Derq Partners with Paradigm to Bring Industry-Leading AI Video Analytics and Connected Infrastructure Solutions to Texas

Detroit, MI and Arlington, TX (August 9, 2022) - Derq, an award-winning MIT spin-off and leading provider of real-time artificial intelligence (AI) analytics solutions for connected roads and vehicles, 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. “Paradigm’s Texas customers will benefit greatly by upgrading their infrastructure for the Derq INSIGHT and Derq SENSE solutions, which will make the roadways safer for our families, friends, and community.” 

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 an array of 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 SENSE is an edge-based solution that provides real-time infrastructure-based analytics for off-board cooperative perception and traffic management applications. This includes vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications for connected and autonomous vehicles, adaptive traffic management, smart pedestrian crosswalks and smartphone safety apps. 

“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 ITS and CAV solutions,” said Dr. Georges Aoude, CEO and Co-Founder of DERQ. “Our goal is to improve road safety and efficiency for our customers and deliver this societal impact at scale. Several agencies across Texas have made road safety a top priority. Partnering with Paradigm, the leading distributor in Texas, aligns with our goal to support state and local agencies in achieving their vision zero priorities.” 

About Derq: 

Derq is an award-winning MIT-spinoff powering the future of roads for safer and more efficient movement of road users and autonomous vehicles. Through its proprietary and patented technology, Derq provides cities and fleets with an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that powers advanced analytics and connected & autonomous vehicle (CAV) applications to help them improve road safety and better manage traffic. Derq has been recognized as an industry leader by the WEF and has received a number of awards including AI company of the year at SXSW 2019, and Top Road Safety Innovator for Vision Zero in 2020 by Together for Safer Roads. For more information, please visit www.derq.com or contact info@derq.com. Derq is a trademark of Derq Inc.   

About Paradigm Traffic Systems: 

Established in 1994, Paradigm Traffic Systems is the leading distributor in Texas specializing in traffic control service and installation, freeway traffic management, and offers a full line of intelligent transportation system products and parts. Paradigm boasts a staff of service professionals and expert technicians, bringing over 200 years of combined traffic service experience to the table. Paradigm has the knowledge and manpower to provide hands-on customer service and ongoing support for small to large-scale projects. With exclusive relationships with many top manufacturers, such as Econolite, coupled with the technical expertise to ensure proper installation and operation Paradigm offers a complete solution for their customers traffic signal and ITS needs. For more information, please visit www.paradigmtraffic.com or contact info@paradigmtraffic.com  

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Traffic Tech Firm Derq Sets Its AI-Powered Sights on Texas

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.

Startup Derq Wants to Reduce Pedestrian, Cyclist Deaths

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.

Derq Demonstrates Industry-Leading AI Solution to Tackle Spike in Pedestrian and Cyclist Fatalities

Detroit, MI (June 1, 2022) - Derq, an award-winning MIT spin-off and leading provider of real-time Artificial Intelligence (AI) analytics solutions for connected roads and vehicles has successfully deployed an end-to-end solution to address burning needs in pedestrian and cyclist safety. In collaboration with Control Technologies, Inc. (CT),  Danlaw, and CēVē, Derq has most recently demonstrated in Florida its ability to prevent collisions between drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists using a variety of approaches, including connected vehicle messages, flashing pedestrian signs, actuating traffic signals, and smartphone application alerts. The solution also reports advanced safety insights, helping agencies better understand and improve road safety performance.

The technology is much needed today since, as reported earlier this month by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic fatalities are at a 16-year high, with nearly 43,000 roadway fatalities in 2021, which has increased 10.5% from 2020. In addition, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities are up 13% and 5%, respectively, compared to 2020. Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program was established with $5 billion to fund regional, local, and Tribal initiatives over the next five years to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.

Deployed at the edge, Derq’s real-time perception and connectivity AI platform ingests and aggregates data from various sources, including traffic cameras, signal controllers, connected vehicles, smartphone apps, and other cloud-based services.

"Over the years, we've partnered with various leading ITS technology providers across the US and have deployed thousands of intelligent sensor-based solutions," said Pete Ganci, VP at CT, "the Derq AI Platform is the only one on the market that we have seen capable of powering a fully integrated pedestrian and cyclist safety solution on the market, allowing vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists to communicate with each other and the infrastructure, while also delivering real-time adaptive traffic management and reporting advanced safety analytics, such as pedestrian compliance issues and near-miss reporting."

The Derq solution is capable of accurately detecting, tracking, and predicting the intent of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles as they approach crossings in real-time through its AI-powered computer vision algorithms. By fusing this detection data with data ingested from traffic signal controllers, connected car messages (C-V2X), and smartphone applications the solution generates real-time alerts, and sets off decisions to protect pedestrians and cyclists from hazardous conflicts with vehicles.

“We are proud of the tremendous progress we have made in our cutting-edge technology, trusted by major agencies across the US,” said Karl Jeanbart, COO of Derq. “Driver, pedestrian, and cyclist safety are paramount to everything we do. Our proven third-party-tested solution can be deployed immediately to alert drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists about potential hazards in their environment, avoid collisions, and save lives.”

Derq and its partners recently demonstrated the solution to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials as well as industry professionals at the Traffic Engineering Research Lab (TERL), located in Tallahassee, Florida. During this demonstration, several use cases were highlighted, including:

·        Placing a call within a traffic signal controller to activate the desired pedestrian phase by utilizing the data generated from the fusion of passive pedestrian detection and a smartphone application. 

·        Activating flashing pedestrian signs (such as RRFBs) at mid-clock crossings for an approaching pedestrian by utilizing the data generated from the fusion of passive pedestrian detection and a smartphone application.

