The NG-SC team, comprising experts in blockchain, distributed systems, and sensor networks from InnoRenew CoE and the University of Primorska, is advancing decentralized technologies with a focus on privacy and innovation. In the interview, they share their approach to leveraging IoT and decentralized solutions to address privacy concerns and empower users with data ownership, contributing to the evolution of smart cities.
Can you briefly present your team?
Our team combines academic expertise and technical innovation to deliver cutting-edge decentralized solutions. Aleksandar Tošić, a researcher at InnoRenew CoE and assistant professor at the University of Primorska, specializes in blockchain and distributed systems. Niki Hrovatin, also a researcher and assistant professor, is an expert in sensor networks and decentralization. Mihael Berčič, a passionate Rustacean and skilled web developer, brings exceptional technical expertise to the team. Together, we are advancing decentralized technologies with a focus on innovation and impact.
How did you come up with this project idea and what benefits will it bring to the end users?
The project idea arose from recognizing the increasing integration of IoT devices into daily life and their potential to transform urban environments through the evolution of cities toward the smart city concept, which aims to optimize operations, improve resource management, and enhance citizens’ quality of life. These advancements require efficient, privacy-preserving solutions for managing and sharing vast amounts of data. Aligning with the NGI’s shift toward decentralization, the project empowers users to retain ownership of their data and monetize idle IoT resources via a decentralized marketplace, ensuring privacy through on-device computation and secure protocols.
How is TrustChain supporting your growth and what role does it play for the next steps in your development?
TrustChain supports our growth by providing excellent coaching, guidance for user-centric assessments, and opportunities to engage with other projects developing decentralized solutions. This collaborative environment accelerates our progress and strengthens the impact of our innovations.
Why did you apply to the TrustChain call and has your vision changed since then?
We applied to the TrustChain call to address pressing challenges in user privacy and decentralized data governance, aligning with our vision of empowering users through innovative, privacy-preserving technologies. Since then, TrustChain’s support has greatly enhanced our focus on user-centric assessment, helping us make the project more accessible and enjoyable for a broader range of users.
What is the most valuable takeout from the TrustChain project and why was the topic of the Open Call important to you/your team?
The most valuable takeaway from the TrustChain project has been the guidance on creating user-centric, privacy-preserving solutions that are both practical and impactful. The Open Call topic was important to our team as it directly aligned with our goal to address the critical challenges of user data ownership, privacy, and decentralized governance, which are pivotal for the future of smart cities and the Next Generation Internet.
Did you establish collaboration with any of the TrustChain teams or plan for any kind of synergies? If yes, what is the biggest potential in such collaborations?
Yes, we have collaborated with the TrustChain partner walt.id on Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI). They provided valuable guidance for integrating their SSI solution into our project, which has strengthened our system’s trust layer and ensured effective identity management.
What are your expectations regarding the TrustChain software ecosystem and its contribution to the NGI priority areas?
We expect that the TrustChain software ecosystem will provide a robust framework for developing decentralized, user-centric applications that prioritize privacy and trust.
What are the next steps for your team?
Our next steps involve refining our solution based on user feedback, conducting real-world testing to validate its effectiveness, and finalizing the integration with SSI. Additionally, we aim to expand collaborations and prepare for scaling the project to support more device and sensors.
What is the message you would give to new and potential applicants to TrustChain Open Calls?
Embrace the opportunity to innovate within a supportive ecosystem that values user-centric design and collaboration. TrustChain provides invaluable guidance, resources, and connections to help bring your vision to life while addressing critical challenges in privacy and decentralization.
