Carsten Brinkschulte Of Dryad Networks On The Future of The Internet of Things (IoT), And How It May Improve Our Health & Our Lives
An Interview With David Leichner
To truly thrive in the IoT industry, you need more than just a passion for gadgets and gizmos. It’s about combining a rock-solid understanding of the underlying technologies with the ability to think outside the box and dream up innovative solutions. You’ve got to be a master collaborator, able to communicate effectively with a diverse team of experts, from engineers to marketers. And, of course, you need to have a finger on the pulse of the market, understanding the real-world problems that IoT can solve.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is beginning to become more mainstream. Millions of people use Fitbit health trackers, Nest smart thermostats, and Ring doorbell cameras, which are early examples of IoT. These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the potential commercial applications of IoT. IoT has the potential to change the way cities are run, the way our healthcare is managed, the way our cars communicate, and the way our supply chains and manufacturing are utilized. But how exactly will IoT improve our lives? How can it improve our health? What are the new IoT technologies that we should expect to see around the corner? How does one create a successful career in the IoT industry? In this interview series, we are talking to business leaders who are incorporating IoT into their business or who are developing IoT applications, who can share stories and perspectives about the future of IoT. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Carsten Brinkschulte.
Telecoms tech veteran and serial entrepreneur Carsten Brinkschulte is co-founder and CEO of impact tech startup Dryad Networks. The firm’s large-scale IoT network for the ultra-early detection of wildfires will help to save the world’s forests and fight climate change.
Carsten’s 20 years in mobile network infrastructure includes three successful exits: Core Network Dynamics (acquired by Twilio), Movirtu (acquired by Blackberry), and Synchronica (acquired by DAT Group).
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started in the IoT industry?
My background is software engineering and telecommunications. I have spent 25 years in the telecoms industry starting and running three companies in the messaging and network infrastructure field with exits to Blackberry and Twilio. Dryad is my first hardware startup and my first “impact for profit” company, applying telecommunications and IoT technology to protect the natural ecosystems.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
The idea for Dryad was triggered in 2018 after we had sold my last company to Twilio. Having sold the company, I kind of fell into a hole, not knowing what to do next. At the same time, for me for the first time there were a lot of wildfires in the media, highlighting the scale of the problem. Simultaneously, in Europe we had the Fridays for Future movement with children taking it to the streets to protest against climate change, including my daughter. This was what flipped the switch and made me think about how I could apply telecoms and IoT technology to tackle wildfires, one of the most visible signs of climate change.
Ok wonderful. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. Can you tell our readers about the most interesting IoT projects you are working on now?
Silvanet is Dryad Networks’ flagship IoT-based solution for ultra-early wildfire detection. This system utilizes a network of solar-powered sensors that are deployed throughout forested areas. Each sensor is equipped with AI-enabled gas sensors capable of detecting the presence of gasses emitted during wildfires, such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. These sensors use a unique solar-powered mesh network that communicates via LoRaWAN, ensuring data is transmitted effectively even in remote areas with limited terrestrial network coverage.
The importance of Silvanet lies in its ability to save lives, protect property and preserve natural ecosystems. By detecting fires early, the system helps mitigate the devastating impacts of wildfires, which can cause significant environmental damage, economic losses and even loss of life. Furthermore, Silvanet’s scalability and cost-effectiveness make it accessible for a wide range of stakeholders, from local governments to private landowners and utility companies, ensuring broader adoption and more effective wildfire management across diverse landscapes.
How do you think this might change the world?
Silvanet has the potential to revolutionize how we detect and respond to wildfires, significantly impacting environmental conservation, public safety and contributing in the fight against climate change. Wildfires are responsible for up to 20% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, making their prevention and early detection a key tool. By enabling ultra-early detection of wildfires, Silvanet provides a crucial time-advantage for firefighters to respond and contain fires before they grow out of control. This capability can drastically reduce the incidence of large-scale wildfires, which cause massive environmental destruction, loss of biodiversity and cause large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, by protecting forests from large-scale fires, Silvanet helps preserve vital ecosystems that play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and preservation of biodiversity. Forests act as major carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and mitigating the effects of climate change. Preventing wildfires preserves these carbon sinks and contributes to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
On a broader scale, the deployment of Silvanet can drive advancements in IoT and environmental monitoring technologies. Its applications can extend beyond wildfire detection to other areas of environmental protection, such as monitoring soil moisture, tree health and even detecting illegal activities like logging or poaching. This comprehensive approach to environmental monitoring can support sustainable forest management and conservation efforts worldwide.
