The Business of LoRaWAN – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Olivier Hersent, founder and CEO of Actility, talks about the accelerating convergence of LoRaWAN and BACnet in building automation, and what that means for retrofits, logistics, and the future of wireless sensing. With BACnet still dominating 70% of the building automation market—even on brand new PLCs—Olivier explains why making LoRaWAN invisible to integrators is critical, and how Actility is bridging these two worlds one sensor at a time.

He also shares insights into the work Actility is doing with custom sensing and logistics tracking, including real-world deployments in automotive assembly lines, massive vehicle yards, and remote conservation areas. From RS485-era wired sensors to modern closed-loop logistics, Olivier points to a shift toward simplicity and targeted data collection, where most application layers are 99% noise and only one bit matters.

• Why BACnet remains the king of building automation—and what makes integrating LoRa so difficult
• How Actility is streamlining LoRaWAN-to-BACnet translation by mapping and testing each individual sensor
• The growing role of AI in simplifying sensor driver creation and semantic standards
• A new market segment in geolocation: closed-loop logistics and the return of valuable assets
• Why Africa is poised to be the next major IoT growth market, with utilities growing 50% year-over-year
• The cost advantages of LoRaWAN for emerging economies and remote infrastructure
• Why older, simpler wired protocols like RS485 are easier to port to LoRaWAN
• How LoRaWAN could reduce power grid strain by syncing appliances with real-time energy signals
• Olivier’s advice for new founders: help wired sensing companies go wireless

Olivier Hersent on LinkedIn

Actility

Orne Brocaar, founder and lead developer of ChirpStack, talks about building one of the most widely used open-source LoRaWAN network servers in the world. With over two million downloads across major versions, ChirpStack has become a foundational tool for developers, businesses, and governments deploying LoRaWAN infrastructure.

In this episode, Orne explains how ChirpStack grew from a side project in 2015 to a globally adopted platform, with early support from CableLabs and SIDN. He outlines the biggest technical challenges users face, especially around configuring gateways, Linux environments, and network firewalls—core steps that can make or break a LoRaWAN deployment.

The conversation dives into the practical business model behind open-source software in IoT, where ChirpStack generates sustainable revenue through consultancy, contracted development, and community sponsorships. Orne shares how this structure allows him to support enterprise users while continuing to improve the platform for everyone.

A highlight of the discussion is ChirpStack’s new gateway mesh feature, developed in collaboration with RAK Wireless and Smart Parks. These solar-powered relay gateways operate without direct internet connections and enable coverage in remote or rugged environments. Orne describes how the new mesh framework supports remote configuration and monitoring over LoRaWAN’s proprietary message types—providing valuable tools for managing decentralized infrastructure.

Other topics include advice for first-time users, the role of ChirpStack in the broader LoRaWAN ecosystem, and what’s next for the project.

• Common setup pain points and how to solve them
• Making open-source business models work in IoT
• The role of CableLabs and SIDN in scaling ChirpStack
• LoRaWAN deployment in rural and off-grid areas
• Gateway mesh architecture for extended coverage
• Using LoRaWAN to send commands to gateways
• Why ChirpStack continues to grow in adoption

Guest links:

Orne Brocaar on LinkedIn

Chirpstack

• Helium Global IoT Coverage - Want to know if Helium coverage exists where you need it? Check out this map!
• Helium Foundation - The Helium Foundation's IoT Working Group (IOTWG) has generously provided support for the first 6 months of shows, please go check them out and consider using the Helium LoRaWAN as a primary or backup on your next deployment. With over a quarter million gateways deployed worldwide, it's likely that you have and can use Helium coverage.
• Support The Show - If you'd like to support the MetSci Show financially, here's where you can donate on a one-time or an ongoing basis. Thank you!
• MetSci Show - If you'd like to use our IoT or AI Data Value calculators, or you'd like to contact me, the MetSci Show site is the best way to do it.
• MeteoScientific Console - Use LoRaWAN - The MeteoScientific Console allows you to use LoRaWAN today. As long as you have Helium coverage (and you probably do, about 90% of populated areas in the world have a gateway within 2 miles), you can onboard a sensor. You can always check coverage at https://explorer.helium.com and switch to the "IoT" tab in the top right.

