Derq in the press

October 7, 2025 — Detroit, MI — Derq, the MIT spinoff transforming road safety through artificial intelligence, today announced the appointment of Ty Beltramo as Chief Technology Officer to drive the next phase of AI-powered road safety. Beltramo succeeds co-founder Amer Abufadel, who moves to a senior advisor role after leading the company’s technology development since its founding in 2016.

Beltramo joins Derq at a pivotal time as the company accelerates deployment of its AI platform across more than 40 agencies in the United States, Canada, and the GCC region. As CTO, he will lead Derq’s technology strategy and engineering teams, with a focus on scaling AI systems that enable cities to prevent crashes and optimize traffic flow in real-time.

September 17, 2025 — MUSCAT, Oman — Derq, an award-winning AI-powered road safety and traffic solutions company, today announced a new partnership with Modern Network Enterprises (MNE), a leading provider of intelligent traffic solutions in the Sultanate of Oman. The collaboration marks Derq’s strategic expansion into the Sultanate and establishes a framework for deploying next-generation intelligent transportation systems nationwide.

Together, Derq and MNE will focus on immediate opportunities to demonstrate the impact of AI-powered mobility technologies in Oman, while building a foundation for long-term deployment. The companies will work with public and private stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of intelligent transportation systems across the Sultanate.

September 10, 2025 — MONTREAL, Canada — Derq, the MIT spin-off and leader in AI-powered traffic safety and connected vehicle technology, today announced a strategic distribution partnership with Tacel Ltd., Canada’s leading provider of intelligent transportation systems. The collaboration will accelerate deployment of Derq’s proven AI technology across Canadian municipalities, leveraging Tacel’s 46-year track record serving transportation agencies nationwide.

Through the partnership, Canadian municipalities and transportation agencies will gain easier access to Derq’s cutting-edge ITS platform–including next-gen traffic detection, real-time safety insights, traffic performance monitoring, and V2X connected vehicle applications–each designed to detect in harsh conditions, analyze safety events, optimize traffic flow, prevent crashes before they happen, and protect vulnerable road users.

September 1, 2025 — GULF SHORES, Alabama — The City of Gulf Shores is using the power of Artificial Intelligence to track events and make the city safer.

“It tells me that this is a near-miss where a car cut another car off,” said Gulf Shores City Engineer, Jenny Wolfschlag as she referenced her computer monitor. “The data that we’re getting out of that system is fantastic. One thing that it does that’s really interesting, it produces hot spot maps, so we can pull up a heat map and see in particular, where pedestrians are crossing illegally.”

The integrated camera system does far more than monitor traffic flow in real time. It is also tied into the city’s Centrac’s software platform, allowing on the fly adjustments to signal timing based on the amount, and direction of traffic. It can even track pedestrian traffic, something Wolfschlag sees as a valuable feature.

June 26, 2025 – ABU DHABI, UAE – Derq Inc., an AI-powered traffic safety company whose award-winning, patented technology is deployed in over 30 cities across the U.S. and GCC, today announced it has won a coveted spot in the Presight AI-Startup Accelerator, a strategic program designed to propel AI startups to scale with speed, impact, and commercial intent.

Derq was named as one of 10 winners from 120 applicants spanning 17 countries and diverse sectors, including Smart Cities, Fintech, Energy, and Sovereign AI. The highly competitive selection process culminated in final pitch days held earlier this month in Abu Dhabi, where 15 global finalists, having collectively raised over $150 million and backed by accelerators including Microsoft, Google, Alchemist, and Techstars, presented to a distinguished jury panel.

DETROIT, Michigan - Detroit city officials launched an online dashboard to allow the public to explore traffic safety conditions in the city that ranks high nationally in traffic fatalities.

The $2 million project called SMART MODES has an online dashboard featuring maps and graphics with real-time data city-wide and historical statistics.

Derq is the traffic safety data engine behind the dashboard and we’re proud to be helping Detroit turn its extensive camera network into real-time insights to help reduce crashes and save lives, especially in communities that need it most.

SARASOTA, Fla. - From real-time beach updates to free Wi-Fi in city parks, Sarasota’s Smart City initiative doesn’t stop there.

The City of Sarasota is being recognized with an international award for the work it’s doing to keep drivers and pedestrians safe, as well.

Off of Fruitville Road, a number of intersections are keeping an eye on what’s happening to help prevent a future tragedy from occurring.

