The global electricity demand is constantly growing, with most of the electricity consumed coming from non-renewable sources, according to the International Energy Agency. If the world is to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for the climate crisis, it will be essential to increase the efficiency of electricity production and reduce its consumption as much as possible.
With this dual objective in mind, Peruvian electrical engineer Jesús Mueras has designed an Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring system that obtains real-time information from the electricity grid to improve the efficiency and productivity of factories, companies, and homes. Through his start-up, iotomato, the information provided by his product helps customers reduce their energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. Thanks to this venture, MIT Technology Review in Spanish has named Mueras as one of the Innovators under 35 Latin America 2020.
The iotomato product is "a very small box with wires to measure the current in a non-intrusive way and an antenna to transmit the information via Wi-Fi," says Mueras. This data is processed by iotomato, which sends the information to its users so that they can make decisions to improve their use of electricity and optimize their time. With iotomato's technology, "the profitability of companies increases. The customer sees results in the short term and feels that digital transformation solves problems," adds Mueras.
At the industrial level, iotomato also detects and prevents problems in electricity production, such as plant shutdowns and explosions. This innovation lowers economic costs and accident risks in a cost-effective way. "iotomato helps people and companies reach their full potential by making their time more useful by generating peace of mind and security in the energy network," summarizes its creator.
Mueras plans to expand into Latin America and Europe to "help bring about digital transformation by showing the benefits of" his product, says Mueras. So far, iotomato is actively maintaining companies and individuals in Peru. Its expansion to other countries will promote the energy transition that is so necessary to mitigate the climate crisis.
According to Ángel Otero Mac Kinney, the co-founder and CEO of OZMO (Mexico) and member of the Innovators under 35 Latin America 2020 jury, "it is an interesting project that makes business sense."
