A beacon of innovation has landed at Imperial College London with the launch of the Imperial IOTA Infrastructures Lab (I3-Lab). This state-of-the-art facility, backed by a £1 million endowment from the IOTA Foundation and additional funding from Imperial College London, aims to accelerate the development of sustainable solutions for the circular economy.
The I3-Lab focuses on “translational research,” bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and their practical applications. It positions Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) as a key driver of the circular economy, fostering the creation of sustainable business models and digital tools based on “servitization.”
This concept emphasizes shared access to products and services over traditional ownership models, promoting resource efficiency and a shift away from a “consume and discard” mentality.
The lab is already making waves with secured grants for several impactful projects. Autofair tackles bias in AI algorithms, while iCircular3 tackles boosting circularity in robots, electric vehicles, and outdoor power equipment. CoDiet, on the other hand, leverages technology to combat diet-related diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
The Lab’s diverse team of researchers and PhD students will collaborate closely with the IOTA Foundation’s Applied Research Team, led by Dr. William Sanders. This collaboration builds on a strong foundation: IOTA previously provided funding for circular economy research at Imperial’s Dyson School of Design Engineering and supported the development of a novel DLT congestion control algorithm.
IOTA’s DLT is already making waves in projects like the Trade Logistics Information Pipeline and Digital Product Passports, demonstrating its potential for innovative economic models.
“The I3-Lab is a significant step forward in tackling the global climate crisis,” says Dominik Schiener, co-founder and chairman of the IOTA Foundation. “Only through collaboration between scientists, technologists, philanthropists, and regulators can we unlock the full potential of the circular economy and drive widespread behavioral change.”
The I3-Lab’s focus on practical solutions and its commitment to collaboration position it as a crucial player in building a more sustainable future.