·        Alerting approaching vehicles both audibly and visually of pedestrian or cyclist presence based upon a potential conflict prediction made possible by the broadcasting of C-V2X messages such as Basic Safety Messages (BSM) and Personal Safety Messages (PSM) generated by the fusion of passive pedestrian detection and a smartphone application. 

·        Alerting pedestrians and cyclists using a smartphone application at crossings of approaching vehicles based upon a potential conflict prediction made possible by the fusion of advanced vehicle detection and C-V2X messages (BSMs) broadcasted by the vehicle. 

In addition to all of the above, the platform also generates an array of real-time safety and traffic insights, such as the detection of traffic violations, pedestrian compliance issues, and road-user conflict (near-miss) data, providing up-to-date, granular data to enable the analysis of safety issues. 

Danlaw, an industry leader in connected vehicle technologies with more than eight thousand V2X devices throughout North America, provided its RouteLink C-V2X Roadside Unit and AutoLink C-V2X Onboard Unit for this demonstration.  

CēVē provided iOS and Android smartphone apps that connect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to transportation infrastructure. The apps help pedestrians and cyclists request a touchless activation of crosswalk signals and notify them of nearby vehicles as they approach intersections. 

Ultra Engineering and Precision Contracting Services (PCS) also supported the technology team during the demonstration. 

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About Derq: 

Derq is an award-winning MIT spin-off powering the future of roads for safer and more efficient movement of road users and autonomous vehicles. Through its proprietary and patented technology, Derq provides cities and fleets with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform that powers advanced analytics and Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) applications to help them improve road safety and better manage traffic. Derq has been recognized as an industry leader by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and has received numerous awards, including AI company of the year at the South by Southwest Conference (SXSW) in 2019 and Top Road Safety Innovator for Vision Zero in 2020 by Together for Safer Roads. For more information regarding this release, please contact press@derq.com; for sales inquiries, please contact sales@derq.com. Derq is a registered trademark of Derq Inc. 

About Control Technologies (CT):

Established in 1980, Control Technologies has been a distributor of industry leading traffic control and intelligent transportation related solutions for the last 40 years. ​ CT Group has manufactured over 20,000 Traffic Control and ITS Cabinets in since its inception. CT Group is active in the Connected Vehicle and Smart Intersection market and represents several products in that arena. The CT Group is becoming the “Go-To” company for providing the complex solutions that their customers need. Involved in the first US-based IVHS (pre-ITS) test project in the Orlando area, to more recent work with the City of Sunnyvale, CA on their signal modernization project which was funded by Google, their team of Professional Engineers (PE), Professional Traffic Operations Engineers (PTOE), and IMSA Traffic Signal Technicians bring a significant amount of experience to support any project. For more information, please visit https://www.ct-grp.com/.

About Danlaw: 

Danlaw is a global leader in connected car technology and automotive electronics. Danlaw focuses their efforts on research and development to create intelligent solutions for an increasingly connected world. The Danlaw team is dedicated to revolutionizing mobility by driving innovation and bringing people together. The 300+ Danlaw engineering professionals have provided automotive embedded electronics solutions to OEMs and their tier-1 supply base for over 37 years. Danlaw has facilities in the USA, India, and China. Danlaw specializes in embedded systems development and testing for embedded control units (ECUs), vehicle network communications, infotainment, and telematics. Customers include automotive OEMs, electronics suppliers, fleet, and automotive insurance companies worldwide. For more information, please visit www.danlawinc.com or email info@danlawinc.com. 

About CēVē: 

The CēVē smartphone app helps pedestrians and cyclists by automatically activating crosswalk signals as they approach intersections and notifying them of nearby vehicles. The CēVē app also helps drivers optimize speeds to avoid red light stops, reducing fuel consumption, costs, and carbon emissions, while also improving safety by providing red light warnings, speed limit notifications, and information about nearby pedestrians and cyclists. For more information, please visit www.ceve.io or email info@ceve.io.

Derq signs an MOU with Wadi Makkah Venture and The Consultants for Business and Development to improve road safety and traffic performance across the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia (February 2nd, 2022) - Wadi Makkah Venture, Derq and The Consultants for Business and Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate together and leverage their combined capabilities and experience in road safety and traffic management to develop and deliver solutions aiming at improving traffic experience and reducing congestion and traffic violations.

This MoU was signed by Mr. Amr Bin AbdulRahman Rowaihi in his capacity as Acting CEO of Wadi Makkah Venture, Dr. Georges Aoude in his capacity as CEO of Derq, and Eng. Ramy Assad Yaghmour, in his capacity as CEO of The Consultants.

Derq, an MIT spin-off and artificial intelligence (AI) company powering the future of roads for the safe and efficient movement of road users and autonomous vehicles, has recently received an investment from Wadi Makkah Venture, after building an award-winning platform powered by patented AI technologies and predictive analytics, and deploying its systems across the USA, Europe, and the UAE. Derq is looking to contribute to the development of smart infrastructure throughout the Kingdom in general and the Holy City in particular, through cooperating with The Consultants for Business and Development, a business consulting company that has more than 20 years of experience in combining professional consultancy methods, business know-how, international technological expertise, and traffic safety.

Wadi Makkah Ventures aims to invest in local and international start-ups that provide services and technologies to improve and develop the quality of the services in the Hajj and Umrah sector, to make Makkah a smart city and the Hajj and Umrah journey more convenient. Fulfilling this goal requires attracting international companies and investing in them and enabling them to enter the Saudi market to achieve the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030 through supporting the local economy by attracting international investments to Saudi Arabia, exchanging experiences, and transferring knowledge to Saudi youth.

