Explore every episode of the podcast The Business of LoRaWAN
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| The LoRaWAN Tsunami with Olivier Hersent | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:22:18 | |
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.
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| Chirpstack News - From Beginners to Mesh | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:16:38 | |
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.
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| LoRaWAN in Japan - Kevin Cantrell & CropWatch | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:18:36 | |
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:
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:
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| Pinpoint Pain Points - Julien Bertolini | 29 May 2025 | 00:18:13 | |
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:
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/
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| Water Meter Monitoring & End To End Solutions - Michail Angelov | 27 May 2025 | 00:27:35 | |
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:
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| Business 101 In The World of LoRaWAN - Andy Humphrey | 22 May 2025 | 00:28:42 | |
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:
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| Building The World's Best LoRaWAN Field Test Device - Slaven - GLAMOS | 20 May 2025 | 00:31:18 | |
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
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
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| Getting More Data Out Of The Machines - Miroslav Macko | 15 May 2025 | 00:21:50 | |
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:
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
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| LoRa, Drones, and Offline Tracking - Tomi Piriyev | 13 May 2025 | 00:15:00 | |
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:
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/
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| How To Accelerate LoRaWAN - Alper Yegin | 08 May 2025 | 00:30:24 | |
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
Businesses Mentioned
Memorable Quotes
Find Our Guest
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| Flexible LoRaWAN Deployments - Manoj Telrandhe | 06 May 2025 | 00:19:18 | |
Manoj Telrandhe from TerraQ discusses how they're using LoRaWAN across the Middle East to help businesses as they expand. LoRaWAN offers unique benefits for restaurants or businesses that are growing; put up one gateway and you basically can't outgrow the coverage. Key Points TerraQ's IoT solutions cater to diverse industries, including restaurants and smart cities, leveraging LoRaWAN for long-range, low-power communication. The company's cloud-based application enables clients to monitor their dashboard statistics remotely, promoting scalability and flexibility. LoRaWAN technology allows for customization, supporting various sensor deployments and use cases, from small restaurants to large smart cities. Businesses Mentioned TerraQ: Provides IoT solutions using LoRaWAN technology for industries like restaurants and smart cities. Memorable Quotes * "I fell in love with LoRaWAN, it removes all barriers with no wired connections." * "Scalability is superb, you can use any kind of sensors and go to any level." * "It's the future, LoRaWAN technology integrates a lot of protocols and removes geographical barriers." LINKS
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| LoRaWAN in the Countryside: Building Smart Communities from the Ground Up - Robert Bogs | 01 May 2025 | 00:23:20 | |
Today’s guest on MeteoScientific's The Business of LoRaWAN show is Robert Bogs, a media engineer turned IoT consultant who’s taken his passion for technology and transformed it into real-world impact—both commercially and in his own backyard. Robert's day job is with Alpha-Omega Technology, helping customers deploy LoRaWAN and other LPWAN solutions at scale. But what sets him apart is how he's applied that same expertise to his rural village in eastern Germany. Through his initiative Kayna-funkt, Robert has built a model LoRaWAN network from the ground up—funded by grants, powered by community involvement, and aimed squarely at solving problems that matter, like heating inefficiencies and environmental monitoring. What makes Robert so effective is his ability to bridge two worlds. He’s fluent in the language of engineers and makers, but he also speaks the local dialect of mayors, caretakers, and neighbors. That rare mix of technical depth and human connection lets him listen, guide, and implement solutions that stick—whether it's a gateway on a church tower or a CO₂ sensor on a kitchen table. He’s got lessons for cities, for startups, and for every nerd who’s ever wondered if they could make a difference. Let’s dig in.