"We get speed, near-misses, lane departures. We also get information on how many vehicles per day go through the area," said Nikesh Patel Sarasota’s City Engineer.

The city of Sarasota is using artificial intelligence with traffic cameras to document near-miss crashes, illegal crossings off of streets like Fruitville Road and Lemon Avenue and to warn drivers of pedestrian crossings.

The USDOT has announced the winners of the its Intersection Safety Challenge Stage 1B: System Assessment and Virtual Testing Primary Track, awarding $4 million among 10 prize-winning teams.

The winning organizations are, in Tier 1, who each receive $750,000 – Derq; University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Mobility Lab; University of Hawaii; University of Michigan.

The purpose of the Intersection Safety Challenge, a multi-stage prize competition, is to encourage teams of innovators and end-users to develop, prototype and test intersection safety systems (ISS) that leverage emerging technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to identify and mitigate unsafe conditions involving vehicles and vulnerable road users at roadway intersections.

October 28, 2024 — Detroit, MI - Derq, the leading provider of real-time AI-powered intelligent transportation system (ITS) solutions, today announced strategic investments from e& capital; the venture capital arm of e&, a global technology group headquartered in the UAE; and AT&T Ventures, the venture capital arm of AT&T, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world.

The investments from e& capital and AT&T Ventures will be used to expand Derq’s activities in the US, GCC, and beyond, and accelerate the company’s investments in product development and growing its intellectual property (IP) portfolio.

September 17, 2024 — Dubai, UAE — Derq, the leading provider of real-time AI-powered intelligent transportation system (ITS) solutions, has announced the official launch of its video detection system (VDS) for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Derq’s VDS joins the company’s full suite of product offerings designed to make roadway operations safer and more efficient. With the addition of its state-of-the-art detection system to its existing safety and traffic insights and V2X applications, Derq’s platform solidifies its position as the solution of choice for intelligent intersections on the market. [...] “This is a big milestone for our team as we strive to provide our customers with the most comprehensive video detection products for intersection management,” said Dr. Georges Aoude, co-founder and CEO of Derq.

August 26, 2024 — San Francisco, CA — Econolite, part of Umovity, and Derq, the leading provider of real-time, AI-based intelligent transportation system (ITS) solutions, announced the deployment of a state-of-the-art advanced intersection safety system with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in Orange County’s District 12 (D12). [...] “We are proud to be working with Caltrans and Econolite to deploy Derq’s intelligent transportation system and help create a safer environment for everyone on the roads,” said Karl Jeanbart, co-founder and COO of Derq. “Our state-of-the-art AI technology, real-time data, and predictive analytics will empower the Caltrans and Orange County to make data-informed decisions as they continue their mission to eliminate road fatalities.”

July 9, 2024 — Detroit, MI — Derq, the leading provider of real-time AI-based intelligent transportation system solutions, has announced the company has been selected by the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada to deploy an advanced intersection analytics system using artificial intelligence (AI) to study patterns and trends of road users to gain safety insights. This Stage 1 Proof-of-Concept technology deployment is funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s SMART Grants Program.

June 11, 2024 — Detroit, MI — Derq, the leading provider of real-time AI-based intelligent transportation system solutions, has announced the addition of Eric Raamot to the company’s Board of Advisors. This addition underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging top industry expertise to further its mission of revolutionizing road safety and efficiency through AI-powered technology.

“We are thrilled to welcome Eric to our Board of Advisors. As a highly respected thought leader in our industry, Eric brings invaluable expertise in cutting-edge traffic technology and digital infrastructure,” said Dr. Georges Aoude, co-founder and CEO of Derq. “His choice to join Derq underscores our pivotal role in the next generation of intelligent transportation solutions. Eric's unique insights into product strategy, industry partnerships, and market competitiveness, enhancing our strengths and making Derq essential in the transition to safer, smarter roads.”

Umovity and Derq announced their first joint solution at the 2024 ITS America Conference, combining Derq’s INSIGHT, the company’s automated safety performance monitoring application, with Econolite’s cloud-based Advanced Transportation Management System (ATMS), Centracs Mobility. […] Christian U. Haas, CEO of Umovity, said, “We’re crafting a distinctive traffic management solution that prioritizes the safety of all road users – particularly the most vulnerable ones, such as pedestrians and bicyclists.”

