolves this relationship into an ongoing role for TII in shaping an open security standard.
Aligning with National and Global Mandates
TII’s involvement comes as governments globally push for stronger encryption. The move follows a US executive order issued on June 22, 2026, which directs federal systems to migrate to post-quantum cryptography.
It also aligns directly with the UAE’s National Encryption Policy, which mandates a national transition to post-quantum cryptography and identifies AI systems as critical infrastructure requiring assessment. The platform is set for general availability in July 2026.
About Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). TII operates nine research centres focused on advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, AI and digital science, directed energy, quantum, secure systems, propulsion and space, and renewable energy.
Source: Middle East AI News