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| What Hasn't Been Done | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:18:32 | |
Bob Blanchard, Senior Manager of Business Development at Klika Tech, talks about how creative vision and technical execution come together in successful LoRaWAN deployments. With a background that blends artistic insight and engineering precision, Bob shares how seeing what doesn’t yet exist is a critical skill in both invention and solution design. In this episode, Bob explains Klika Tech’s role as more than just a system integrator—they are an enhanced solution provider, capable of co-creating with clients from concept through deployment. Backed by a premiere partnership with AWS and a deep bench of senior-level engineers, Klika Tech is known for delivering complex IoT and LoRaWAN projects in real-world environments like resorts, multifamily housing, and healthcare. We explore use cases that haven’t been fully realized—like golf course management with LoRaWAN—and how Bob helps clients uncover untapped opportunities. He also breaks down why higher-frequency wireless technologies often create more headaches than LoRaWAN, and how this “it just works” quality makes LoRaWAN a strong fit for sprawling properties and low-bandwidth, long-range sensor applications. Bob discusses the importance of partnerships and a developed ecosystem in LoRaWAN success, including how Klika Tech’s partner network drives sales and expands reach. He shares a behind-the-scenes look at project development, emphasizing Klika’s ability to work closely with customers to iterate, adapt, and build lasting value into every solution. Topics covered:
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| Public and Private Sectors with Scott Andrews | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:18:58 | |
Scott Andrews, a dynamic figure bridging the public and private sectors in the UK’s LoRaWAN ecosystem, shares his unique insights into selling LoRaWAN solutions to both small private businesses and large public entities — from farmers monitoring vaccine fridges to councils implementing smart city projects. We dive into the challenges of change management, scaling deployments, and how small wins build toward big transformations. Key Topics Covered:Private vs. Public Sector Deployments: Scott highlights the differences between selling into the private sector (like small farms and butcher shops) versus public sector institutions (like councils and schools). A key theme is managing the aversion to change and public scrutiny in government projects. Scaling Small: Many private sector deployments are tiny — sometimes just 3–5 sensors monitoring vaccine fridges, milk storage, or walk-in freezers. But the impact is massive, saving time, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing defensible data. Public Sector at Scale: Scott shares how public health needs during COVID drove rapid, large-scale sensor rollouts—like deploying 200 CO₂ sensors across schools to measure fresh air intake. The Thin End of the Wedge: Success comes from small beginnings. Scott explains how a single gateway and a few sensors often lead to expanding sensor deployments once organizations see real-world benefits. Making Data Understandable: Many end users—whether farmers, butchers, or public servants—aren’t trained data analysts. Scott’s team at Sensibility uses AI tools like ChatGPT to create plain-English reports that make LoRaWAN data accessible and actionable. Smart City Success: Hear the story of how Scott helped the town of Abergavenny win an Innovation Award by deploying hidden soil moisture sensors in public planters to optimize watering—and how they overcame technical challenges like vandalism risk. Long-Term Vision: Scott discusses why patience, word of mouth, and helping customers solve real operational problems are critical in building a successful IoT business over time. Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-andrews-64754534/ https://www.senseability.uk/ https://abergavennytowncouncil.gov.uk/4442/uncategorised/abergavenny-excels-at-britain-in-bloom-awards-2023/Links - MetSci Show
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| Early Adopter: Paul Pinault | 24 Apr 2025 | 00:18:43 | |
Paul Pinault is one of those rare people in IoT who not only understands the technology inside and out — from gateways to encryption keys — but also deeply gets the business of it. He started tinkering with low-power wireless before most people could even spell LPWAN, working with Sigfox back in 2014, and since then he’s helped shape the LoRaWAN landscape from multiple angles. He’s built hardware when no off-the-shelf options existed, rolled out full-stack IoT solutions, run his own startup, and now powers the console over at MeteoScientific. He’s also a voice of clarity in the space — cutting through hype and focusing on outcomes that actually save companies money and solve real-world problems. In this episode, we dig into the evolution of LPWAN, what mistakes businesses make when getting into IoT, and how Paul thinks about public, private, and shared infrastructure — especially in light of networks like Helium. Whether you’re deep in the weeds of deployment or just figuring out where LoRaWAN fits into your company’s roadmap, Paul’s got insights you won’t want to miss. Let’s dig in. Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpinault/ https://www.disk91.com/ https://metsci.show https://support.metsci.show https://console.meteoscientific.com Support for this show generously provided by the Helium Foundation's IoT Working Group, please check out the Foundation here: https://www.helium.foundation/ To see if there's Helium coverage in an area, visit: https://world.helium.com/en/iot/coverage | |||