Kevin Cantrell, CEO and founder of CropWatch, discusses how LoRaWAN technology is transforming IoT applications in rural Japan. Kevin shares insights into how CropWatch is addressing specific business needs in agriculture, infrastructure, and public safety.

Kevin details the critical benefits of LoRaWAN for cold chain monitoring, emphasizing how it effectively solves connectivity issues in industrial refrigeration, where traditional methods like WiFi and Bluetooth struggle. He highlights practical business advantages, such as increased reliability and operational efficiency in challenging environments.

He also explores IoT disaster monitoring, describing innovative applications such as LoRaWAN-equipped sensors for lightning rod damage detection, improving maintenance efficiency and safety in areas vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons.

Kevin addresses unique local challenges with animal tracking solutions, explaining how CropWatch employs LoRaWAN-enabled devices with computer vision capabilities to detect and mitigate threats from wild boars and bears, protecting crops and residents.

Key discussion points include:

• Practical solutions for cold chain monitoring using robust LoRaWAN sensors.
• Applications of IoT disaster monitoring to enhance safety and resilience.
• Effective animal tracking methods using LoRaWAN and computer vision.
• The business strategy behind offering ruggedized hardware combined with comprehensive data services.
• Challenges and opportunities of implementing IoT solutions in rural and mountainous regions.

Learn how CropWatch is leveraging LoRaWAN’s long-range, low-power capabilities to provide innovative solutions that are both scalable and economically viable for rural communities.

Links:

Kevin Cantrell LinkedIn

CropWatch website

• Helium Global IoT Coverage - Want to know if Helium coverage exists where you need it? Check out this map!
• Helium Foundation - The Helium Foundation's IoT Working Group (IOTWG) has generously provided support for the first 6 months of shows, please go check them out and consider using the Helium LoRaWAN as a primary or backup on your next deployment. With over a quarter million gateways deployed worldwide, it's likely that you have and can use Helium coverage.
• Support The Show - If you'd like to support the MetSci Show financially, here's where you can donate on a one-time or an ongoing basis. Thank you!
• MetSci Show - If you'd like to use our IoT or AI Data Value calculators, or you'd like to contact me, the MetSci Show site is the best way to do it.
• MeteoScientific Console - Use LoRaWAN - The MeteoScientific Console allows you to use LoRaWAN today. As long as you have Helium coverage (and you probably do, about 90% of populated areas in the world have a gateway within 2 miles), you can onboard a sensor. You can always check coverage at https://explorer.helium.com and switch to the "IoT" tab in the top right.

Julien Bertolini, Principal IoT Solution Architect at Volvo Group, shares his expertise on effectively implementing LoRaWAN technology for improved industrial logistics and operational efficiency.

Julien emphasizes the importance of directly engaging with workers to identify real-world challenges, a practice that guided him to develop successful solutions like battery level tracking for autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs). This simple yet impactful IoT project significantly reduced factory downtime and became an easy-to-adopt model across multiple global manufacturing sites.

Julien discusses key considerations when building an IoT network, highlighting the critical role of LoRaWAN cybersecurity. Recognizing the complexity and risks involved, he explains when it’s strategic to collaborate with specialized solution providers instead of relying solely on internal teams. His thoughtful approach ensures robust, secure IoT deployments at scale.

Key topics include:

• Practical strategies for identifying operational problems through direct worker engagement
• Successfully scaling battery level tracking solutions using LoRaWAN
• Building an IoT network beyond technical teams, fostering wider organizational adoption
• Strategic decisions on deploying private vs public LoRaWAN networks for enhanced reliability and global coverage
• Innovations in asset tracking and industrial logistics driving Volvo towards Industry 4.0

Julien concludes by highlighting asset tracking as the next major opportunity for companies to streamline internal and external logistics, transforming traditional manufacturing processes into agile, data-driven operations.

