Mark Moffat, CEO of IFS.

IFS, a leading provider of enterprise cloud and Industrial AI software, has launched IFS Nexus Black, a strategic innovation programme to drive ahead AI adoption for industrial organisations

Built on the foundation of IFS.ai, Nexus Black combines advanced AI technologies, deep industrial context and a dedicated delivery team, partnering with customers to tackle bespoke, complex challenges in asset-intensive industries. It enables rapid development and deployment of AI capabilities in a matter of weeks.

Initial use cases include predictive maintenance, manufacturing scheduling optimisation, AI copilots for service and sales, and intelligent automation for finance and supply chain.

Nexus Black benefits include:

• Agile, sprint-based co-creation and prototyping. A proven co-development model that is safe, scalable and fast
• Structured four phase model: Problem Definition; Proof of Value; Accelerated Development; Digital Continuity
• Access to dedicated AI engineers, domain experts, and solution architects, with deep expertise in industrial contexts and enterprise architecture
• Collaboration on agentic AI and contextual intelligence with industrial scalability

IFS’s deep industry footprint and proximity to rich industrial asset data enables the combination of context and AI, resulting in trusted contextual AI into live operations, quickly and securely.

“Too many businesses are stuck choosing between inflexible enterprise tools or niche AI vendors with no roadmap to scale. Nexus Black changes that,” said Mark Moffat, CEO of IFS. “Nexus Black is IFS’s commitment to rapid, high-impact AI innovation for leading industrial organisations. It combines the agility of a start-up with the industrial context, security and delivery strength IFS is known for. It’s how we help our customers leap ahead - not just catch up.”

“AI capabilities like co-pilots and embedded agents are no longer a differentiator, they’re expected,” said Matt Kempson, SVP, Commercial at IFS. “What sets IFS apart is how we apply AI – rapidly, with deep industrial context, and in direct collaboration with our customers. Nexus Black gives us a razor-sharp edge, engaging deeply with complex industrial challenges, rapidly building proof points, and translating innovation into scalable impact across our AI portfolio.”

At its IFS Unleashed event last October, the company highlighted the transformative power of industrial AI and underlined its ambition to become the undisputed category leader in industrial software, for the benefit of all its customers.

IFS will also contribute to two major panel discussions. (Image source: WUC2025)

IFS, a provider of enterprise cloud and Industrial AI software, is showcasing its solutions at the World Utilities Congress 2025, taking place in Abu Dhabi from 27-29 May.

At the event, IFS will demonstrate how it is supporting utilities in modernising ageing infrastructure, strengthening operational resilience, and advancing sustainability objectives through a fully integrated Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM) approach.

A central focus will be the use of Industrial AI to transform asset management.

By moving away from reactive maintenance to predictive and prescriptive strategies, IFS’s solutions help utility companies manage assets proactively, cut downtime, optimise investments, and enhance long-term performance.

Earlier this year, IFS launched IFS Cloud 25R1, its latest release that delivers advanced AI capabilities directly to utility professionals, whether on-site or in control rooms.

Designed to address the modern challenges of energy, water, and infrastructure sectors, the platform enables efficient management of assets, personnel, and performance.

In contrast to traditional, fragmented point solutions, IFS integrates key functions such as Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Field Service Management (FSM), Artificial Intelligence Platforms (AIP), and Industrial AI into one composable platform.

This unified approach eliminates silos and enables smarter, data-driven decisions.

As Middle East utilities push for renewable energy adoption, smart grid deployment, and digital transformation, the demand for operational modernisation and reliability is growing.

IFS will also contribute to two major panel discussions at the World Utilities Congress.

Vijay Jaswal, CTO, APJMEA at IFS, said, "With IFS Cloud 25R1, we are putting industrial AI to work in the places it matters most: on the grid, in the pipeline, and out in the field. This release empowers utilities to predict, prevent, and perform at a level never before possible. Additionally, utility organisations across the Middle East are facing immense pressure to balance rapid infrastructure expansion, energy transition goals, and service reliability. IFS is committed to supporting these organisations with an integrated platform that ensures they remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with both national visions and global energy targets."

Vijay Jaswal will speak at the ‘The Next Frontier: Revolutionizing Water Infrastructure with Smart Innovation and Collaboration’ panel on 28 May, while Andrew Sutherland, Senior Vice President at IFS, will participate in the ‘Driving Scale and Responsible Growth in Carbon Markets’ panel on 29 May.

Senior IFS executives will be available to engage with visitors and showcase the company’s solutions at Booth 6140.

Digital shift and decarbonisation: STAMFORD | AvK responds to global energy trends. (Image source: STAMFORD | AvK)

In an interview with Technical Review Middle East, STAMFORD | AvK discusses how its latest innovations, like the high-efficiency STAMFORD S9 alternator and digital VITA AVR range, are supporting the global shift towards net zero. From data centres and microgrids to hybrid systems and alternative fuels, the company outlines how it is helping customers navigate the evolving power landscape with scalable, future-ready solutions. Read on: 

STAMFORD | AvK's white paper talks a lot about where the electrical ecosystem is headed with net zero. How is the STAMFORD S9 fitting into that picture?