Derq and Parametrix Announce Strategic Partnership to Deliver Smart Technology Solutions to More Livable Communities

Detroit, MI (January 27, 2022) - Derq, a Detroit- and Dubai-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology company, and Parametrix, an established planning, engineering, technology, and management consultancy company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver smart technology solutions for more livable communities based on Derq's platform and Parametrix’s innovative solutions.

As a strategic partner, Parametrix will focus on smart and livable community solutions that leverages Derq's technology platform. For opportunities spearheaded by Parametrix, Derq will provide support and training for its technology platform to Parametrix’s staff and clients and ensure seamless data integration with Parametrix developed solutions.

“A key objective at Parametrix is to help communities enhance mobility, safety, and sustainability. Through our strategic partnership with Derq, we provide our clients with unique AI technologies for advanced predictive analytics, connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV), road safety, and transit applications. This partnership represents another step toward our vision for the future of transportation and the future of the profession,” said Hicham Chatila, the National Director of Smart and Livable Communities at Parametrix.

Derq has built an award-winning platform powered by patented AI technologies and predictive analytics, helping to eliminate crashes, save lives, and create safer and smarter roadways. Derq will provide Parametrix’s existing and new clients with its technology platform that is disrupting traditional traffic and safety analyses by generating, in real-time, cost-effectively, a full suite of traffic and safety insights that proactively address the road safety and efficiency priorities of their customers. Derq’s platform also powers connected and autonomous vehicle solutions which will benefit Parametrix’s clients who are looking to plan, design, and implement safer and smarter connected and autonomous corridors.

“Derq is powering the global transition to safer, more efficient and sustainable transportation. Our strategic partnership with Parametrix, who has a bold vision to plan and deploy smart city initiatives, will help us accelerate this transition.” Dr. Georges Aoude, CEO and Co-Founder of Derq, said. “Combing our award-winning real-time AI and CAV platform with Parametrix’s experience in delivering large scale infrastructure projects is a unique opportunity to achieve our societal impact at scale.”

About Parametrix

Consistently ranked as a best place to work, Parametrix is a 100-percent employee-owned company providing inspired solutions in engineering, planning, technology, and environmental sciences. Parametrix has been serving public and private sector clients across the United States since 1969.  The firm’s planners, engineers, and scientists are helping communities deliver inspired solutions addressing climate change, equity, social justice, mobility, and safety challenges.

About Derq 

Derq is an award-winning MIT-spinoff powering the future of roads for safer and more efficient movement of road users and autonomous vehicles. Through its proprietary and patented technology, Derq provides cities and fleets with an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that powers advanced analytics and connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) applications to help them improve road safety and better manage traffic. Derq is a Techstars Mobility alumnus, has been recognized as an industry leader by the WEF and has received a number of awards including AI Company of the Year at SXSW 2019, and Top Road Safety Innovator for Vision Zero in 2020 by Together for Safer Roads. For more information, please visit www.derq.com or contact info@derq.com.  

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Derq is a trademark of Derq Inc. 

Derq and CT Partner with the City of Fremont on Fremont Boulevard Safe and Smart Corridor Project

The City of Fremont Taps Derq as Intersection Analytics Systems Expert to Deploy AI Technology at 37 Intersections Along Fremont Boulevard for Safer Roadways for Drivers and Pedestrians

Charlotte, NC (December 7, 2021) - DERQ, a Detroit-based technology company, and their partner CT Group, a leading intelligent transportation systems distributor, are partnering with the City of Fremont in California to deploy intersection analytics systems as a key component of the Fremont Boulevard Safe and Smart Corridor Project on a 9-mile section of Fremont Boulevard. This multi-year project is touted as one of the most advanced and connected corridors in the U.S.

“From the beginning, our Fremont Boulevard Safe and Smart Corridor project has served as a national test bed for innovation in traffic safety technologies and is a significant investment in the City’s Mobility Action Plan. This project will not only modernize our traffic systems to make them more safe, but will also provide a more efficient driving experience for our community members by improving traffic flow,” said Fremont Mayor Lily Mei. “Derq’s intersection analytics systems will help take this project to the next level as we continue our work to make Vision Zero (eliminating all traffic fatalities) a reality in Fremont. The data will supplement our existing efforts and give us the tools to take an increasingly proactive safety approach.”

Derq’s primary responsibility involves enabling intersection analytics systems at 37 Intersections along Fremont Boulevard to provide ongoing analysis from traffic intersection video sources of multimodal conflicts using artificial intelligence (AI). Derq’s proprietary software will be utilized to detect “near-miss” interactions at intersections and crosswalks and identify safety “hot spots” based on dangerous roadway behavior including red-light running, speeding, wrong-way driving and pedestrians crossing against a red light, as well as provide continuous classified counts and turning movement reports.  

“We have worked extensively with various city and state governments to advance some of the largest and popularly-travelled corridors in the U.S.,” said Karl Jeanbart, Chief Operating Officer of Derq. “We’re excited to bring our knowledge and experience to the Fremont Boulevard Safe and Smart Corridor Project so they remain one of the most advanced and safe roadways in the country.”

Derq’s patented software platform integrates with pre-existing or easily installed sensors and other intelligent transportation system (ITS) equipment at each intersection to monitor the trajectories and predict the intents for all vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians in the sensors’ field of view. This creates a comprehensive understanding of road user behavior that helps identify and predict potential conflicts or collisions and in-turn dangerous intersections. The data generated provides accurate and granular feedback to develop safety countermeasures and manage traffic. Derq’s approach is unprecedented, as it aims at converting large amounts of sensor data into rich dashboard-based predictive insights that are not otherwise available through traditional safety and traffic analyses. These insights allow road operators and planners to act proactively with short turnarounds rather than reactively rely on punctual, often data-poor, and outdated crash and traffic reports.