Connect with Julien:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbertolini/

• Helium Global IoT Coverage - Want to know if Helium coverage exists where you need it? Check out this map!
• Helium Foundation - The Helium Foundation's IoT Working Group (IOTWG) has generously provided support for the first 6 months of shows, please go check them out and consider using the Helium LoRaWAN as a primary or backup on your next deployment. With over a quarter million gateways deployed worldwide, it's likely that you have and can use Helium coverage.
• Support The Show - If you'd like to support the MetSci Show financially, here's where you can donate on a one-time or an ongoing basis. Thank you!
• MetSci Show - If you'd like to use our IoT or AI Data Value calculators, or you'd like to contact me, the MetSci Show site is the best way to do it.
• MeteoScientific Console - Use LoRaWAN - The MeteoScientific Console allows you to use LoRaWAN today. As long as you have Helium coverage (and you probably do, about 90% of populated areas in the world have a gateway within 2 miles), you can onboard a sensor. You can always check coverage at https://explorer.helium.com and switch to the "IoT" tab in the top right.

Michail Angelov, founder of IoTNet.eu and former Nokia IoT leader, talks about transforming water utilities through LoRaWAN-based remote water meter monitoring systems.

With over 20 years in telecom and IoT, Michail shares how he co-founded Nokia’s Worldwide IoT Network Grid before pivoting into one of the most pressing infrastructure challenges of our time: water loss. His company, IoTNet.eu, now oversees over 40,000 connected water meters across Bulgaria, gathering millions of data points each month to drive efficient water distribution.

He explains how low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs), and LoRaWAN in particular, disrupted the sector by enabling real-time, battery-efficient communication in locations without constant power—like underground water meters. By turning what used to be expensive, inflexible infrastructure into a scalable, data-driven system, Michail’s work is redefining the economics and capabilities of water meter monitoring.

Why water utilities lose up to 70% of water between source and tap—and how IoT helps measure and recover those losses

How LoRaWAN became the foundation for a scalable remote water meter monitoring system

Lessons from building a nationwide IoT network and pivoting from connectivity to full-stack solutions

The role of Helium in reducing infrastructure costs and expanding coverage

Using AI and structured data to predict pipe failures, detect theft (“non-technical losses”), and optimize performance

How local integrators anywhere in the world can partner to deploy IoTNet’s proven water meter monitoring system

This episode is packed with real-world insight into solving high-stakes utility problems with scalable IoT systems.

Links:

Michail Angelov - LinkedIn

• Helium Global IoT Coverage - Want to know if Helium coverage exists where you need it? Check out this map!
• Helium Foundation - The Helium Foundation's IoT Working Group (IOTWG) has generously provided support for the first 6 months of shows, please go check them out and consider using the Helium LoRaWAN as a primary or backup on your next deployment. With over a quarter million gateways deployed worldwide, it's likely that you have and can use Helium coverage.
• Support The Show - If you'd like to support the MetSci Show financially, here's where you can donate on a one-time or an ongoing basis. Thank you!
• MetSci Show - If you'd like to use our IoT or AI Data Value calculators, or you'd like to contact me, the MetSci Show site is the best way to do it.
• MeteoScientific Console - Use LoRaWAN - The MeteoScientific Console allows you to use LoRaWAN today. As long as you have Helium coverage (and you probably do, about 90% of populated areas in the world have a gateway within 2 miles), you can onboard a sensor. You can always check coverage at https://explorer.helium.com and switch to the "IoT" tab in the top right.

Andy Humphrey, founder of Harmony Analytica and host of The Sprinkler Nerd Show, talks about how LoRaWAN is transforming the irrigation industry with a data-first approach that’s as practical as it is powerful.

With over 500 sensors already in the field, Andy shares how he’s built an IoT irrigation business around the principle of creating clarity—starting with simple deployments and expanding once value is proven.

He breaks down the emerging business model of Sensor as a Service and how a well-placed soil moisture or pressure sensor can uncover hidden problems, provide an ROI, and unlock powerful insights for decision-makers.

His example of using a water meter monitoring system to diagnose a faulty pool fill setup shows just how impactful water meter monitoring can be when paired with the right tech stack.

Andy walks through his real-world strategy of “land and expand,” highlighting how starting with one smart irrigation controller or sensor often leads to broader deployments once trust is built. He also explains the value of knowing your customer deeply enough to build exactly what they need—even if they don’t know what that is yet.

