The University of Technology and Arts of Byumba (UTAB) successfully hosted the 3rd Annual GREATER Summer School Workshop, an intensive five-day program held from 8th to 12th September 2025, under the theme: “The Role of Internet of Things (IoT) in the GREATER Project: Tools and Methodologies for the Creation of an IoT Ecosystem.”
This Summer School was organized within the framework of the GREATER Project (Growing Rwanda Energy Awareness Through highER Education) Ref Number 10108308-GREATER-ERASMUS-EDU-2022-CBHE, funded by the European Union under the ERASMUS+ Program. The workshop provided both theoretical and practical insights into the technologies used to develop Living Labs within the GREATER Project. Participants explored the architecture of an IoT ecosystem, with a special focus on dockerization-a method for cloud management that emphasizes scalability, automation, and replicability. Attendees also gained hands-on experience with the GREATER cloud facilities, enabling them to better understand the target Living Lab environment.
The Summer School brought together students and lecturers from four Rwandan universities (UTAB, INES, UR/CST, and RP-Tumba College) alongside European professors from the University of Parma, representing the GREATER Project consortium. The participants learnt IoT based methodologies for monitoring, managing, and optimizing renewable energy systems within the GREATER Project Living Labs. The sessions emphasized both technical and societal aspects of creating a sustainable IoT ecosystem.
The program began with a comprehensive introduction to the GREATER project, its objectives, and keynote presentations highlighting the transformative potential of IoT across sectors. Through lectures, demonstrations, and group discussions, participants explored strategies for building sustainable IoT ecosystems in energy, agriculture, and smart cities, while addressing issues of data privacy, security, and interoperability.
Key Takeaways
- Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for building a successful IoT ecosystem.
- Tools and platforms must remain accessible, flexible, and scalable.
- Security, interoperability, and ethical considerations are essential for real world IoT implementation.
- The GREATER Project provides a strong framework for deploying IoT technologies in smart communities.
The GREATER Summer School Workshop not only deepened participants’ knowledge of IoT technologies but also fostered collaboration across institutions and countries. The insights and connections developed during this program will play a pivotal role in shaping the future IoT landscape within the GREATER Living Labs and beyond.