Besma Abidi
Senior Director of Engineering, Empower AI
Besma Abidi recently led a team that launched a first-of-its-kind edge AI device that performs automatic target recognition of enemy vessels.
The U.S. Navy uses the AI and deep learning system to read hull numbers, classify vessels by type and generate threat alerts. Abidi’s team of engineers and data scientists designed the system of systems to ingest multi-spectral, ultra high-definition video feeds for a new level of visibility, then relays critical information to decision makers via satellite.
“Besma and her 30+ years of experience in computer science, AI/ML, and system integration has had an immediate impact on our ability to help the federal government deploy AI for maximum benefit,” said Jennifer Sample, chief technology officer at Empower AI. “Defense and civilian agencies all need cloud and on-premise support and she is showing them solutions that solve current and anticipated problems.”
Why Watch
Abidi’s team of engineers and data scientists is building a series of pre-built accelerators that enable federal agencies to adopt and expand their use of AI/ML. They encompass real-world use cases and the latest AI/ML technologies, such as Retrieval-Augmented Generation, Agentic RAG, Knowledge Graphs and Large Language Models. These low-code/no-code, ready-to-deploy applications embody high performance and responsible AI concepts for lower risk.
“Foundational knowledge and domain expertise are the twin pillars of successful AI/ML deployment, transforming raw data into actionable insights and ensuring that solutions are impactful, ultimately driving efficiency and mitigating risk,” Abidi said.
Fun fact: Abidi’s curiosity extends beyond technology to food. Since moving from Tunisia 36 years ago, she has explored the diverse cuisine of the U.S. While she enjoys experimenting with different dishes, her favorite remains Tunisian couscous, a dish with roots in the ancient Berber civilization dating back 2,200 years.
