TTC 2025: Insights from Amsterdam on the Future of IoT
This week we visited TTC in Amsterdam to learn more about the state of IoT in 2025.
Satellite IoT and Smart Agriculture
We started with the topic of satellite IoT and its applications in smart agriculture. At a roundtable, Eric Hewitson of Lacuna outlined how the technology cycle has come full circle since 2015, reconnecting satellites and sensing solutions—this time within a more mature ecosystem.
This conversation was framed by future pressures on agricultural land. Reiterating the Agrarian Question as coined by Karl Kautsky: How can we produce more yield from the same land area?
Eric highlighted that a 1% rise in yields year on year will be necessary to feed a projected 10 billion people by 2080. While this may seem modest, yield debts could compound annually at farm and regional levels, while climate risks add further stresses.
In times of resource pressure, declining soil quality, and climate uncertainty, solutions that support regenerative and resource intensive agriculture will increasingly rely on data-driven technologies.
Satellite imagery of cattle feedlots compiled by Mishka Henner.
IoT in Livestock and Intensive Farming
A panel representative from Digi IoT raised the issue of IoT-enabled feedlots and dairy farming. Examples included temperature probes inserted into cattle ears and wearables designed to raise cows for slaughter in just 14 months.
From million-cattle feedlots in Mexico, to aquifer depletion and slurry pollution, the panel emphasized the complexity and severity of challenges in meeting the global demand for beef.
Water Efficiency in Arable Farming
In arable contexts, Mattia Fumara of Agurotech shared how IoT solutions are helping farmers in Senegal increase water efficiency while sustaining or improving yields.
However, the cost of cellular infrastructure remains a challenge across developing nations. Here, LoRa-enabled satellites may become a powerful solution to extend coverage and make these resource-saving technologies more affordable.
Connectivity, Edge Computing, and AI
Connectivity was a recurring theme at TTC 2025, with many solutions highlighting edge computing and AI capabilities. Robustness is being enhanced through dual SIM and e-SIM technologies, ensuring secure and verified data streams while maintaining coverage.
Kigen provided an informative talk on authentic data streams in AI models and the importance of intelligent network switching when primary network coverage is low.
On the AI front, Blues’ Brandon Satrom discussed the influence of geopolitics on AI adoption, particularly around chip usage restrictions in the US and EU. Michael Lazarenko of embedd.it stressed the need for purposeful planning of AI integrations, warning against reliance on generalized datasets or unowned code.
A key takeaway: train LLMs on structured data and ownership of the final 20% of AI outputs as a cultural must. Only deploy what you can measure and read.
Developer Experience and the Notecard Module
One highlight was Alex Bucknall’s presentation of Blues’ Notecard module and its Module Context Protocol (MCP) servers, which allow IoT systems and LLMs to interface more effectively.
The Notecard ecosystem impressed us with its clear focus on Developer Experience (DX), from documentation to billing models. Covering everything from dual SIMs to remote firmware updates, certificates, and cloud integrations, the solutions appeared robust—we’re sold on testing integrations in future sensing projects.
Sensors and Data Lifecycle
As first-time visitors, we were struck by the relative lack of sensor makers and data-focused discussions at TTC. This sentiment was echoed by several TTC OGs.
We gained valuable insights into edge computing, AI, and connectivity, but would have appreciated more exploration of sensor data lifecycles—particularly cross-referencing data sources from satellites.
The Machine Wilderness
That said, TTC wasn’t entirely lacking in this area. Marinus van Dijk, Yann Douz, and Paul Schwartz of Senarch presented compelling projects using LoRaWAN networks to monitor water, bees, and wildfires.
Marinus van Dijk demonstrated reducing power usage in multi-parameter setups for water monitoring and the establishment of LoRa networks as a public good
Yann Douz shared inspiring work on urban beehive monitoring with students at Sorbonne University that showed there is still room for maker spaces to push forward the IoT
Senarch explored wildfire detection, establishing robust LoRa networks in nature, and encouraging utilities to adopt new technologies.
Additionally, Josef Spillner of Zurich University showcased data fusion in conservation, combining IoT, LiDAR, and weather data to provide actionable insights on everything from thunderstorms to wolf attacks on Alpine grazing herds.
Short and Long Waves
We also had the chance to speak with Dimitris Mamalis of Kudzu, a LoRa network consultancy and technology provider. Kudzu, around since 2017, are an indie tech provider steering clear of the lure of VC investment.
In an ecosystem often shaped by VC fund cycles a longstanding commitment to your clientbase can prove vital in the procurement process—a concern echoed by Terril Moore of MCCI.
In other market shifts, Echostar recently sold its exclusive US license for satellite LoRa frequencies to SpaceX, signaling potential downstream changes in the provider space.
Flow-Based Programming with Node-RED
Finally, it was fantastic to see Nick O’Leary of Node RED (now FlowFuse) showcasing the project in its latest incarnation. Having used Node-RED extensively in projects ranging from air quality monitoring in Taipei to generative data sonifications, we value its ability to engage semi-technical audiences and foster "aha" moments in creative tech education, allowing people with different learning styles and goals into the ecosystem.
The latest iteration feels like a true glow-up that makes Node-RED a serious option for wider deployments —we’ll be testing it in our own projects soon.
Key Takeaways
TTC 2025 delivered a wealth of insight. As Brenna Campbell (formerly of LoRa Alliance) wisely put it:
“Invest time in your connectivity ecosystem so your deployment solutions are ready to go.”
From conservation to agriculture, the value of data lifecycles, collaboration and the accessibility of solutions is becoming clearer. IoT is finally reaching a stage where insights, Developer Experience, and User Experience align to deliver real-world impact.
We’re glad to have checked TTC off our list—and we’ll strongly consider returning next year.