Keeping “Black Mirror” in mind, can you see any potential drawbacks of this technology that people should think more deeply about?
Of course, any technology can be applied for good and more questionable use-cases. A network in the forest can be used to protect nature, but potentially also to monitor people roaming in the last areas not under observation, such as barely contacted tribes, and so on.
What are the three things that most excite you about the IoT industry? Why?
As the CEO of Dryad Networks, I’m most excited by its potential to create a greener future, connect the unconnected and drive data-driven discoveries. IoT is a total game-changer for how we tackle environmental issues. At Dryad, we use IoT to spot wildfires early on, before they wreak havoc on our forests and communities. This means smarter forest management, better conservation, and a healthier planet overall. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that.
IoT is also breaking down barriers, particularly in remote areas that lack traditional infrastructure. With low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN), we’re able to bring advanced monitoring and alerts to places that were previously isolated. This is vital for real-time data collection and emergency response, making these communities safer and better equipped to manage their resources.
Lastly, the sheer volume of data generated by IoT devices is another gold mine for innovation. At Dryad, we harness this data to create predictive models and AI-powered insights that make our wildfire detection even more precise and efficient. This not only helps us improve our own technology but also pushes the entire IoT field forward, opening up a world of possibilities for smarter, more intelligent solutions across industries. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be in this space!
What are the three things that concern you about the IoT industry? Can you explain? What can be done to address those concerns?
The IoT industry, while bursting with potential, raises some critical concerns. Security is paramount, as the proliferation of connected devices creates a larger target for cyberattacks. Many devices lack robust defenses, making them vulnerable to hacking. Manufacturers must prioritize security from the get-go, implementing measures like encryption, updates, and strong authentication.
Another major hurdle is interoperability. The market is flooded with devices and platforms using different standards, causing compatibility issues. A cohesive ecosystem requires industry-wide standards and collaboration. Open-source frameworks and standardized communication protocols can help bridge this gap.
Data privacy is also a significant issue. IoT devices gather massive amounts of personal data, and users often lack control over how it’s used. Companies must be transparent, comply with regulations like GDPR in Europe, and give users clear consent mechanisms and control over their data. Building trust through responsible data handling is essential.
Can you share with our readers a few of the exciting future applications of IoT that you have seen?
The future of IoT is brimming with potential, poised to transform our lives in numerous ways. One particularly exciting area is smart agriculture, where sensors and connected devices empower farmers to monitor their crops and land with unprecedented precision, leading to optimized irrigation, resource management, and ultimately, increased yields. This could have a big impact on global food security, something that’s being threatened by climate change.
Healthcare is also being revolutionized by IoT through wearable devices that enable continuous health monitoring and data sharing with providers. This facilitates personalized treatment plans and early detection of potential issues, paving the way for improved patient outcomes.
Meanwhile, IoT is redefining urban living through smart cities equipped with intelligent systems that optimize traffic flow, adjust lighting based on need and enhance waste management, among other benefits. This creates a more sustainable and efficient urban environment for all.
Can you help articulate to our readers a few of the ways that IoT can improve our health and improve our lives?
Absolutely! IoT is already changing how we approach health and wellness, and the potential for future advancements is truly exciting. Think about it — your smartwatch isn’t just a stylish accessory; it’s a mini health tracker on your wrist, monitoring your heart rate, activity levels, and even sleep patterns. This data isn’t just for your curiosity; it can be shared with healthcare providers, giving them a more complete picture of your health and enabling more personalized care. So, we’re talking about real, tangible and impactful changes here.
Imagine a future where smart pill bottles remind you to take your medication, or where sensors in your home can detect if you’ve fallen and automatically alert emergency services. These aren’t far-off concepts — they’re real possibilities that IoT can bring to life.