| Teaching The Way: Carl Rowan | 18 Apr 2025 | 00:22:19 | |
Carl is an electronics engineer, educator, and prototyper based in Manila, Philippines. He’s been deep in the hardware game for over a decade, with a background that spans industrial sensor systems, embedded design, and, for the past several years, some of the most widely used LoRaWAN modules on the market He currently works at RAKwireless, where he helps lead product education and development as an IoT Product Specialist. If you’ve ever looked up how to use a RAK3172 or wanted to understand WisBlock’s modular ecosystem, chances are you’ve read one of Carl’s guides or seen his posts. He’s been a huge force in making LoRaWAN approachable — not just by helping build the tools, but by teaching the rest of us how to use them. In today’s episode, we dig into Carl’s journey from prototyping industrial sensors to helping ship over a million LoRaWAN modules, his philosophy on documentation and community feedback, and what’s next for the LoRaWAN hardware world — from ESP32 + LoRa hybrids to satellite-connected devices and even Meshtastic mesh networks. Carl’s one of the most thoughtful and enthusiastic builders in the space — let’s get into it. Links: Carl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlrowan/ Company: https://www.rakwireless.com/ MeteoScientific https://console.meteoscientific.com https://metsci.show https://support.metsci.show | |||
| Catch It Before It Spreads: The Future of Wildfire Detection with LoRaWAN | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:19:29 | |
Vasya Tremsin, the founder and CEO of Torch Sensors, joins us to discuss the groundbreaking use of LoRaWAN technology in wildfire detection. His company has developed solar-powered smart sensors that can identify heat, smoke, and gas, alerting us to fires within just three minutes of ignition. Vasya's journey began as a high school science fair project, sparked by witnessing the devastating impact of wildfires in his community. As we chat, he shares how Torch Sensors has rapidly evolved from a student project to a startup deploying sensors in high-risk areas across California, aiming to prevent wildfires before they escalate. This conversation is packed with insights on the intersection of technology and environmental safety, and how we can protect our communities from the ever-present threat of wildfires. Takeaways:
Links referenced in this episode: Companies mentioned in this episode:
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| Primer: LoRa vs LoRaWAN & How To Use It | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:04:31 | |
Let’s break down the essentials of LoRa and LoRaWAN, two key players in the IoT landscape, and how you can leverage them for your business. At the heart of our discussion is the distinction between LoRa, the radio signal, and LoRaWAN, the comprehensive system that governs data transmission and structure. Think of LoRa as the car and LoRaWAN as the entire road network – it’s all about how these components work together. We’ll also explore the four primary ways to utilize LoRaWAN: through public networks, community networks, private networks, and managed services. In general, there are 4 different ways you could use a LoRaWAN. They are Public, Community, Private, or Managed. Public You could subscribe to a public network operator or PNO, like Orange or Bouygues in France, Everynet in the U.S (and around the world), or AWS IoT Core or other PNOs. PNOs install gateways across the city and offer the IoT connectivity as a service, so they’ll charge you a subscription to use their LoRaWAN. Community You could use a community network like TTN (the Things Network), where volunteers and organizations deploy gateways and share coverage for free. There is TTN coverage in most cities. If there is TTN coverage where you are, you could just use it. If you don't have coverage where you are, you would need to buy and install and set up a gateway, which would share your coverage with others. Another community option is Helium. Helium has coverage almost everywhere in the developed world, and is how I got into LoRaWAN. If there’s coverage where you are, you can use it for a very small fee. As an example, if you were to use the MeteoScientific LNS on Helium, you’d pay about $0.88/year to send a packet of data every hour. You can also buy and deploy a Helium gateway, called a Hotspot, to provide coverage, earning cryptocurrency in return. The difference between Helium & TTN is the cryptocurrency aspect, which drives the difference in gateways (and therefore, overall coverage.) TTN has 21k gateways worldwide. Helium has 296,000. Cryptocurrency incentives are powerful. Private The third way to use a LoRaWAN is to stand up your own private network. You can buy your own gateways, buy a block of addresses from the LoRa Alliance and set up your own LNS where you’re the only one using it. Managed Finally, you can just hire companies to do the whole thing for you.