“CT Group is excited to partner with Derq and the City of Fremont for this project,’” said Joe Hoferer, Vice President Western Region of CT Group, “The Derq safety analytics platform is revolutionizing how we study and understand safety and risks for vulnerable road users. Derq’s proprietary AI software provides real-time insights into what is happening at the intersection level. With this project, the city is embarking on one of the most advanced ‘Vision-Zero’-focused traffic projects in history.”

Derq has worked extensively with forward-thinking agencies, such as Caltrans, RTC of Southern Nevada, the City of Dublin, OH, and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), where it is deploying one of the largest U.S. intelligent corridors in Detroit with 65 intersections.

Derq is participating in the ITS America 2021 Annual Meeting at the Charlotte Convention Center where it will be showcasing its solutions and products at booth #1914.

About Derq

Derq is an award-winning MIT-spinoff powering the future of roads for safer and more efficient movement of road users and autonomous vehicles. Through its proprietary and patented technology, Derq provides cities and fleets with an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that powers advanced analytics and connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) applications to help them improve road safety and better manage traffic. Derq is a Techstars Mobility alumnus, has been recognized as an industry leader by the WEF and has received a number of awards including AI Company of the Year at SXSW 2019, and Top Road Safety Innovator for Vision Zero in 2020 by Together for Safer Roads. For more information, please visit www.derq.com or contact info@derq.com.

About the City of Fremont

Located on the southeast side of the San Francisco Bay, Fremont is a city of over 230,000 people with an area of 90-square miles, making it the fourth most populous city in the Bay Area and California's 15th largest city. Fremont is located within Alameda County.  With its moderate climate and its proximity to major universities, shopping areas, recreation and cultural activities, employment centers, major airports, and the Bay Area Rapid Transit system, Fremont captures metropolitan living at its best. The City of Fremont is constantly re-imagining its role as a city and the ways it can meet the needs of the people that choose to live, work, and play within its borders. From sustainability initiatives and public safety policies to high-tech pilot programs and community engagement efforts, Fremont is a regional and national leader that has garnered recognition and awards throughout the years. Learn more about the City of Fremont’s comprehensive traffic safety programs and initiatives:

Smart and Safe Corridor Project

Fremont Vision Zero Program

Fremont Mobility Action Plan

About Control Technologies Group:  

The 40 plus year old CT Group consists of the following companies and locations. Control Technologies, Traffic Control Products, CT West, & CT Northwest. CT Group has offices in Orlando, FL (Corporate Headquarters), Atlanta, GA, Washington, D.C., Cleveland, OH, Indianapolis, IN, Hershey, PA, Carlsbad, CA, Sacramento, CA, Salem, Oregon, and Seattle, WA. CT Group has distributed and manufactured cutting-edge traffic signal control and ITS products since its inception. CT Group has manufactured over 20,000 Traffic Control and ITS Cabinets in over forty years. CT Group is active in the Connected Vehicle and Smart Intersection market and represents several products in that arena. The CT Group is becoming the “Go-To” company for providing the complex solutions that their customers need. For more information, please visit https://www.ct-grp.com/.

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Derq is a trademark of Derq Inc.

Derq Participates in a Series of Conferences to Speak on the Future of Mobility and Smart Infrastructure Technology

Derq to Speak on Successful Deployments and Advancements of Smart Infrastructure Technology at the Dubai World Expo 2020 and in the USA, including the Oliver Wyman Forum’s Global Mobility Executive Forum Series, Smart Mobility Conference, IRF World Meeting, MIT Mobility Initiative, and CoMotion LA

DUBAI, UAE (November 1, 2021) - Derq, a Detroit- and Dubai-based start-up, announced today they will be speaking at the Oliver Wyman Global Mobility Executive Forum Series – Mobility Infrastructure for Growth, Smart Mobility Conference in Dubai, IRF World Meeting and Exhibition, and CoMotion LA – all in the month of November 2021. Executives at Derq have been sought out by convention organizers as they have multiple, successful deployment case studies to speak on, and are a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) proprietary technology that powers safer and smarter roadways for all. 

Oliver Wyman Global Mobility Executive Forum Series – Tuesday, November 2 

CEO and Co-founder, Dr. Georges Aoude, will be among four other panelists to discuss how to develop infrastructure for growth. The panel will be moderated by Oliver Wyman Partner André Martins with the third edition of Urban Mobility Readiness Index presented by Alexandre Bayen, Director of UC Berkeley Institute of Transportation Studies. The panel discussion will take place at 11:30am GST on November 2 at the Dubai World Expo. For more details, visit: https://www.oliverwymanforum.com/mobility/2021/nov/mobility-infrastructure-for-growth.html  

Smart Mobility Conference in Dubai – Wednesday, November 3 

Dr. Aoude, will take part in a panel on day two of the convention on the topic of what the region’s roads will look like in the year 2050. Dr. Aoude will answer questions from the moderators about what the future of smart infrastructure will look like and how long it will take to integrate the technology needed to make roadways safer and autonomous ready. The panel discussion will take place at 12:00pm GST on November 3 at the Dubai World Expo. For more details, visit https://hypermotion-dubai.ae.messefrankfurt.com/dubai/en/events/smart-mobility-conference.html  

