IoT Ventures and ‘Water to Grow’

IoT Ventures, specializes in delivering low-power remote end-to-end IoT solutions tailored to the specific needs of use cases in domains like agriculture. The company designs solutions using LoRaWAN^™ that seamlessly integrate devices, networks, and systems—all meticulously customized to cater to the unique needs of the use cases and turns these into businesses. Farm Water Management Limited is one of IoT Ventures’s businesses that is dedicated to lead irrigational advancements and emphasize the importance of technological innovation in this field with its ‘Water to Grow’ solution.

“We establish independent businesses based on the viable solutions we create. Farm Water Management Limited is one such venture that originated from us,” said Matt Hector-Taylor, Co-founder of IoT Ventures.

The firm uses LoRaWAN^™, a high-performing, low-power, long-range network protocol that works in an unlicensed spectrum. LoRaWAN^™ excels in enabling end-to-end IoT solutions which communicate over long distances with minimal power use and at a lower cost. LoRaWAN^™ offers unique advantages to verticals, such as water management, agriculture, and the built environment, which includes buildings, flats, and houses.

Farm Water Management’s irrigation solution is made up of three components the Irrigation Control device, a LoRaWAN^™ base station and network server, and a software platform known as 'Water to Grow' which together synergistically enhance and optimize irrigation processes.

The Irrigation Control device receives and stores a schedule - date, day, and time - enabling efficient remote management of irrigators, sprinklers, and other equipment at predetermined intervals. The device also includes a 3.7-volt solar rechargeable battery setup that ensures a rechargeable lifespan of up to 7 years.

The device operates on LoRaWAN-based network with a bi-directional communication feature, allowing for real-time control and monitoring of IoT devices. This network is accessible via the client’s base station and their pre-existing communication infrastructure. Notably, the network provides a long line of sight with a range of up to 10 kilometers from the base station, ensuring remote accessibility and broad coverage.

The 'Water to Grow' platform is used to control the functionalities of the Irrigation Control devices, enabling clients to access and control their IoT devices remotely and provide operational flexibility. The software is also equipped with a user-friendly interface, which enhances the overall functionality and user experience of IoT solutions. Water to Grow also includes modules for farm water infrastructure management (flow, pump operations, storage, leaks etc), effluent management and pasture growth optimisation that significantly improves farm life and the irrigation process, benefiting both farmers and animals.

Water to Grow demonstrates the capabilities of LoRaWAN^™ and its ability to address specific irrigation challenges. Solid Set irrigation can complement conventional pivot irrigation, enabling farmers to irrigate in corners and on hilly and uneven terrain where pivots can’t reach. Providing a long range, remote control system for solid set irrigation saves farmer time, optimises water use and enables precision irrigation with control of individual sprinkler operations.

IoT Venture’s has a notable network of customers and ventures. With Water to Grow, it collaborates with New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries, the National Institute for Water and Atmosphere (NIWA), Irrigation New Zealand, and Water Supply Products. The firm has also started to implement its solutions in multiple regions worldwide, including Australia, the South Pacific and Africa.

Through delivering innovative solutions, adopting a customer-centric approach, and building a strong network of clients with a growing global footprint, the firm has established itself as a prominent agricultural technology provider. IoT Ventures through its venture Farm Water Management Ltd is an ideal partner for irrigation and environmental management