Links referenced in this episode: Companies mentioned in this episode:
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| From Handfuls to Hundreds - Bansi Talks Scale | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:17:29 | |
Bansi from Macnman joins us to unpack the intricacies of LoRaWAN and its significance for scaling solutions tailored for the Indian customer. We dive deep into how LoRaWAN can transform various industries by enabling the deployment of numerous low-power, battery-operated sensors that collect invaluable data. Bansi shares insightful use cases, particularly in smart agriculture and smart city applications, emphasizing the need for mass deployments to truly see a return on investment. He also highlights the critical balance between the technology's strengths and its limitations, especially regarding time-sensitive applications. Takeaways:
Links referenced in this episode: Companies mentioned in this episode:
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| Primer: Follow the Signal Path | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:06:30 | |
In this episode, we're breaking down the LoRaWAN signal path, making it easy to understand how data travels from sensor to application. Figuring out how LoRaWAN works is the first step of unlocking the whole thing. Once you understand how the signal gets from the sensor to where you're going to use it, the pieces start to fall into place. Takeaways:
Links referenced in this episode: Companies mentioned in this episode:
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| Rish Chauhan and The Perfect Customer | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:16:05 | |
Rish Chauhan, Head of Sales at The Things Industries, joins us to explore power of LoRaWAN in business. We dive into how companies are leveraging this open source technology to tackle real-world challenges and generate significant ROI. Rish shares insights on what makes an ideal customer for TTI and highlights the most profitable use cases that emerge in various sectors, from retail to agriculture. We also discuss the importance of patience in the IoT journey, as the return on investment isn’t instantaneous but well worth the wait. With a glimpse into innovative applications like environmental monitoring and cattle behavior tracking, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to harness the potential of LoRaWAN in their business. Takeaways:
Links referenced in this episode: Companies mentioned in this episode:
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| Dean Marsh - Using LoRaWAN to Fight Cold & Crime in the UK | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:21:27 | |
🔍 Episode Overview In this episode, we sit down with Dean Marsh, a veteran in the world of LoRaWAN-powered IoT deployments across the UK. From saving lives in rural Welsh housing to uncovering criminal activity through smart sensors, Dean shares how simple, scalable IoT solutions can drive massive impact—not just efficiency. Whether it's reducing costs, slashing CO₂ emissions, or catching drug gangs, this one’s about using LoRaWAN where it truly matters. 🧠 What You’ll Learn
🛠️ Technologies & Use Cases Discussed
💡 Key Takeaways
🔗 Resources & Mentions
🙌 Special Thanks This episode is brought to you by the IoT Working Group at the Helium Foundation. 💲 Support the show! | |||
| A Rainy Day & The Business of LoRaWAN | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:07:39 | |
In this debut episode, we explore the surprising impacts of something as simple as rain — on traffic, farming, shipping, tourism, and more — and how we can only understand those effects if we measure them. That’s where IoT and LoRaWAN come in. Nik Hawks introduces the power of Internet of Things sensors and LoRaWAN networks to deliver long-range, low-power data that fuels better decisions. Whether you're new to IoT or deep in deployment, this episode sets the stage for a practical, story-driven journey into the real-world value of LoRaWAN technology. Links referenced in this episode: Mentioned in this episode:
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| Build To The Standard - Eric Lenington - ObjectSpectrum | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:22:39 | |
Eric Lenington, founder and CEO of ObjectSpectrum, talks about the power of solving customer problems with LoRaWAN, and why the real strength of the technology lies not in theoretical performance, but in its thriving ecosystem. From commercial buildings to agricultural deployments and even vacation rental monitoring, Eric breaks down how his team delivers reliable, scalable IoT solutions using off-the-shelf devices and the flexibility of LoRaWAN standards. He explains how ObjectSpectrum integrates with networks like Helium and Senet, and why, despite new protocols like Mioty entering the scene, LoRaWAN remains the dominant force because of its mature ecosystem and device availability. “Technology X might be better than LoRaWAN,” Eric says, “but I don’t care—there’s no ecosystem.” Eric also shares the origin story behind Prism, the software platform ObjectSpectrum built when nothing else met their standards for high-availability, scalable IoT application infrastructure. Designed to be infrastructure-agnostic and support a variety of protocols beyond LoRaWAN, Prism reflects a telecom-grade mindset applied to IoT—delivering the uptime, flexibility, and performance that complex deployments require. Looking forward, Eric highlights NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) as the next major frontier in IoT connectivity. He discusses how satellite LoRaWAN providers like Lacuna are beginning to open up new possibilities, offering standards-based options in space that rival terrestrial deployments in reach and resilience. If you're evaluating how to deploy scalable IoT solutions, this episode offers clarity on where LoRaWAN wins, how to assess new entrants like Mioty, and what to watch as NTN infrastructure accelerates.