18th IRF World Meeting & Exhibition – November 7-10 

The IRF World Meeting & Exhibition will be taking place in Dubai this year with particular attention paid to emerging challenges when it comes to readying road infrastructure to autonomous vehicles and advanced travel demand management. Members of the Derq executive team will be presenting and also have a booth on-site during the event. Dr. Aoude will take part in a panel discussion about leveraging the power of AI to assist road agencies to produce effective heat maps of road risk. Dr. Aoude’s panel discussion will take place on Monday, November 8 at 9am GST at the Dubai World Trade Center. COO and Co-Founder, Karl Jeanbart, will give a presentation on Derq’s leading approach for “Using artificial intelligence for safer, smarter, and autonomous-ready roads”. Karl’s session will take place on Monday, November 8 at 3pm GST. For more details, visit: https://worldmeeting.irf.global/  

MIT Mobility Initiative Vision Day – Tuesday, November 16 

Dr. Aoude has been invited to join as a speaker at the Media Lab on November 16 for the MIT Mobility Initiative Vision Day, where participants will celebrate the launch of the MMI with founding partners (Hyundai, Ferrovial, Ford, Intel). See program below. He will participate in a roundtable discussion of technology mobility leaders for the connectivity session taking place from 11:30 – 12:00 on November 16. Visit: https://www.mobilityinitiative.mit.edu/  

CoMotion LA – Thursday, November 18 

Taking place in Los Angeles, Dr. Aoude will be among three other panelists for a discussion on why roadways are deadlier than ever. The panel titled, “The Intersection of Smart & Safe” will discuss how new technologies such as real-time traffic monitoring and signaling, advanced data analytics and personal electric vehicles can increase safety. The panel discussion will take place at 10:30am PST on November 18 at the Japanese American National Museum in downtown Los Angeles. For more information, visit: https://comotionla.com/  

“At Derq, we’re dedicated to advancing the safety and mobility of roadways for all road users,” says Dr. Georges Aoude, CEO and Co-founder of Derq. “We’re excited to share our experience with successful smart infrastructure and autonomous vehicle deployments with like-minded individuals and companies also striving to build the needed road infrastructure of the future.” 

For more information about Derq, visit www.derq.com.  

About Derq:   

Derq is an award-winning MIT-spinoff powering the future of roads for safer and more efficient movement of road users and autonomous vehicles. Through its proprietary and patented technology, Derq provides cities and fleets with an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that powers advanced analytics and connected & autonomous vehicle (CAV) applications to help them improve road safety and better manage traffic. Derq is a Techstars Mobility alumnus, has been recognized as an industry leader by the WEF and has received a number of awards including AI company of the year at SXSW 2019, and Top Road Safety Innovator for Vision Zero in 2020 by Together for Safer Roads. For more information, please visit www.derq.com or contact info@derq.com for general inquiries and sales@derq.com for sales inquiries. 

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Derq is a trademark of Derq, Inc. 

Derq and AM Signal Partner to Distribute Industry-Leading AI Video Analytics Technology to Advance Smart Infrastructure and Improve Road Safety

MIT-Spin-Off, Derq, Partners with AM Signal in Eight Western States with Exclusivity in Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico

 MESA, AZ (September 29, 2021) - Derq, a Detroit- and Dubai-based start-up, announced today the company has partnered with AM Signal, a leader in the distribution of traffic signal control devices and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the Western Region. The partnership will bring together Derq’s advanced technologies with AM Signal’s deep industry experience to enhance road safety and smart traffic infrastructure in eight states with an exclusive partnership in Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.

AM Signal strives to be the leading Traffic Signal Control and ITS distributor in the Western United States. Their customer-centered approach combined with the forward-thinking innovators at Derq will bring a unique integrated offering to traffic signal control, ITS, road sensing and software applications. These solutions will be utilized to reduce collisions and fatalities on the roadways as well as improve traffic efficiency.

“We are excited to partner with the expert team at AM Signal to help customers improve the safety and mobility of their roads and road users, including drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, and prepare them for the future of autonomous transportation,” says Karl Jeanbart, COO and Co-Founder of Derq. “AM Signal’s approach to innovation and the ability to quickly evolve to meet emerging technologies aligns with the values that define and guide our everyday practices towards building the road infrastructure of the future.”

Derq’s real-time perception and connectivity AI platform aggregates data from different sources including traffic sensors, signal controllers and connected infrastructure. Their platforms include Derq INSIGHT and Derq SENSE. Derq INSIGHT generates an array of real-time safety and traffic insights providing up-to-date, granular data to enable analysis of safety issues. Derq SENSE is their edge-based solution that provides real-time infrastructure-based analytics for off-board cooperative perception and traffic management applications. This includes vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications for connected and autonomous vehicles, adaptive traffic management and smart pedestrian crosswalks.

“AM Signal is pleased to announce our partnership with DERQ,” said Zac Ward, Vice President of Sales for AM Signal. “DERQ brings an advanced suite of AI and connected vehicle capabilities that will complement our business initiatives as well as bring industry-leading technology to the end user. We strongly feel DERQ is on the leading edge of where traffic technology is heading and partnerships such as this create the true core of Intelligent transportation systems.”

Derq and AM Signal are kicking off their partnership at the ITS Arizona 28th Annual Conference at the Mesa Convention Center where they will be showcasing their offering at Booth 312/314.

About Derq:  

Derq is an award-winning MIT-spinoff powering the future of roads for safer and more efficient movement of road users and autonomous vehicles. Through its proprietary and patented technology, Derq provides cities and fleets with an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that powers advanced analytics and connected & autonomous vehicle (CAV) applications to help them improve road safety and better manage traffic. Derq is a Techstars Mobility alumnus, has been recognized as an industry leader by the WEF and has received a number of awards including AI company of the year at SXSW 2019, and Top Road Safety Innovator for Vision Zero in 2020 by Together for Safer Roads. For more information, please visit www.derq.com or contact info@derq.com for general inquiries and sales@derq.com for sales inquiries.