We also dive into Andy’s framework of “IoT for CFOs,” exploring how data from water meter monitoring systems can finally give finance teams visibility into an often-overlooked line item. From diagnosing leaks to optimizing usage, the power of IoT irrigation isn’t theoretical—it’s actionable.

Finally, Andy shows how thinking vertically and designing for real-world use can turn a $5 soil moisture board into a $200 solution by solving the exact problem a customer faces—especially in high-value landscapes.

Links:

Andy Humphrey on LinkedIn

Harmony Analytica

• Helium Global IoT Coverage - Want to know if Helium coverage exists where you need it? Check out this map!
• Helium Foundation - The Helium Foundation's IoT Working Group (IOTWG) has generously provided support for the first 6 months of shows, please go check them out and consider using the Helium LoRaWAN as a primary or backup on your next deployment. With over a quarter million gateways deployed worldwide, it's likely that you have and can use Helium coverage.
• Support The Show - If you'd like to support the MetSci Show financially, here's where you can donate on a one-time or an ongoing basis. Thank you!
• MetSci Show - If you'd like to use our IoT or AI Data Value calculators, or you'd like to contact me, the MetSci Show site is the best way to do it.
• MeteoScientific Console - Use LoRaWAN - The MeteoScientific Console allows you to use LoRaWAN today. As long as you have Helium coverage (and you probably do, about 90% of populated areas in the world have a gateway within 2 miles), you can onboard a sensor. You can always check coverage at https://explorer.helium.com and switch to the "IoT" tab in the top right.

Slaven Damjanović, CEO and founder of GLAMOS, talks about building the world’s most advanced LoRaWAN testing tool—starting from his own need for better field deployment visibility.

Overview

When deploying LoRaWAN devices in the field, understanding where your network truly reaches—and how different antennas or spreading factors impact connectivity—is critical. Slaven Damjanović created GLAMOS Walker as a virtual IoT sensor to do exactly that. What began as a personal tool to map coverage in Croatian vineyards quickly became a must-have in the Helium community, known for its intuitive design and pro-level insight.

Key Topics Covered

• The origins of GLAMOS: solving the real-world problem of testing LoRaWAN deployments
• How GLAMOS Walker acts like a virtual IoT sensor, simulating device behavior in the field
• Use during the Helium boom: rapid demand from thousands of users trying to optimize their gateways
• Understanding LoRaWAN data: RSSI, spreading factor, and antenna gain as key variables in deployment
• Indoor coverage mapping: visualizing LoRaWAN signal strength room-by-room using 3D floorplans
• Spreading factor tradeoffs: SF10 vs SF7 and the impact on battery life—up to 20x difference
• Testing LoRaWAN devices before deployment: reducing risk by validating connectivity conditions
• Pressure during Helium’s rise: why field testing tools became critical for hotspot optimization

Business Insights

From agriculture to utilities, Slaven explains how GLAMOS enables smarter, faster deployments of LoRaWAN devices. With built-in data visualization tools and a simple UI, the Walker is both beginner-friendly and essential for pros. The episode offers a masterclass in deployment optimization for anyone serious about making LoRaWAN data work in the real world.

Links

Slaven on LinkedIn

GLAMOS Website

• Helium Global IoT Coverage - Want to know if Helium coverage exists where you need it? Check out this map!
• Helium Foundation - The Helium Foundation's IoT Working Group (IOTWG) has generously provided support for the first 6 months of shows, please go check them out and consider using the Helium LoRaWAN as a primary or backup on your next deployment. With over a quarter million gateways deployed worldwide, it's likely that you have and can use Helium coverage.
• Support The Show - If you'd like to support the MetSci Show financially, here's where you can donate on a one-time or an ongoing basis. Thank you!
• MetSci Show - If you'd like to use our IoT or AI Data Value calculators, or you'd like to contact me, the MetSci Show site is the best way to do it.
• MeteoScientific Console - Use LoRaWAN - The MeteoScientific Console allows you to use LoRaWAN today. As long as you have Helium coverage (and you probably do, about 90% of populated areas in the world have a gateway within 2 miles), you can onboard a sensor. You can always check coverage at https://explorer.helium.com and switch to the "IoT" tab in the top right.

