AIQ wins US$360mn ADNOC contract for agentic AI deployment

Abu Dhabi-based AI pioneer AIQ has won a US$340mn contract with ADNOC to deploy its agentic AI solution ENERGY^ai  across ADNOC’s upstream value chain, following the successful completion of a proof-of-concept phase

The three-year contract will see ENERGY^ai and a suite of related AI solutions rolled out across all ADNOC’s upstream assets, comprising more than 28 producing fields, in ADNOC’s drive to become the world’s most AI-enabled company.

Built on 70 years of proprietary data and knowledge, ENERGY^ai combines large language model (LLM) technology with cutting-edge agentic AI, which is trained for specific workflows across ADNOC’s upstream value chain. ENERGY^ai brings a new level of efficiency and precision to critical tasks, from seismic analysis to geological modelling and real-time process monitoring, reducing time for essential business processes from months to days, minimising cost, and reducing emissions in the process.

The POC trial demonstrated that ENERGY^ai's agentic AI can deliver significant improvements in the pace and accuracy of upstream exploration through rapid, precise and detailed seismic survey analysis, alongside relevant, actionable insights to support production optimisation at ADNOC’s existing wells.

The first operational, scalable version of ENERGY^ai is expected to be completed in mid-2025. It will include five fully operational AI agents covering tasks within subsurface operations and will be test-deployed across several upstream assets, with plans to scale its application to thousands of additional wells. 

Magzhan Kenesbai, acting managing director, AIQ said, “This contract marks a defining moment for AIQ. In partnership with ADNOC, we have developed a world-first agentic AI solution that is scalable across the entire energy value chain and has the potential to transform the industry as we know it. We are proud to see ENERGY^ai move from a successful proof-of-concept to full deployment, enabling ADNOC to unlock unparalleled efficiencies, reduce carbon intensity, and advance their sustainability ambitions. This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering innovative, high-impact AI solutions that not only meet the challenges of today but also shape the future of energy.”

Speaking at CERA Week in Houson, ADNOC managing director and Group CEO Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said,"Today, we have integrated AI comprehensively across the value chain from the control room to the board room. Over 200 AI use cases are currently being implemented across ADNOC’s operations, from exploration to refining to logistics and strategic decision making.

“Using AI, we are speeding up our upstream seismic analysis from months to hours. We are increasing the accuracy of production forecasts by up to 90% and we are on course to make ADNOC the most AI enabled energy company in the world.”