About AM Signal:

Established in 2001, AM Signal has grown to be a leader in the distribution of traffic signal control devices and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the US Rocky Mountain Region. AM Signal Inc., is a full-service distributor for numerous product lines, with full support from design to technical. For more information, please visit amsignalinc.com or contact sales@amsignalinc.com.

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Derq is a trademark of Derq, Inc.

Derq Joins the Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program

Derq Serves as a Key Solution Provider, Offering Smart Solutions for Safer Roads to the Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program Ecosystem

DETROIT, MI (August 20, 2021) - DERQ, a Detroit- and Dubai-based start-up, announced today the company has joined the Qualcomm® Smart Cities Accelerator Program. As part of the Qualcomm® Advantage Network, the Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program is designed to connect cities, municipalities, government agencies, and enterprises with an ecosystem of providers offering end-to-end smart city solutions. By connecting members searching for smart city solutions, the program aims to enrich people’s lives through the accelerated transformation of city infrastructure and services.

According to a 2018 World Health Organization study, there are an estimated 1.35 million traffic fatalities every year due to largely preventable crashes.1 Derq works closely with the automotive industry, state and local governments, and intelligent transportation systems providers to eliminate road fatalities.

Derq has built an award-winning AI analytics platform that is powering the future of connected and autonomous roads, making cities smarter and safer for all road users and enabling the deployment of autonomous vehicles at scale. Derq has live deployments in the USA, Europe, and the UAE, in forward thinking cities and states including Michigan, Ohio, Nevada, and Dubai. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Derq have collaborated to demonstrate the benefits of AI and V2X for road safety applications at CES 2019.2 Derq is trusted by global automotive and traffic systems leaders including Motional, DENSO, and Kapsch, and has best-in-class IP with a strong patent portfolio.

As part of the Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program, Derq will showcase a few of its industry leading AI solutions powered by the Derq Platform including:

1. Derq INSIGHT, which generates an array of real-time safety and traffic insights, providing up-to-date, accurate and granular data enabling in-depth analysis of safety issues, countermeasure development and traffic performance assessment.

2. Derq SENSE, which is an edge-based solution that provides real-time infrastructure-based analytics for off-board cooperative perception and traffic management applications, including V2X applications for connected and autonomous vehicles, adaptive traffic management, and smart pedestrian crosswalks.

“We’re honored to offer key components of smart infrastructure solutions for smart cities and spaces,” said Dr. Georges, Aoude, CEO and Co-Founder of Derq. “The Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program will help accelerate the deployment of our cutting-edge AI solutions to improve road safety and mobility today, and prepare our partners for the future of connected and autonomous transportation.”

“We are pleased to welcome Derq to the Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program to help build out progressive smart cities deployments with streamlined end-to-end capabilities,” said Sanjeet Pandit, senior director, business development and global head of Smart Cities, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Derq’s unique traffic management infrastructure solutions, Derq INISGHT and Derq SENSE will support the deployment of end to end safety and traffic solutions for cities and spaces.”

As a member of the Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program, Derq will work to fast-tack the transformation of cities into safer and smarter environments and help them deliver greater efficiencies, cost savings, safety, and sustainability.

About Derq:  

Derq is an award-winning MIT-spinoff powering the future of roads for safer and more efficient movement of road users and autonomous vehicles. Through its proprietary and patented technology, Derq provides cities and fleets with an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that powers advanced analytics and connected & autonomous vehicle (CAV) applications to help them improve road safety and better manage traffic. Derq is a Techstars Mobility alumnus, has been recognized as an industry leader by the WEF and has received a number of awards including AI company of the year at SXSW 2019, and Top Road Safety Innovator for Vision Zero in 2020 by Together for Safer Roads. For more information, please visit www.derq.com or contact us at info@derq.com.

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1: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565684
2: https://en.derq.com/press-coverage/2019/1/8/derq-demonstrates-ai-based-road-safety-applications-using-c-v2x-technology-at-ces

Derq is a trademark of Derq Inc.

Qualcomm is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program is a program of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

Is smart infrastructure the key to 'Vision Zero'?

Vision Zero is one of the newer strategies looking to eliminate deaths and severe injuries due to road traffic and unsafe infrastructure. First successfully implemented in parts of Europe, the strategy has recently gained traction in North American cities, in addition to the new administration. […] Companies like Waycare, Derq and Applied Information provide software that analyzes behavioral patterns of vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic flows from existing traffic infrastructure in real-time to identify and predict potential road incidents. These advanced video analytics can then activate a pedestrian blinking sign to alert a distracted driver and prevent them from colliding with a pedestrian about to cross the road.

OPINION: Why smart roads are just as important as autonomous vehicles

Dr. Georges Aoude – co-founder and CEO of Derq, an MIT spinoff that is powering the future of connected and autonomous mobility with an AI traffic management platform – looks at why smarter infrastructure is just as important as intelligent vehicles. […] With smart infrastructure now being introduced by AI startup companies such as Derq, having those ‘eyes’ outside of the vehicle also allows for greater visibility overall – making the ride not only safer, but more comfortable and with even better performance. This will also result in less-congested roads. For an average U.S. citizen, congestion costs 99 hours of their time and US$1,377 each year. Smart infrastructure can prevent traffic backups by adjusting traffic signals when needed.

