NovelSense is part of the NEPHELE Horizon Europe project
NEPHELE is a major European research and innovation project funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe program. Its mission: to build open, flexible digital platforms that seamlessly connect cloud, edge, and IoT systems. By enabling the management of hyper-distributed data and applications, NEPHELE supports cities and industries in deploying scalable, secure, and real-time infrastructure. This foundation is key for better air quality, smarter traffic management, and new digital services—directly benefiting citizens and public sector operators across Europe.
In 2024, NovelSense was selected as one of 8 SMEs from 86 applicants in NEPHELE’s Second Open Call. NovelSense applied in the first project category – developing distributed applications across the compute continuum – and joined a six‑month, EU‑funded support program.
NovelSense contributed to the METACUS.AI use case, integrating its proven DEUS climate and traffic sensor network with NEPHELE’s meta-orchestration framework. This included a full update of the DEUS architecture, the development of virtual objects for environmental, weather, and traffic sensors, and robust backend dashboards for data-driven city operations. Key technologies include ABAKUS.AI (edge AI for real-time traffic detection), modular sensing hardware, and privacy-by-design data management—all tailored for GDPR compliance and operational reliability.
What does this mean for Europe?
NEPHELE’s digital platforms lay the groundwork for cleaner cities, efficient mobility, and more resilient public services. For municipalities, it means full data ownership, easier scaling of sensor deployments, and actionable information for decision-makers. For citizens, the indirect benefits are clear: improved air quality, reduced congestion, and new smart city services based on transparent, real-time data.
NovelSense brings proven expertise to the NEPHELE consortium. With years of experience in AI, edge computing, and the operation of Europe’s largest environmental measurement network, NovelSense delivers the field-tested, scalable infrastructure NEPHELE needs. The company’s real-time edge AI and robust sensor architecture are central to validating NEPHELE’s ability to manage complex, distributed smart city deployments across the continent.