Miroslav Macko, CEO and founder of Heliotics, explores the practical business applications of LoRaWAN technology, emphasizing simplicity and effectiveness in industrial environments. Miroslav’s background in lean manufacturing informs Heliotics' mission to streamline complex processes through accessible IoT solutions, providing tangible improvements in efficiency and cost savings.

Getting More Data Out Of The Machines

Miroslav highlights the power of LoRaWAN for industrial monitoring systems. He discusses Heliotics’ successful deployments, from industrial energy monitoring systems that significantly reduce electricity costs, to industrial machine monitoring systems that minimize waste and downtime.

Lean Simplicity Drives Industrial IoT Success

Drawing from lean manufacturing principles, Miroslav advocates keeping IoT platforms straightforward, focusing purely on actionable data. He explains how Heliotics designs intuitive, plug-and-play solutions—“like a HomeKit for industrial companies”—allowing businesses without IoT experience to effortlessly adopt advanced monitoring capabilities.

Real-World Business Applications

Miroslav shares specific examples:

• Industrial temperature monitoring systems deployed without costly wiring.
• Dust particle sensors combined with door sensors to reduce product defects and scrap rates.
• Direct messaging systems providing real-time alerts and action steps for factory managers.

One standout project, the Vodník Fountain in Trenčín, illustrates how logic from industrial monitoring can apply broadly—achieving a 75% reduction in water use and optimized energy consumption through simple weather-responsive controls.

Leveraging Community Networks

Initially inspired by the Helium Network, Miroslav discusses its reliability as either a primary or backup solution. He emphasizes that community networks like Helium, supplemented by additional gateways for redundancy, are viable even in rigorous industrial environments.

Connect with Miroslav Macko

Miroslav Macko - LinkedIn

Heliotics Website

• Helium Global IoT Coverage - Want to know if Helium coverage exists where you need it? Check out this map!
• Helium Foundation - The Helium Foundation's IoT Working Group (IOTWG) has generously provided support for the first 6 months of shows, please go check them out and consider using the Helium LoRaWAN as a primary or backup on your next deployment. With over a quarter million gateways deployed worldwide, it's likely that you have and can use Helium coverage.
• Support The Show - If you'd like to support the MetSci Show financially, here's where you can donate on a one-time or an ongoing basis. Thank you!
• MetSci Show - If you'd like to use our IoT or AI Data Value calculators, or you'd like to contact me, the MetSci Show site is the best way to do it.
• MeteoScientific Console - Use LoRaWAN - The MeteoScientific Console allows you to use LoRaWAN today. As long as you have Helium coverage (and you probably do, about 90% of populated areas in the world have a gateway within 2 miles), you can onboard a sensor. You can always check coverage at https://explorer.helium.com and switch to the "IoT" tab in the top right.

In this episode of The Business of LoRaWAN, I sit down with Tomi Piriyev, founder of NoliLab and creator of Loko — a peer-to-peer GPS tracking device that works without a SIM card, subscription, or cellular signal. Originally developed to solve problems in drone tracking, Loko evolved into a robust, low-power LoRa-based GPS tracker designed for real-world use in forests, farms, skydiving, and even search and rescue operations.

Tomi walks us through the evolution from his drone company to the creation of Loko. The device consists of two parts — a tiny GPS-enabled "Air unit" that transmits over LoRa, and a handheld ground receiver that connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The whole system works offline, powered by OpenStreetMap, and is compact enough to mount on a drone, collar, or vehicle.

We also talk about:

• Why Tomi built Loko to avoid subscriptions entirely
• How LoRa’s long range and low power consumption make it ideal for offline tracking
• Real-world use cases: scientists locating forest sensors, skydivers retrieving gear, and Nevada SAR teams tracking drones
• The option to switch between LoRa peer-to-peer mode and LoRaWAN gateway mode
• The path forward for NoliLab, including waterproofing and scaling production

Whether you're searching for car GPS tracking devices or looking to deploy your own LoRa-based private tracking network, this episode offers a refreshing look at what it means to build durable, dependable, offline IoT hardware.