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| Practical & Economical: LoRaWAN with Henry Huang | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:19:37 | |
Henry Huang, CEO of Browan Communications, talks about Browan’s cost-effective, hybrid IoT strategies and real-world applications in Indoor positioning, Asset tracking, and IoT in Hospitals.
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| Network Analysis for LoRaWAN - Dimitris Mamalis at Kudzu | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:19:09 | |
Dimitris Mamalis, co-founder and CEO of Kudzu Technologies, talks about redefining how we understand and manage LoRaWAN networks. With roots in embedded systems and early experience using LoRa before the LoRaWAN protocol even existed, Dimitris brings a sharp, systems-level perspective to the challenges of deploying reliable long-range networks. In this episode, he explains why most people deploying LoRaWAN aren’t just installing applications—they’re operating networks, whether they know it or not. Kudzu’s platform helps these accidental network operators understand what’s happening in the field, providing not just dashboards but actionable reports and monthly engineering-grade analysis to help fix what’s broken. We dive into how Kudzu handles LoRaWAN network analysis, from initial simulation and digital modeling to in-field validation and optimization. Dimitris discusses how AI is used not to replace expert insight but to arm clients with better context, making problem-solving faster and more efficient. He also shares how the Helium boom was a proving ground for Kudzu’s capabilities, revealing common issues and accelerating the company’s growth. Finally, Dimitris outlines how Kudzu continues to support Helium—not as a primary network, but as a roaming option. By helping customers identify coverage gaps and intelligently extend networks using Helium without additional gateways, Kudzu is building smarter, more resilient LoRaWAN deployments.
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| The Swiss Way - Liliane Paradise with Miromico | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:21:39 | |
Liliane Paradise, COO of Miromico, talks about building industrial-grade LoRaWAN devices with Swiss precision, pioneering battery-free sensor systems, and the business case for hybrid battery configurations in critical environments. She shares how Miromico approaches product development from concept to mass production, prioritizing modularity, testability, and long-term sustainability.
