Algerian technology entrepreneur Adam Debba is pioneering localized AI solutions through his startup, Qareeb, bridging the gap between advanced research and practical, on-the-ground applications. Founded in 2023, the company specializes in artificial intelligence, edge computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to address regional challenges without relying on imported or cloud-based technologies.
Harnessing Edge AI for Agriculture
Qareeb’s flagship product, Q-Farming, is a smart agriculture system designed to help farmers optimize water usage and boost crop yields—a critical innovation in water-scarce regions. The system processes information directly on-site through edge computing, enhancing data security while reducing costs associated with cloud services. Using LoRa technology, soil-installed sensors transmit crucial data on moisture, temperature, and composition over distances up to 30 kilometers, even in areas lacking mobile coverage. A central system then analyzes this information to automate and optimize irrigation schedules.
Expanding into Smart Security
Building on its core technology, Qareeb is diversifying its offerings with a suite of smart security solutions. The company’s Q-Vision surveillance system is engineered to identify unusual behavior and dispatch real-time alerts. Complementing this is Q-Access, a multifunctional access control solution compatible with various equipment. The system integrates facial recognition, RFID card readers, QR code scanners, and fingerprint analysis to provide comprehensive security management.
The Founder’s Journey
Founder and CEO Adam Debba brings extensive technical expertise to Qareeb. He holds an engineering degree in hydraulics from the National Polytechnic School of Algeria and a doctorate in fluid mechanics from the French engineering school IMT Atlantique. His career includes roles as a research engineer at Armines, a systems engineering team leader at Capgemini Engineering, and a technical manager at Expleo Group. In 2024, Debba’s innovative work earned him several accolades, including first place at the Algeria Startup Challenge Greentech Challenge and the Innov’Up award at the TotalEnergies Startupper Challenge.
About Qareeb
Founded in 2023 by Dr. Adam Debba, Qareeb is an Algerian technology company specializing in AI, edge computing, and IoT solutions. The company designs and engineers systems that operate locally without transferring data to remote servers, focusing on practical applications in smart agriculture and security to solve local challenges with homegrown technology.
Source: wearetech.africa