UAE-based Derq secures $500K Pre-Series A investment

Derq a Detroit and Dubai-based startup, has finalized a $500K investment from Wadi Makkah Ventures as part of a Pre-Series A round that included several other global tech investors. The investment, made in December 2020, brings the total funds raised by the company to nearly $6M to date. […] Dr. Georges Aoude, CEO of Derq said “Led by the Vision 2030, the Saudi market is gearing up for an unprecedented growth centered around transforming its regions into some of the top-most livable cities in the world. We are excited to be contributing through our cutting-edge AI solutions to improve road safety and mobility in the region of Makkah and across the Kingdom. We also look forward to bringing our smart infrastructure solutions to smart cities across the Kingdom and enabling safe autonomous vehicle deployments at scale.”

Artificial Intelligence Start-Up Derq Secures Investment from Wadi Makkah Ventures

Wadi Makkah Ventures Invests in Derq to 
Bring AI technologies for Safer and Smarter Roadways in Saudi

DETROIT, MI (May 6, 2021) - DERQ, a Detroit- and Dubai-based start-up, has finalized a $500,000 investment from Wadi Makkah Ventures as part of a pre-Series A round that included several other leading global tech investors. The investment, made in December 2020, brings the total funds raised by the company to nearly $6 million to date. Derq is an MIT-spinoff and the leading AI company for video analytics powering the future of roads for the safe and efficient movement of road users and autonomous vehicles.

Derq has built an award-winning platform powered by patented AI technologies and predictive analytics helping eliminate crashes, save lives, and create safer and smarter roadways. Derq has live deployments in the USA, Europe, and the UAE, with forward thinking cities and states, including Michigan, Ohio, Nevada and Dubai. They have also partnered with, and are trusted by, global mobility leaders including Qualcomm, Kapsch, Motional and DENSO, and have best-in-class IP with a strong patent portfolio.

Wadi Makkah Ventures invests in local and international start-ups that provide services and technologies to improve and develop the quality of the services in the Hajj and Umrah sector. Wadi Makkah Ventures is thrilled to be a partner with Derq, a leading AI company, to help address key challenges and opportunities that will positively impact both the safety and mobility of vehicles and pedestrians across the Kingdom. 

This partnership also connects Derq with a strong network of regional investors that have extensive experience backing AI technology companies. Wadi Makkah is an ideal go-to-market partner for Derq in the Saudi market through both the Wadi Makkah Knowledge and Wadi Makkah Real Estate Company branches of the company.

“Led by the Vision 2030, the Saudi market is gearing up for an unprecedented growth centered around transforming its regions into some of the top-most livable cities in the world,” said Dr. Georges Aoude, CEO of Derq, “We are excited to be contributing through our cutting-edge AI solutions to improve road safety and mobility in the region of Makkah and across the Kingdom. We also look forward to bringing our smart infrastructure solutions to smart cities across the Kingdom and enabling safe autonomous vehicle deployments at scale.”

Wadi Makkah Ventures has discussed the possibility of applying the Derq technology to certain areas in the Holy Capital.

“With a planned target of 30M Umrah pilgrims and a population of 2.5M residents in Makkah city in-like with Vision 2030, the need for smart mobility solutions is critical to optimizing the capacity of the existing infrastructure in addition to streamlining traffic flows,” says Eng. Khaled Abdel-Ghani Suleimani, Chairman of the Board of Directors & The Investment Committee of Wadi Makkah Ventures. “Derq’s revolutionary technology is tackling the issues of road safety and traffic congestion in the Holy Capital. Investing in smart technologies like this will transform mobility between the holy cities – making it safer for all residents.”

About Derq:

Derq is an award-winning MIT-spinoff powering the future of roads for safer and more efficient movement of road users and autonomous vehicles. Through its proprietary and patented technology, Derq provides cities and fleets with an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that powers advanced analytics and connected & autonomous vehicle (CAV) applications to help them improve road safety and better manage traffic. Derq is a Techstars Mobility alumnus, has been recognized as an industry leader by the WEF and has received a number of awards including AI company of the year at SXSW 2019, and Top Road Safety Innovator for Vision Zero in 2020 by Together for Safer Roads.

About Wadi Makkah Ventures:

Wadi Makkah Ventures aims to invest in local and international start-ups that provide services and technologies to improve and develop the quality of the services in the Hajj and Umrah sector, to make Makkah a smart city and the Hajj and Umrah journey more convenient. Fulfilling this goal requires attracting international companies and investing in them and enabling them to enter the Saudi market to achieve the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030 through supporting the local economy by attracting international investments to Saudi Arabia, exchanging experiences, and transferring knowledge to Saudi youth.

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Motional + Derq Partner to Give Driverless Vehicles and Bird's-Eye View

[...] Motional’s driverless vehicles process that same environment through a censor suite of of advanced LiDAR, cameras and radar that see up to 300 meters away, and a full 360 degrees around the vehicle. This superhuman vision enables driverless cars to respond faster and more safely than a human ever could. And they’re already doing so in cities around the world. [...] Derq is at the forefront of using AI and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology to create safer roads. In the pilot, cameras, placed high up in busy intersections and connected to Derq’s AI systems running on roadside computers, will transmit data to Motional vehicles. This data will provide Motional with a different view of some of the toughest intersections they are navigating.

Partnership to Distribute Industry-Leading AI Video Analytics to Further Accelerate Road Safety and Smart Infrastructure

Partnership to Distribute Industry-Leading AI Video Analytics to Further Accelerate  
Road Safety and Smart Infrastructure   

MIT-Spin-Off, DERQ, Partners with Control Technologies to Expand AI Video Analytics Across the USA    

DETROIT, MI (March 25, 2021) - DERQ, an MIT-spin-off with an award-winning platform powered by patented AI and predictive analytics, is partnering with Control Technologies Group (CT Group), one of USA’s largest distributors of traffic signal control and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) equipment for a multi-year distribution agreement. CT Group will be distributing DERQ’s leading AI video analytics solutions for connected roads and vehicles as well as traffic and safety insights across its wide network in the US.   