Links: Miromico website
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| Meshtastic - The Beginning of a Vertical | 12 Jun 2025 | 00:19:06 | |
Jonathan Bennett, core developer and co-founder of Meshtastic Solutions, and Tony Good, hardware designer and entrepreneur, talk about the evolution of Meshtastic from a grassroots mesh network to a tool with real commercial potential. Meshtastic began as a communication system for hikers and adventurers operating beyond cell coverage. Today, it’s proving useful in disaster response, search and rescue, vehicle tracking, and other use cases where reliable, off-grid communication is essential. Jonathan explains how the core team, alongside a global group of contributors, is hardening the platform with better encryption, Linux support, and integration tools to make it easier for businesses to adopt. Tony shares how he built a business around designing rugged, user-friendly Meshtastic cases and complete devices, helping users deploy the tech without needing to source and print their own enclosures. He highlights how demand for ready-made devices has grown as more public service organizations and small businesses explore using Meshtastic. Together, they talk about:
Meshtastic is at the start of a vertical shift from hobbyist project to deployable infrastructure—and this episode shows where it’s going next. Links: Company site: https://meshtastic.com/
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| The Value Add Business - Rokland with Jason Opdyke | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:19:14 | |
Jason Opdyke, CEO of Rokland Technologies, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of LoRaWAN and the impact of emerging technologies like Meshtastic. Opdyke highlights how Meshtastic, an off-grid, decentralized, point-to-point mesh network technology, is revolutionizing communication by integrating seamlessly with LoRaWAN networks. Key discussion points include:
Opdyke also explores broader LoRaWAN business opportunities:
Opdyke’s perspective emphasizes practical business solutions and actionable insights, clearly illustrating the real-world value and transformative potential of LoRaWAN and Meshtastic technologies. Connect with Jason Opdyke: | |||
| Filling The Connectivity Gaps - Satellite LoRaWAN with Telemaco Melia | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:19:54 | |
Telemaco Melia, Vice President and General Manager of EchoStar Mobile, talks about building a satellite-powered LoRaWAN network that fills in the last-mile connectivity gaps for IoT deployments across Europe and the U.S. In this episode, Telemaco explains how satellite LoRaWAN is being used to extend coverage to remote locations where deploying gateways isn’t feasible. From cattle tracking in South America to critical infrastructure monitoring in Europe, satellite IoT is fast becoming a necessary layer in achieving 100% device reach. We explore how EchoStar Mobile’s dual-mode approach leverages both terrestrial and satellite networks to deliver reliable, 24/7 LoRaWAN connectivity. Telemaco also shares why using licensed spectrum in the S-band allows them to guarantee packet delivery and network availability—critical for commercial deployments. Other highlights include:
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| Meshtastic vs. LoRaWAN: Choosing the Right Tool at Scale - Matthew Patrick | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:24:15 | |
Dr. Matthew Patrick, physicist, data scientist, and Helium ecosystem contributor, talks about why Meshtastic and LoRaWAN are often misunderstood as competing technologies—and why that framing misses the point. Drawing from his work in space physics, high-altitude ballooning, and large-scale LoRaWAN deployments, Matthew explains how similar radio hardware can support very different network architectures and business outcomes. The conversation starts with a clear, practical comparison between Meshtastic and LoRaWAN, focusing on what each system was designed to do. Meshtastic’s mesh-based approach excels at small, infrastructure-free group communication, while LoRaWAN’s gateway model is built for industrial-scale deployments involving hundreds or thousands of low-power devices. Matthew breaks down the tradeoffs around battery life, network capacity, reliability, and operational complexity, grounding the discussion in real deployment scenarios rather than theory. From there, the discussion moves into where these technologies can overlap in productive ways. Matthew outlines how Meshtastic can act as an intermediary layer in hard-to-reach environments, relaying sensor data to LoRaWAN gateways when traditional coverage isn’t available. He also explores longer-term opportunities, including LoRa-based satellite and stratospheric platforms, and how distributed ground networks could support future space-adjacent IoT use cases. Throughout the episode, Matthew brings a clear systems-level perspective, emphasizing that successful IoT deployments depend on matching the right technology to the problem being solved. The result is a grounded, experience-driven look at how LoRa-based technologies fit into real-world business, research, and infrastructure decisions. Links
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| Designing in Parallel: Hardware, RF, and business - Gavin Brown | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:18:08 | |
Gavin Brown, VP of Strategic Growth and Design Partner at RAKwireless, talks about how solid industrial design and RF engineering turn LoRaWAN from a promising idea into reliable, large-scale deployments. With a background in industrial design and product development, he explains how RAK’s core pillars—gateways, modules, and supporting services—give customers a path of least resistance into LoRaWAN, whether they’re building networks, nodes, or full end-to-end solutions. Gavin digs into what typical RAK customers really look like: teams who know their own domain well but need help bridging the gap into wireless and LoRaWAN. He describes industrial design as a hybrid of art, design, and engineering, and shows why the best projects are “front heavy,” putting RF constraints, cost, supply chain, and mechanical realities into the strategy before anyone obsessively sketches enclosures or PCB shapes. That early thinking is especially critical for LoRaWAN, where antenna placement and housing can make the difference between pain and success. He shares real-world examples, from a 25–50,000-node deployment that struggled with range because RF was an afterthought, to a utility project that achieved a 63 km link by respecting physics and integrating the antenna properly into a metal manhole cover. Gavin also highlights some of his favorite RAK designs, including the compact WisGate Soho Pro gateway with fully integrated antennas, and explains how off-grid solar gateway solutions and gateway mesh backhaul are opening up LoRaWAN in remote regions like the valleys of Wales. Throughout the conversation, he returns to a core theme: LoRaWAN works brilliantly when hardware, RF, and business goals are designed together, not bolted on at the end.