Beyond healthcare, IoT is improving our daily lives in countless ways. Smart home devices can automate mundane tasks like adjusting the thermostat or turning off lights, freeing up our time for the things that truly matter. And as cities become smarter, we can expect more efficient traffic management, better air quality monitoring and even personalized recommendations for the best local coffee shops.
The bottom line is that IoT is all about making our lives easier, healthier and more connected. It’s an exciting field with endless possibilities, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.
My expertise is in product security, so I’m particularly passionate about this question. In today’s environment, hackers break into the software running IoT devices, for ransomware, to damage brands, or for other malicious purposes. Based on your experience, what should IoT manufacturing companies do to uncover vulnerabilities in the development process to safeguard their IoT products?
I’ve seen firsthand how hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in IoT devices, and it’s not pretty. To truly safeguard their products, manufacturers need to take a proactive, multi-layered approach to security throughout the entire development process.
It starts with design. Security should be baked in from the beginning, not tacked on as an afterthought. This means considering potential threats and vulnerabilities at every stage, from concept to production. It also means using secure coding practices and frameworks, and regularly reviewing and updating them as new threats emerge.
Testing is crucial. Companies should invest in thorough testing throughout the development cycle, including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing and code review. They should also consider engaging third-party security experts for an independent assessment.
But security doesn’t stop at launch. Manufacturers need to have a plan for ongoing monitoring and patching of their devices. This means having a system in place to quickly identify and address vulnerabilities once they’re discovered. It also means being transparent with customers about potential risks and providing them with clear guidance on how to keep their devices secure.
Finally, it’s important to remember that security is a continuous process, not a one-time fix. The threat landscape is constantly evolving, so manufacturers need to be vigilant and adaptable. By taking a proactive and comprehensive approach to security, they can protect their products, their customers and their own reputations.
What are your “5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career In The IoT Industry?
To truly thrive in the IoT industry, you need more than just a passion for gadgets and gizmos. It’s about combining a rock-solid understanding of the underlying technologies with the ability to think outside the box and dream up innovative solutions. You’ve got to be a master collaborator, able to communicate effectively with a diverse team of experts, from engineers to marketers. And, of course, you need to have a finger on the pulse of the market, understanding the real-world problems that IoT can solve.
But it doesn’t stop there. The IoT landscape is constantly evolving, so you’ve got to be adaptable and resilient. This means being willing to learn new skills, embrace change, and pivot when necessary. If you can combine these qualities with a genuine passion for using technology to make a positive impact, you’ll be well-positioned to build a rewarding and successful career in this exciting field.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
If I were to inspire a movement with the potential to bring the most good to the most people, it would be a global initiative to leverage IoT technology for environmental conservation and sustainability. The movement would focus on deploying smart sensors and networks to monitor and protect natural resources, combat climate change and prevent disasters.
Imagine a world where forests, oceans and wildlife habitats are continuously monitored for signs of danger or degradation, where data-driven insights guide conservation efforts and resource management in real time. By fostering collaboration between technologists, environmentalists, governments and communities, we could create a more sustainable future and ensure the health of our planet for generations to come. This vision, combining cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, has the potential to make a profound and lasting impact.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
To stay updated on our work at Dryad Networks, I encourage your readers to visit our official website (www.dryad.net), where we regularly post updates and news about our projects. Additionally, they can follow us on our social media channels, including LinkedIn, where we share insights, articles and the latest developments in our field. For a deeper dive into our innovations and industry contributions, subscribing to our newsletter is a great way to receive detailed information and exclusive content directly in their inbox.
Thank you so much for the time you spent doing this interview. This was very inspirational, and we wish you continued success.
About The Interviewer: David Leichner is a veteran of the Israeli high-tech industry with significant experience in the areas of cyber and security, enterprise software and communications. At Cybellum, a leading provider of Product Security Lifecycle Management, David is responsible for creating and executing the marketing strategy and managing the global marketing team that forms the foundation for Cybellum’s product and market penetration. Prior to Cybellum, David was CMO at SQream and VP Sales and Marketing at endpoint protection vendor, Cynet. David is the Chairman of the Friends of Israel and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Jerusalem Technology College. He holds a BA in Information Systems Management and an MBA in International Business from the City University of New York.
