In this edition of our magazine, we have the privilege of interviewing a young, visionary leader and innovator who has traversed the realms of academia and industry, making remarkable contributions to the fields of technology, sustainability, and biodiversity monitoring. Our featured guest holds a PhD from Polimi and has honed his expertise through research experiences at prestigious institutions, including MIT. With a stellar background and a commitment to environmental conservation, we delve into his journey, insights, and the impactful work he is spearheading as the CEO of 3Bee S.r.l. Join us as we gain a deeper understanding of his experiences and aspirations, shedding light on the intersection of technology and sustainability for a brighter and more sustainable future.
You have an impressive background, including a PhD from Polimi and research experience at MIT. Could you tell us about a specific project or experience during your time at MIT that had a significant impact on your career or perspective?
At MIT, I developed detectors for photons, the smallest particles that makeup light. MIT was a creative playground with immense resources but also with immense responsibility. From day one, you had access to cutting-edge equipment and huge budgets. It was up to you to figure out how to use it to its full potential, and you had complete independence. This created a deep sense of responsibility and challenge. It was precisely the kind of fuel I was looking for. I remember working on experiments until midnight on New Year’s Eve, just before going out with friends, trying to prove that the fastest camera ever existed.
As the CEO of 3Bee S.r.l., you’re involved in technology, sustainability, and biodiversity monitoring. How do you see technology playing a role in biodiversity monitoring, and what is 3Bee’s mission in this regard?
3Bee is the leading climate tech company in biodiversity protection through advanced technologies.
It’s estimated that around 87.5% of the world’s wild plant species (around 308,000 species) depend on animal pollination for their reproduction. In addition, around 75% of food crops are directly dependent on the tireless work of pollinating insects. For this reason, the technology associated with 3Bee’s regeneration initiatives is designed to have a tangible and measurable impact to deliver immediate and lasting benefits to our planet. This is 3Bee’s mission – with the support of like-minded partners, to map biodiversity through environmental technology and innovation and to create Europe’s largest ecological corridor.
Your interests include electronic systems, IoT, and wearable devices. Could you share an example of how these technologies are currently transforming or can potentially change agriculture and farming practices?
Until 2015, agriculture was still dominated by mechanization and agrochemicals. Every problem seemed to be solved with tons of chemicals. Now we understand that chemistry disrupts biology and harms ecosystems, including humans. Precision agriculture is the only advantageous way to reduce chemicals, which involves using intelligent systems, such as the IoT, to monitor soil growth and health and only act when abnormalities occur. It’s about prevention rather than cure. Here are some examples: IoT devices to analyze plant pollination, IoT devices to monitor soil moisture, IoT devices to regulate irrigation water levels, and IoT devices such as 3Bee’s to count insects.
You often discuss topics like #fakenews and #innovation, especially on LinkedIn. In what ways do you believe innovation and technology can combat the spread of fake news or improve information integrity in today’s digital age?
LinkedIn is my new morning paper. The difference is that 90% of the time, the authors are not journalists or academics. This inevitably leads to the spread of false news. This shouldn’t be demonized; instead, the power of social media lies in its ability to re-analyze these errors and try to improve them through an almost scientific process of refinement.
Datalogging is a crucial aspect of monitoring and improving various systems. Can you elaborate on how 3Bee utilizes automatic data logging systems in its work, especially in the context of biodiversity monitoring?
For us, technology goes beyond field sensors: we collaborate daily with research organizations that give us access to important databases, such as European Space Agency (ESA) satellites. Technology is also satellite-based, and we see it as a useful means of studying the health of biodiversity. In addition, the bee itself plays a vital role in this area: it is the first indicator of environmental biomonitoring that we study in various ways and from which we derive vital data.
Since the inception of 3Bee, we have developed several monitoring technologies for biodiversity protection, most notably the Element-E certified monitoring protocol: an innovative approach based on new technologies and partnerships with organizations and research institutions. The first step of the protocol is based on Flora technology, in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), which is software that uses Artificial Intelligence and satellite imagery to map the study area and estimate the potential biodiversity of the habitat and its suitability for pollinators.
Instead, the second phase focuses on Spectrum, an IoT sensor that acts as an “electronic ear” placed in the study area to detect the amount and types of pollinators present. Through the beating of its wings, each pollinator emits a characteristic sound wave picked up by this technology, allowing 3Bee to assess its abundance.
Other technologies developed by 3Bee include:
– Hive-Tech, 3Bee’s first system to analyze the health and “starvation” status of bees, but also the presence of surrounding biodiversity.
– Polly X, the shelter for solitary bees that captures and monitors air quality, collects essential data on the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, and PM in the atmosphere.
With your extensive academic and industry experience, what advice would you give to professionals or entrepreneurs looking to impact technology and sustainability, particularly in Italy or globally?
This is my piece of advice: don’t follow advice. Advice comes from personal experience and is often based on your own life. It can be inspirational or can be used for critical analysis.
Looking ahead to 2024, what exciting projects or developments can we expect from 3Bee, and what are your expectations for the company’s growth and impact in the coming year?
At 3Bee, we set ambitious biodiversity targets every day. One of our main goals is to increase the number of Biodiversity Oases created from 200 to 10,000 within two years. This is a goal we can achieve thanks to the commitment and contributions of our biodiversity growers, mainly farms skilled in the care and management of nectariferous forests, but also research partners and companies willing to play an active role in protecting biodiversity.
In addition, 3Bee is working to internationalize its monitoring technologies, now proven in Italy and abroad, particularly in France, Germany, and Spain. We have dedicated teams working to develop the relevant markets. The aim is, therefore, to continue to expand.
Finally, we want to create the first app for learning from biodiversity. I cannot tell you more than that, but it is a wonderful project that will allow us to strengthen our third, but no less critical, pillar: education.
Thank you for sharing your compelling insights and experiences with our readers and us today. Your inspirational journey and dedication to biodiversity protection and sustainability are truly commendable. Your expertise in leveraging technology for positive environmental impact is both timely and essential in today’s world. We deeply appreciate your valuable time and the knowledge you’ve shared, eagerly anticipating the ongoing growth and influence of 3Bee in the years ahead. We extend our best wishes for your future endeavors and the exciting projects that lie on the horizon.