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| From Prototype to Planet-Scale | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:21:44 | |
Violet Su, Business Development Manager at Seeed Studio, talks about how Seeed turns emerging technologies into practical LoRaWAN-ready solutions for industries, communities, and creators. She explains how the company bridges sensors, connectivity, and edge AI into a full stack that lowers friction for real-world deployments.
Guest Links:
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| AI-Native Toolchains with Thomas Froment - Eclipse Foundation | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:20:50 | |
Thomas Froment, Program Manager for Development Tools at the Eclipse Foundation, talks about how AI-native, vendor-neutral tooling is transforming the way IoT and LoRaWAN developers build, test, and ship products. In this episode, he explains what Eclipse Theia is, why it matters, and how open-source toolchains give companies more control, privacy, and long-term resilience than proprietary AI editors. Drawing from his experience leading Theia, Open VSX, and other Eclipse development-tool initiatives, Thomas breaks down the rapidly evolving AI workflow landscape and why embedded engineers should pay attention.
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| Build For Your School - Jan-Ole Giebel | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:20:07 | |
Jan-Ole Giebel, founder of J-O. Technik, talks about his rapid journey from early IoT tinkering to building practical LoRaWAN systems for schools and organizations. Beginning with ESP32 sensor experiments in middle school, he quickly ran into the limitations of school Wi-Fi and discovered LoRa—first as simple peer-to-peer radio, then as a full LoRaWAN stack. He shares how supportive teachers and family helped him pursue hardware and programming deeply at a young age, eventually leading him to build CO2-monitoring devices during the pandemic and lead older students in real deployments. -How early experiments with ESP32s, simple sensors, and Dragino kits introduced him to LoRa and later LoRaWAN’s structured architecture -The technical challenges he faced with overlapping packets, one-channel gateways, and why LoRaWAN became essential for scaling beyond a few nodes -The skills he had to develop to make IoT work in the real world, including Linux administration, Python development, virtualization, databases, and managing network servers like ChirpStack -Why conferences, YouTube, and self-guided learning played a critical role in understanding radio systems, backend servers, and security -What he sees beginners struggle with most in LoRaWAN and where complexity still creates friction -His current focus on making IoT practical for everyday users through an application server that hides complexity like payload decoders, device onboarding, EUIs, and downlinks -How he is integrating LoRaWAN with real-world workflows such as school timetables, automated heating, smart thermostats, and energy reporting -The type of clients who benefit most from his work, especially schools and organizations aiming to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint without compromising comfort or operational quality -His perspective on AI tools in development, why he treats them carefully, and where they help versus hinder reliability and security | |||
| Go Figure It Out - Dr. Simon Bunjamin | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:26:26 | |
Dr. Simon Bunjamin, Project Manager for LoRaWAN and Smart City initiatives at NEW (Niederrhein Energie und Wasser GmbH) AG, talks about how a traditional public utility in western Germany transformed itself into a digital innovator by embracing LoRaWAN. He explains how the journey began with a single project and evolved into one of the most advanced regional LoRaWAN networks serving hundreds of thousands of customers. Shares how he moved from a background in political science into the world of IoT and smart utilities Describes starting at NEW as a one-person team tasked with exploring LoRaWAN use cases across electricity, gas, and water divisions Explains how early skepticism turned into enthusiasm once colleagues experienced LoRaWAN’s simplicity and reliability firsthand Details the creation of an internal “experience center” to demonstrate live sensors and educate staff across departments Tells the story of solving a seemingly minor problem—rain leaking through office windows—that sparked a wave of new IoT projects Breaks down how LoRaWAN reshaped utility operations by replacing costly, limited systems with flexible, data-rich solutions Discusses the unexpected benefits of real-time metering data, from billing accuracy to optimizing heat and energy performance Shares the now-famous “beaver project,” where LoRaWAN sensors replaced manual water level checks and paid for themselves in days Highlights lessons on building internal buy-in, navigating data governance, and balancing regulation with innovation Reflects on how curiosity, communication, and small wins can drive large-scale transformation within public infrastructure organizations LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-simon-bunjamin-b84a7419/ Company Website: https://www.new-energie.de/gk/service-fuer-stadtwerke/lorawan | |||
