The Next Generation - Tom Krüger - German & English Version

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.How a classroom science project using LoRa temperature and pH sensors inspired the founding of TJK Solutions in Brandenburg, GermanyThe path from DIY weather stations to commercial LoRaWAN deployments for water authorities and tourism operatorsHow LoRaWAN networks are being used to monitor water levels, beach conditions, and environmental data across the regionBuilding an off-grid Meshtastic emergency network to maintain communication during blackouts, connecting nine disaster-response sites with solar-powered LoRa routersCollaboration between local government, the fire brigade, and private partners to deploy resilient, low-cost IoT infrastructureThe business case for municipalities: reducing costs, improving transparency, and creating a foundation for smart city growthWhy combining LoRaWAN for telemetry and LoRa mesh for citizen communication creates a powerful hybrid model for local resilienceInsights into the Smart Village project, integrating LoRaWAN into lighting control, school air monitoring, and park managementTom’s view on LoRaWAN’s future across Europe and how small innovators can drive adoption through user-focused problem solving and partnershipsLinks: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/Helium Global IoT Coverage - Want to know if Helium coverage exists where you need it? Check out this map!Helium Foundation - The Helium Foundation's IoT Working Group (IOTWG) has generously provided support for the first 6 months of shows, please go check them out and consider using the Helium LoRaWAN as a primary or backup on your next deployment. With over a quarter million gateways deployed worldwide, it's likely that you have and can use Helium coverage.Support The Show - If you'd like to support the MetSci Show financially, here's where you can donate on a one-time or an ongoing basis. Thank you!MetSci Show - If you'd like to use our IoT or AI Data Value calculators, or you'd like to contact me, the MetSci Show site is the best way to do it. MeteoScientific Console - Use LoRaWAN - The MeteoScientific Console allows you to use LoRaWAN today. As long as you have Helium coverage (and you probably do, about 90% of populated areas in the world have a gateway within 2 miles), you can onboard a sensor. You can always check coverage at https://explorer.helium.com and switch to the "IoT" tab in the top right.