Links

https://nolilab.com/

• Helium Global IoT Coverage - Want to know if Helium coverage exists where you need it? Check out this map!
• Helium Foundation - The Helium Foundation's IoT Working Group (IOTWG) has generously provided support for the first 6 months of shows, please go check them out and consider using the Helium LoRaWAN as a primary or backup on your next deployment. With over a quarter million gateways deployed worldwide, it's likely that you have and can use Helium coverage.
• Support The Show - If you'd like to support the MetSci Show financially, here's where you can donate on a one-time or an ongoing basis. Thank you!
• MetSci Show - If you'd like to use our IoT or AI Data Value calculators, or you'd like to contact me, the MetSci Show site is the best way to do it.
• MeteoScientific Console - Use LoRaWAN - The MeteoScientific Console allows you to use LoRaWAN today. As long as you have Helium coverage (and you probably do, about 90% of populated areas in the world have a gateway within 2 miles), you can onboard a sensor. You can always check coverage at https://explorer.helium.com and switch to the "IoT" tab in the top right.

Alper Yegin, CEO of the LoRa Alliance, joins the show to share strategic insights into the future of LoRaWAN as a utility-grade connectivity layer for IoT. With over 100 million LoRaWAN devices already deployed and 50% annual growth rates, Alper highlights how businesses can leverage certification, collaboration, and plug-and-play architecture to thrive in this evolving LPWAN landscape. This episode is essential listening for anyone building in IoT infrastructure or deploying scalable IoT monitoring solutions.

Key Points

• Awareness and education—not competing technologies—are the biggest threats to LoRaWAN’s growth. Many failed deployments result from misunderstanding how to use the protocol properly.
• The LoRa Alliance’s certification process has been streamlined and made more affordable, helping device makers win RFPs and expand into global markets more efficiently.
• LoRaWAN’s roaming and integration across public, private, and satellite networks is paving the way for a globally unified, plug-and-play IoT connectivity experience.
• Businesses deploying LoRaWAN in smart buildings benefit from long-range, battery-efficient, low-cost, and license-free radio infrastructure—making it ideal for facilities like stadiums, retail chains, and office complexes.
• Strategic collaboration within the LoRa Alliance is accelerating product quality and ecosystem adoption, with members often working together—even as competitors—to grow the entire IoT pie.

Businesses Mentioned

• Verizon: Deployed LoRaWAN at State Farm Arena for facility management across the entire venue.
• AT&T: Launched a facility service called Connected Spaces, exclusively using LoRaWAN.
• MachineQ (Comcast subsidiary): Installed LoRaWAN sensors in over 10,000 Starbucks locations for cold chain monitoring.
• Rentokil: The world’s largest pest control firm is adopting LoRaWAN to monitor hard-to-reach building areas.
• Shell, Total Energies, Chevron: Using LoRaWAN in oil and gas facilities for temperature, valve, and vibration sensing.
• Veolia: Operating 5 million live LoRaWAN water meters across France.
• Yorkshire Water: Deploying 1.3 million LoRaWAN-connected water meters in the UK.

Memorable Quotes

• “Reality on the ground is ahead of the perception. There are a lot more deployments than meets the eye.”
• “Plug and play is key. You should be able to buy a device, turn it on, and it just connects—anywhere in the world.”
• “If people use LoRaWAN incorrectly and think it doesn’t work, it sets them back years. Education is critical.”

Find Our Guest

Alper Yegin - LinkedIn

LoRa Alliance

• Helium Global IoT Coverage - Want to know if Helium coverage exists where you need it? Check out this map!
• Helium Foundation - The Helium Foundation's IoT Working Group (IOTWG) has generously provided support for the first 6 months of shows, please go check them out and consider using the Helium LoRaWAN as a primary or backup on your next deployment. With over a quarter million gateways deployed worldwide, it's likely that you have and can use Helium coverage.
• Support The Show - If you'd like to support the MetSci Show financially, here's where you can donate on a one-time or an ongoing basis. Thank you!
• MetSci Show - If you'd like to use