The partnership ultimately brings together the forward-thinking innovators at DERQ with the established veterans in the traffic signal industry at CT Group. The demand for video analytics solutions with comprehensive offerings including safety analytics, traffic analytics and connected vehicle (CV) applications is greater than ever. Combining DERQ’s solutions with CT Group's technology offering will further build a unique integrated offering including traffic signal control, ITS equipment, road sensors, and software applications.  

“This partnership enables us to leverage CT Group's strong sales network and expertise to scale our AI solutions across the country and help improve safety and mobility for all road users including autonomous vehicles,” says Dr. Georges Aoude, CEO and Co-Founder of DERQ. “We're also excited about working with CT Group's complementary portfolio of solutions to achieve a comprehensive and unique market offering.”  

DERQ’s Real-Time Perception and Connectivity AI Platform aggregates data from different sources such as traffic sensors, signal controllers and connected infrastructure. It then uses AI to extract real-time intelligence from the data, enabling cutting-edge CAV applications as well as actionable Safety and Traffic Insights. DERQ’s Platform is hardware agnostic, flexible and scalable, providing immediate value to both customers with existing sensor deployments and those seeking to deploy innovative smart mobility ecosystems.  

The CT Group is looking to expand its footprint in the smart intersection and CV arena and is excited about the standalone opportunities of the DERQ solutions as well as the capability to merge the DERQ software and capabilities with products they currently distribute. The multi-year agreement provides rights of representation in 26 states across the US with exclusivity in the Southeast and Northwest where the CT Group has exemplary representation and over 40 years of Traffic Signal and ITS experience.   

“The CT Group is excited about the market opportunities the new agreement with DERQ will facilitate,” says Mike Day, President of CT Group. “The partnership will promote interoperability of the DERQ platform with our existing Traffic Detection and Smart Intersection offerings in addition to the unique and compelling standalone capabilities. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”  

About DERQ:   

DERQ is an award-winning MIT-spinoff powering the future of roads for safer and more efficient movement of road users and autonomous vehicles. Through its proprietary and patented technology, Derq provides cities and fleets with an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that powers advanced analytics and connected & autonomous vehicle (CAV) applications to help them improve road safety and better manage traffic.  

Derq has deployed and proven its technology across multiple geographies globally, including in Michigan, Ohio, California and Nevada. Derq has also been recognized as an industry leader by the WEF and has received a number of awards including AI company of the year at SXSW 2019, and Top Road Safety Innovator for Vision Zero in 2020 by Together for Safer Roads. For more information regarding this release please contact info@derq.com; for sales inquiries please contact sales@derq.com. 

 About Control Technologies Group:  

The 40 plus year old CT Group consists of the following companies and locations. Control Technologies, Traffic Control Products, CT West, & CT Northwest. CT Group has offices in Orlando, FL (Corporate Headquarters), Atlanta, GA, Washington, D.C., Cleveland, OH, Indianapolis, IN, Hershey, PA, Carlsbad, CA, Sacramento, CA, Salem, Oregon, and Seattle, WA.                                                                        

CT Group has distributed and manufactured cutting-edge traffic signal control and ITS products since its inception. CT Group has manufactured over 20,000 Traffic Control and ITS Cabinets in over forty years. CT Group is active in the Connected Vehicle and Smart Intersection market and represents several products in that arena. The CT Group is becoming the “Go-To” company for providing the complex solutions that their customers need. For more information, please visit https://www.ct-grp.com/.  

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Startup Green Lights AI Analytics to Improve Traffic, Pedestrian Safety

Derq is excited to be recognized and featured by NVIDIA, one of the world’s most respected technology companies.

According to NVIDIA: “For all the attention devoted to self-driving cars, there’s another, often-overlooked, aspect to transportation efficiency and safety: smarter roads. Derq, a startup operating out of Detroit and Dubai, has developed an AI system that can be installed on intersections and highways. Its AI edge appliance uses NVIDIA GPUs to process video and other data from cameras and radars to predict crashes before they happen and to warn connected road users. It can also understand roadways better, with applications ranging from accurate traffic counts to predicting spots on roads that are most prone to crashes.”

Las Vegas offers best and worst in transportation challenges

[…] One of the city's efforts to reduce deaths has been to partner with Derq, a tech company that deploys software on existing infrastructure and uses cameras and radar to analyze the movement of vehicles and other road users. It can issue warnings in real time via vehicle-to-everything connections, and it can analyze near misses and provide city leaders with insight on trouble spots before collisions occur. [...]

With the Boring Co., Derq, the promise of air taxis and the realities of wide streets, Las Vegas has become the most interesting place in the country to see transportation's present and future.

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority partners with Derq to deploy AI-based solution to monitor adherence to COVID-19 guidelines

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) has partnered with Derq, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) spinoff, to deploy an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based solution to support cities in ensuring compliance with COVID-19 response measures. […] Dr. Georges Aoude, Co-Founder and CEO of Derq, said, “Derq’s efforts have always been rooted in our mission to enhance citizens’ safety. Through this initiative, we are able to do just that in the places that matter most – on our roads, and in our hospitals, offices, malls, beaches, and airports.”

Can smart sensor systems anticipate and avoid danger?

Road accidents kill around 1.3 million people and injure tens of millions more each year, according to the World Health Organization. A start-up based in Dubai and Detroit is among those testing advanced technology solutions that could bring those numbers down. Derq is developing systems to better understand where danger spots are. The company uses a combination of sensors on roads, artificial intelligence, and computers in cars to notify drivers of potential hazards.[...] In many cities, these intersections already have cameras, so Derq aims to partner with the cities to make use of these cameras.