| The Next Generation - Tom Krüger - German & English Version | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:44:53 | |
A special edition in both German and English, hosted by my friend and former guest, Robert Bogs. Tom Krüger, founder and CEO of TJK Solutions, talks about transforming a small German lakeside community into one of Europe’s most forward-thinking LoRaWAN regions. At just 20 years old, Tom has turned his early curiosity about wireless weather sensors into a growing company delivering LoRaWAN networks for environmental monitoring, smart villages, and disaster resilience. In this episode, he shares how local collaboration, open-source innovation, and cost-effective engineering can bring LoRa-powered infrastructure to life—even in small municipalities.
Links: Tom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-jonas-krueger/ TJK Website: https://tjk-solutions.de/ Robert's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbogs/
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| Filling The Gaps - Paul Schwartz - Senarch | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:17:32 | |
Paul Martin Schwartz, co-founder and CEO of SenArch, talks about how solar-powered LoRaWAN gateways are filling the connectivity gaps that traditional infrastructure can’t reach. SenArch’s gateways are built to run reliably in extreme environments, with energy-optimized electronics and rugged AGM batteries that can operate for up to a month without sunlight. In this episode, Paul explains the engineering trade-offs behind battery and solar panel sizing, why AGM batteries outperform lithium in freezing temperatures, and how off-grid connectivity enables new IoT use cases worldwide.
Paul highlights how SenArch’s gateways are being used from Europe to North America to close coverage gaps, support water monitoring, and enable smart city, climate resilience, and agricultural projects. His experience in telecom and IoT gives him a unique perspective on building sustainable networks that deliver real-world impact. Links:
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| Build For The Customers Of Our Customers - Fabio Rosa - TagoIO | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:22:26 | |
Fabio Rosa, CEO and founder of TagoIO, talks about what it takes to build an IoT platform that scales globally while staying grounded in customer needs. With over 1,000 supported devices and a GitHub-driven ecosystem for integrating LoRaWAN sensors, TagoIO has become a cornerstone in the IoT space. Fabio shares how his team prioritizes support for every user—whether it’s a student running a free account or a company deploying tens of thousands of devices. He explains why TagoIO is designed not just for developers, but for the customers of their customers—making it easier to deliver value all the way down the chain. The conversation dives into the hidden costs of using AI in IoT, especially when querying massive datasets, and the steps TagoIO is taking to balance innovation with operational sustainability. Fabio also reflects on key lessons from running the company: build fewer features, listen harder, and focus relentlessly on solving the right problems. He discusses how AI can be used not just to improve the developer experience, but to help end users extract actionable insights from their data—if it’s implemented thoughtfully. Throughout the episode, Fabio emphasizes the importance of trust, transparency, and customer success obsession as guiding principles for long-term impact in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. | |||
| Saving At Scale - Brandon Dalida | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:19:25 | |
Brandon Dalida, Regional Sales Director at MultiTech, talks about how large-scale LoRaWAN deployments succeed when they're designed around cost-efficiency, business alignment, and network structure. With over two decades in telecom and IoT, Brandon brings a deeply practical perspective on what makes LoRaWAN work for enterprise—especially when budgets, security, and data costs are on the line.
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