April 25, 2024 — Detroit, MI — Derq, the leading provider of real-time AI-based intelligent transportation system solutions, has announced the expansion of its traffic analytics system in Detroit. The latest deployment includes key locations along the Michigan Avenue Corridor in the Corktown neighborhood in partnership with Michigan Central, Newlab, and the City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation. […] “This section of Michigan Avenue is home to a vibrant community of local businesses and restaurants, flanked on both sides by parking and bike lanes, making it a complex environment for those traveling through the area,” said Georges Aoude, co-founder and CEO of Derq. “Together with Michigan Central, Newlab, and the City of Detroit, we’ve deployed our intelligent transportation platform to ensure a safer operating environment for all road users.”

Anaheim, 24 April 2024. The global leader for end-to-end traffic management and transportation technology, Umovity, and industry leading AI Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) provider, Derq, today announced their collaboration and first joint solution at ITS America Conference & Expo in Phoenix, AZ. By linking Derq’s INSIGHT, the company’s automated safety performance monitoring application with Econolite’s industry-leading cloud-based Advanced Transportation Management System (ATMS), Centracs® Mobility, the two companies deliver a strong traffic management solution which utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) to increase safety for all road users. 

From April 22-25, Derq will be exhibiting at the annual ITS America Conference and Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona—showcasing our commitment to safer and more efficient road operations. […] If you're attending the ITS America Conference and Expo, stop by the Derq booth and learn more about how we are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to help transportation authorities and operators save lives and improve the quality of life for all road users.

We're thrilled to announce that Dr. Georges Aoude, the co-founder and CEO of Derq, will be taking the stage at this year’s Nvidia GTC conference on March 19, 2024 in San Jose, CA alongside Jason Cambridge, Transportation Technology and Innovation Manager at the Seattle Department of Transportation. Their joint session, titled "How Cities and DOTs can Implement Road Safety Technology," is set to provide invaluable insights into the adoption of cutting-edge technology for enhancing road safety with concrete examples of how the City of Seattle is partnering with innovative tech companies like Derq to make its streets safer through the deployment of edge AI-powered video analytics applications.

Derq, an award-winning MIT spin-off and leading provider of real-time AI analytics solutions for traffic safety, announced today the integration of Derq’s cutting-edge Real-Time AI Platform with Intel’s advanced technologies, representing a significant milestone to enhancing road safety and saving lives globally. […] “AI-powered Video Analytics continue to showcase its capability to revolutionize traffic safety, reduce fatalities, and facilitate traffic management applications, and the Derq AI Platform is at the forefront of this transformative wave,” said Dr. Georges Aoude, CEO and Co-Founder of Derq. “We look forward to continuing to work with Intel to scale deployments, cost effectively, within cities and critical infrastructure across the US and the globe.”

Derq, an award-winning MIT spin-off and leading provider of real-time artificial intelligence (AI) analytics solutions for connected roads and vehicles, announced today it has officially been named an Ally in Action by the U.S Department of Transportation (USDOT) to join its National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) and U.S Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s call to action to reverse the spike in crashes and traffic-related fatality rates. “Derq’s number one priority every single day is to eliminate all road fatalities and we are incredibly honored to align our mission with the U.S. DOT and the National Road Safety Strategy in the continued nationwide efforts of moving toward Vision Zero,” said Dr. Georges Aoude, CEO and Co-Founder of Derq.

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the special economic zone for knowledge and innovation and a member of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), and Derq, a prominent developer of artificial intelligence (AI) analytics solutions for road safety and traffic management, have achieved a significant milestone through their successful implementation of 14 AI Smart Pedestrian Crossing Systems across Dubai Silicon Oasis. This achievement follows their partnership, where both entities joined forces to provide DSO with cutting-edge capabilities and smart city solutions.

Derq has released its Automated Safety Performance Monitoring solution at TRB 2023 in Washington, DC. Designed to help agencies prioritise safety measures on US roads, it uses safety performance metrics based on real-time identification and classification of safety events and road user behaviours, including crashes, near-misses, violations and pedestrian and cyclist compliance issues. […] “With the US Department of Transportation recognising the importance for data-driven approaches to understanding and resolving road safety issues through significant investments in programmes such as SS4A and Smart, Derq’s new safety scoring framework fills this key need by providing a unique solution to continuously measure safety performance metrics for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists,” said Karl Jeanbart, COO and co-founder of Derq.

