Edge AI and Urban Evolution: In Conversation with Youssef Nadiri of PNY Technologies

In the latest episode of the Smart Facilities Podcast, host Jacob Howard sat down with Youssef Nadiri, Product Manager for Smart Cities & Spaces at PNY Technologies. From seabed mapping to AI-driven urban intelligence, Nadiri’s journey offers a window into how technology is reshaping infrastructure - and what it takes to stay at the forefront.

From Ocean Depths to AI-Driven Cities

Nadiri's career began in a rather unexpected place: ocean engineering, specifically hydrography - the mapping of seabeds. “It’s like topography, but on the seabed,” he explained. After working aboard ships and handling complex data instrumentation, his path gradually shifted toward software development, product management, and ultimately AI solutions.

Today, he thrives in his role at PNY Technologies, where he bridges technical innovation with real-world applications for smart cities. “I quite enjoy it,” he said with enthusiasm, summarizing a trajectory that seamlessly connects engineering roots to strategic urban transformation.

Inside PNY Technologies: AI Infrastructure and Innovation

With over two decades of partnership with NVIDIA, PNY Technologies holds a unique position in the AI ecosystem. Their offerings span from consumer products like SSDs and DRAMs to powerful GPUs and servers designed for enterprise-scale AI applications.

“We do the sizing, can even do deployment,” Nadiri noted, describing how PNY combines hardware, networking, and specialized services to support data center and edge environments. Their diversification into internet and software solutions further solidifies their role at the heart of AI’s expansion.

Building Smart Cities: A Portfolio of Intelligence

As Product Manager, Nadiri focuses on assembling and commercializing smart city portfolios that blend hardware (servers, embedded devices) with advanced AI models - from computer vision to natural language technologies. “I focus more on the inferencing part of AI,” he explained.

By connecting global OEMs and ISVs with local integrators, Nadiri is building an ecosystem that serves dynamic markets across the EMEA region. “Some countries are of large interest because they are more dynamic,” he added, emphasizing a localized approach that balances global innovation with regional realities.

Vision-Enabled Cities: Turning CCTV Into Smart Infrastructure

One technology Nadiri is excited about is PercepVision AI, a platform that enhances traditional CCTV cameras with analytical layers to deliver richer insights. Having collaborated with PercepVision’s founder, Robert Yang, Nadiri sees enormous potential in turning passive visual data into actionable intelligence.

“Cameras are the sensors that are the most spread today,” he said, outlining how computer vision can optimize traffic, guide stadium crowds, and elevate customer experiences in retail and public venues. “All these things can be reached using the insights that you would bring from cameras using AI.”

Edge AI in Action: Solving Real-World Challenges

One of Nadiri’s most instructive projects was an AI-powered traffic violation system in the Middle East. Embedded edge computers analyzed video on-site before sharing results with a central server - a task complicated by environmental extremes.

“We had to do many workshops... and work with different teams - technical, product management, procurement,” Nadiri recalled. The project underscored the challenges of on-prem AI deployment and the importance of planning for maintenance, infrastructure, and monitoring tools. “It’s not like any standard software or IT project,” he emphasized.

Knowledge, Legislation & Market Dynamics

In his broader reflections, Nadiri pointed to three recurring challenges for smart cities:

• Knowledge gaps: With myriad providers offering different technologies, understanding what’s feasible - and how to sustain it - is critical.

• Legal complexity: Surveillance and AI must be tailored to fit regulatory frameworks. “If you’re watching the video stream, different laws apply,” Nadiri said, referring to France’s privacy laws.

• Commercial strategy: Success often hinges on local partnerships. “We always need the help of a local integrator,” Nadiri explained, especially when dealing with governments or public-sector projects.

Inspiration Beyond the Cityscape

Despite his immersion in cutting-edge tech, Nadiri finds clarity off-grid. His favorite summer ritual involves camping atop a mountain. “You feel very small in comparison to nature,” he said, recounting a stormy overnight trek with his daughter.

This seasonal escape helps him recalibrate, reconnect with family, and reflect without distractions. “You can renew your ideas and feel fresh again,” he added. It’s a reminder that even amid AI and analytics, nature remains a powerful teacher.

Collaboration and Looking Ahead

In closing, Nadiri stated that he enjoyed his ongoing collaboration with PercepVision AI and was enthusiastic for future projects. “Even if I come with a crazy project, [Robert Yang] always answers,” he said. His optimism, paired with a clear sense of purpose, positions him - and PNY Technologies - as key contributors to the evolving landscape of smart cities.

Click here to watch the full interview episode of the Smart Facilities Podcast