Our hyper-connected world generates an immense amount of data every second. From smart cities to industrial operations, mobile networks work tirelessly to process, analyze, and transmit this data. However, the energy demands of these computing services continue to rise, leading to a significant environmental impact.

At Worldsensing, we are committed to sustainability and innovation. That’s why we have been proud partners in Greenedge, an EU-funded project dedicated to developing energy-efficient, eco-friendly computing solutions for mobile networks. By integrating machine learning-based green computing systems, Greenedge is tackling one of the most pressing challenges of modern technology: reducing the carbon footprint of data processing at the edge of mobile networks.

After four years, Greenedge concludes by the end of February 2025. And we’re excited to announce that Luca Scalambrin, a PhD researcher who was part of the Greenedge project, has joined Worldsensing as a Firmware and Research Engineer. His transition from academia to industry highlights the impact of collaborative research initiatives in shaping the future of sustainable technology.

Greenedge: a project driving sustainable innovation

Greenedge, a EU Marie Skłodowska Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN), has been an enabler for a next generation of wireless energy-harvester-powered IoT devices. The project research pushed the boundaries of ultra-low-power, synchronized wireless communications, developing dynamic, AI-based adaptive synchronization methods for LoRaWAN multi-hop networks. The team also investigated scheduling mechanisms that leverage frequency, timing, and symbol-offset techniques to enable simultaneous, non-interfering transmissions, thus optimizing channel utilization to its fullest potential. This project allows for improved energy efficiency in communications and, consequently, better resource management, having a positive environmental impact on Worldsensing technologies. 

At Worldsensing, these advancements align closely with our mission of environmental monitoring and infrastructure resilience. Greenedge has helped reduce congestion, optimize energy use, and create smarter, low-power IoT solutions.

Bridging research and industry: a conversation with Luca Scalambrin 

Luca’s journey is a testament to how academic research can translate into real-world impact. We sat down with him to discuss his experience with the Greenedge project and his new role at Worldsensing.

What are the most important contributions of the Greenedge project to environmental protection? 

In today’s world, data is more essential than ever, driving the need for a powerful and efficient ICT infrastructure. But as the volume of data grows, so does the energy required to manage it, which, in turn, has a major environmental impact.

The mission of the Greenedge project has been to develop innovative solutions for processing and transmitting data more efficiently at the network edge, with the goal of reducing energy consumption. By optimizing these processes, Greenedge helps lower the carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable digital ecosystem.

What motivated you to join Worldsensing after your research in Greenedge?

I joined the company because it offers the perfect combination of factors that align with my passions and career goals. Worldsensing’s strong focus on innovation and engineering resonates with me, as I’ve always been driven by both. The people here are incredibly talented and inspiring, and working alongside them has been a rewarding experience. 

The mix of valuable people, innovative projects, and a collaborative culture made Worldsensing the ideal place for me to continue growing.

What are some of the most exciting aspects of your work here?

In my opinion, what makes the work we do here exciting is the innovation it brings to the market by addressing an unsolved problem. A great recent example is the GNSS Meter, launched early 2025. There was a clear gap in the market for a solution that delivers millimeter precision while being compact, user-friendly, affordable, and battery-powered. Worldsensing’s solution not only meets these criteria but also offers over two years of battery life and is seamlessly integrated with the LoRa ecosystem, which is known for its long-range and reliable communication. This is a perfect example of fully leveraging technology’s potential.

How do you see the future of sustainable computing evolving?

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important component in the tech industry because of its direct environmental impact. I see it gaining traction quickly, but unfortunately, not as fast as technology itself is evolving. While more companies are recognizing the need for sustainable practices, there’s still a gap between awareness and implementation.

At the same time, governmental institutions and regulatory bodies are playing a key role by introducing stricter sustainability metrics. This push for accountability is expected to grow, making it necessary for businesses to measure, report, and actively reduce their environmental footprint. In the long run, I believe this will drive innovation, leading to more sustainable technologies and business models.

Luca would like to close with some remarks “I would like to thank Professor Michele Rossi, Greenedge coordinator, and his dedicated team from the University of Padova for their immense efforts. I would also like to extend a special thanks to Worldsensing for allowing me to be part of its exciting journey. And, finally, I am deeply grateful to my mentor and supervisor, Professor Xavier Vilajosana, for his invaluable guidance and support throughout this Greenedge adventure.”

A future built on green innovation

As technology advances, so does the need for sustainable solutions. The Greenedge project has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of energy-efficient mobile networks and IoT systems, and its impact will continue to be felt at Worldsensing.

Luca’s journey is a perfect example of how research and innovation go hand in hand. At Worldsensing, we are always on the lookout for passionate researchers who want to turn cutting-edge ideas into real-world solutions. If you’re interested in building a career at the intersection of sustainability, IoT, and smart infrastructure, we encourage you to explore opportunities with us.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 953775.