The STAMFORD S9 fits seamlessly into the evolving electrical ecosystem by offering better efficiency—potentially saving up to US$45,500 per year in fuel costs and reducing CO₂ emissions by 66 tonnes annually—and by being designed with higher power density in mind, which minimises both weight and space-related carbon footprints.

Moreover, it supports a wide range of applications—from marine to data centres—that are actively participating in the energy transition and incorporating renewable energy.

For example, as data centres explore greener energy sources, the S9 plays a crucial role by delivering the reliable backup power they require, while in Microgrids, it contributes to localised energy resilience and lower emissions by operating alongside renewables and other alternators.

^{The STAMFORD S9 alternator}

With the rapid growth in data centres and increasing demand for grid support, how is the STAMFORD S9 helping to meet these evolving power needs?

The STAMFORD S9 is a market-leading solution already powering data centres around the globe, and it is also constantly being optimised to meet evolving demands.

We are increasing our production capacity and leveraging our global footprint to meet the surging need, while also offering the S9 in various voltages—low, medium, and high—to accommodate different market requirements.

The S9 is engineered to serve both the mission critical backup power applications in data centres as well as prime power applications providing continuous power to the grid.

The high efficiency S9 when coupled with gas engines can be rapidly deployed to feed power to the grid.

Sub-transient reactance-optimised generators are used to provide mission critical backup power directly to data centres.

This capability makes the S9 a flexible, future ready choice for today's power generation landscape.

You mentioned going digital with the VITA range for your AVRs. What brought about that change, and how is it helping customers get closer to net zero?

The move to digital with our VITA AVR range was driven by the need for more precise and stable control, as well as rapid response to load changes—all of which are essential in supporting the energy transition.

This digital approach reduces fuel wastage caused by generator inefficiencies and also enhances performance under variable load conditions, which are typical in hybrid or renewable-powered systems.

As a result, customers can achieve more efficient operations and make meaningful progress towards their net zero targets.

^{STAMFORD VITA 01 AVR}

As a thought leader in the power generation industry, how is STAMFORD | AvK balancing innovation (like the development of the STAMFORD S9 and VITA range) with the practical challenges of decarbonisation, such as cost and scalability, in regions like the Middle East?

Balancing innovation with decarbonisation challenges in regions like the Middle East requires solutions that are not only scalable and cost-effective but also compatible with existing infrastructure and grid systems.

STAMFORD | AvK has a deep-rooted presence in the region, backed by extensive technical expertise and a track record of delivering market-leading solutions tailored to local requirements.

While continuing to drive innovation—such as the launch of the AvK A7 that integrates strengths from both the AvK and STAMFORD brands—we’re also focusing on delivering efficient, durable products that are compatible with both conventional and renewable prime movers, including those powered by HVO, biogas, and hydrogen.

Furthermore, our solutions are designed to be reliable even when renewable sources are intermittent, and our technical support spans the full transition journey, ensuring we stay a trusted partner throughout.

What trends are you keeping an eye on for the next ten years, especially in the energy transformation?

Over the next decade, we are closely monitoring the rapid rise of renewable and hybrid solutions, the growth of microgrids, and the continued evolution of prime movers—including larger engines and those powered by alternative fuels.

At the same time, we’re tracking advances in technology such as variable speed systems, and the emerging potential of fuel cells and even nuclear energy.

These trends will shape the future of power generation, and we are actively aligning our innovation roadmap to stay ahead of them.

The rollout is expected to boost both security and efficiency. (Image source: Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects)

Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects has awarded a major contract to Smiths Detection to install next-generation checkpoint screening systems at Dubai International Airport (DXB), the company announced on the opening day of Airport Show 2025.

Under the multi-year agreement, Smiths Detection will deploy its HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model-S computed tomography (CT) scanners across Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

The rollout is expected to boost both security and efficiency while enhancing the passenger experience at one of the world’s busiest airports.

The high-resolution 3D scanners will allow passengers to keep electronics and liquids in their carry-on bags during screening, cutting down processing times.

A push for efficiency

The systems come equipped with iCMORE automatic object recognition software, automated tray return, and smart lane management features.

They are fully certified by international regulatory authorities including the TSA and ECAC.

The project forms part of Dubai’s wider push for a seamless and secure aviation infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a global leader in airport innovation.

It is part of Dubai’s broader strategy for intelligent airport transformation. As DXB continues to break records in international passenger traffic, these upgrades ensure the airport’s security and service capabilities remain ahead of global demand and expectations.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports, and chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group, said, "Dubai continues to lead the world in aviation excellence by investing in the latest security screening technologies. This project strengthens passenger safety, enhances the travel experience, and reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a global aviation hub."

His Excellency Eng. Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, added that selecting Smiths Detection reflects the organisation's commitment to smart infrastructure integration across its airports.

Meanwhile, Her Excellency Eng. Suzanne Al Anani, chief executive officer of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, explained, "We are dedicated to developing secure and intelligent airport infrastructure that meets future demands. This project exemplifies our proactive approach to enabling safe, seamless, and high-capacity travel through the integration of smart, advanced technologies."

Managing director of Smiths Detection Middle East Tom Squier said that the company's advanced screening solutions will enhance detection efficiency and support Dubai’s vision for safe and smart air travel.