Würth Elektronik at DLD Nature: New Cooperation with the Deep-tech Startup Hula Earth

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“How can we counteract the decline in biodiversity?” This question was discussed extensively at DLD Nature, which took place from September 12 to 13, 2024 in Munich, Germany. At the conference and for the first time, Würth Elektronik presented in the Tech Talk with new cooperation partner, Hula Earth, a deep-tech start-up that specializes in the real-time monitoring of biodiversity. Their presentation was titled “Electronics for Innovation in Nature Protection.”

Real-time measurement data from Hula Earth forms the basis for issuing biodiversity certificates that can be credited in accordance with the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), monetizes species protection, and enables sustainable investments. Equally important is the concept of insetting, which involves optimizing operational processes in an environmentally-friendly manner and verifying these actions through concrete measurements.

For real-time measurement, Hula Earth uses solar-powered BioT sensors that continuously collect various biodiversity-relevant data and transmit it via a wireless network. This also works in remote forest areas. The results are combined with satellite data, analyzed using artificial intelligence, and integrated into a user-friendly platform.

Cooperation for a sustainable future

Würth Elektronik and Hula Earth are now working together to optimize the handmade prototypes of the BioT sensors so that they can be produced efficiently in large quantities. Würth Elektronik is supporting the startup in a variety of ways including the following:

• The component manufacturer is contributing products and expertise and provides advice in all relevant areas such as EMC safety, energy management, functionality, scalability, and energy efficiency. Many of the components previously used will be replaced with more suitable ones to ensure longevity and reliability. For example, the WSEN-HIDS humidity and temperature sensor and the ADRASTEA wireless module for wireless data traffic between sensors and an evaluation computer in the cloud will be used.
• The start-up is also receiving support with prototyping and testing. Examples of this are pre-compliance tests, in which devices are optimized so that they immediately pass the test in an accredited laboratory, saving time and costs.
• Würth Elektronik provides design-in support, including for circuit board design, interface planning, and the communication software.

“Hula Earth is a startup that tackles the problems of our time and enables real-time monitoring of biodiversity for the first time,” praised Alexander Gerfer, CTO at Würth Elektronik eiSos. “And, we are going to get involved: We take responsibility for our habitat and our future, we promote technologies that are not only innovative but also sustainable.”

Würth Elektronik has the expertise, the manpower, and the technology to drive our idea forward together,” David Schmider, CTO of Hula Earth, replies. “For us, the global player is the ideal cooperation partner in every respect”.