Derq […] today announced at the Transportation Research Board’s (TRB) 102nd Annual Meeting the release of an industry-first Automated Safety Performance Monitoring solution to help agencies with safety scoring and prioritization across various road networks in the US. […]  “With the U.S. Department of Transportation recognizing the importance for data-driven approaches to understanding and resolving road safety issues through significant investments in programs such as SS4A and SMART, Derq’s new safety scoring framework fills this key need by providing a unique solution to continuously measure safety performance metrics for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists,” said Karl Jeanbart, COO and Co-founder of Derq.

du, part of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company has joined forces with Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Derq, a leading provider of AI analytics solutions for road safety and connected vehicles, under a strategic partnership to power DIEZ’s Freezones with a portfolio of cutting-edge capabilities and competitive smart city solutions. […] Dr. Georges Aoude, CEO and Co-Founder, Derq added: […] “We now look forward to our exciting collaboration with du and DIEZ in an increased effort toward making transportation smarter and safer across the region by leveraging 5G MEC and our cutting-edge technologies.”

Derq, an award-winning MIT spin-off and leading provider of real-time artificial intelligence (AI) analytics solutions for connected roads and vehicles, today announced that it has won the “Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Company of the Year” award in Tech Breakthrough’s 3rd annual AutoTech Breakthrough Awards. […] “We are incredibly honored that the AutoTech Breakthrough Awards recognize our connected infrastructure and vehicle technology to help community agencies and municipal organizations across the globe reduce road fatalities for all users and move toward Vision Zero,” said Dr. Georges Aoude, CEO and Co-Founder of Derq.

Derq, an award-winning MIT spin-off and leading provider of real-time artificial intelligence (AI) analytics solutions for connected roads and vehicles, announced today it won the Global ITS Innovation Competition at this year’s ITS World Congress, which took place September 18-22 in Los Angeles, CA. […] “On behalf of ITS America, I’m happy to congratulate Derq on its win. Their advances in AI and the predictive analytics field will be instrumental to the continued growth of ITS technology. It will make our streets safer, greener, and smarter for all today, and for years to come.” said Laura Chace, President and CEO of ITS America.

MIT spin-off Derq, a provider of real-time artificial intelligence (AI) analytics solutions for connected roads and vehicles, is partnering with distributor Paradigm Traffic Systems to bring its AI video analytics and connected infrastructure solutions to Texas. […] Derq’s real-time perception and connectivity AI platform aggregates data from different sources including traffic sensors, signal controllers and connected infrastructure. The platform enables two application offerings, Derq INSIGHT and Derq SENSE. Derq INSIGHT generates real-time safety and traffic insights providing agencies with the tools to take an increasingly proactive safety approach with several life and cost savings benefits.

Derq has partnered with Paradigm Traffic Systems, a leading distributor in traffic and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) solutions. The partnership will bring together Derq’s cutting-edge technologies with Paradigm’s strong market presence and long-standing customer relationships to enhance road safety and smart traffic infrastructure in the state of Texas. “Paradigm Traffic Systems is excited to partner with Derq and offer our customers advanced AI video analytics that are unmatched in the transportation technologies industry,” said Ryan Zenzen, President of Paradigm Traffic Systems.

Traffic safety technology startup Derq is trying to make a splash in Texas via a deal with Paradigm Traffic Systems that involves artificial intelligence and analytics. The move is the latest effort by Derq to capture business in a highly populated U.S. state. […] “Our partnership with Paradigm enables us to leverage their trusted relationships and strong track record with various agencies across Texas, a state that is at the forefront of piloting and adopting cutting-edge (intelligent transportation systems) and (connected and automated vehicle) solutions,” said Georges Aoude, CEO and co-founder of Derq.

The software provider, which uses AI to predict danger, recently demonstrated its products to the Florida DOT. A company executive details the company’s visions and plans as pedestrian and cyclist deaths increase. […] “Our primary customers are state and local agencies,” Derq co-founder and COO Karl Jeanbart told Government Technology. “We are also partnering with different businesses that cater to this market. We are hardware agnostic, mainly a software company.” That means Derq is setting itself up not only to take advantage of federal infrastructure funds but the rise of smart cities and so-called connected vehicles — efforts that involve a variety of sensors, cameras and other gear, along with a variety of communication standards and methods. The technology is being designed to work with vehicles that have drivers as well as autonomous cars and trucks.