September 4, 2026

What do smart metering, the deep ocean and a simple “What if?” have in common? For Dr Lena Yoshihara-Lisch, member of the mioty Alliance Executive Board, they all reflect what makes IoT so exciting: curiosity, scale and the potential to turn data into something useful.

In the latest edition of Who is mioty, she talks about her journey into IoT, the importance of staying curious and what she sees as the true superpower of mioty.

met: What is your role at the IoT Alliance, and how can members reach you?

Lena: I am a member of the mioty Alliance Executive Board, where I help shape the Alliance’s strategic direction, promote the adoption of mioty technology and foster collaboration across the ecosystem.

If you would like to get in touch, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out by email. I always welcome conversations with our members and anyone interested in learning more about the mioty Alliance.

met: Talking IoT, what initially sparked your passion for the Internet of Things?

Lena: My journey into IoT began through my work in smart metering, one of the earliest large-scale IoT applications.

Long before IoT became a buzzword, we were already connecting millions of devices, managing low-power communications and transforming measurements into actionable insights. What fascinates me most is seeing how data can help utilities make better decisions, improve efficiency and manage resources more sustainably.

met: What do you enjoy outside of work that keeps you curious and creative?

Lena: My passion for new technologies and emerging trends has always been a constant throughout my career, both in science and industry. But when it comes to staying curious, creative and adaptable, my sons are definitely my best teachers. Watching them explore the world and ask unexpected questions constantly challenges me to see things from new perspectives.

They remind me every day that the most exciting discoveries often begin with a simple question: “Why?” or “What if?”

met: If you could place a sensor anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Lena: The most interesting data is usually hiding where nobody is looking yet.

If I could place a sensor anywhere, I might choose the deep ocean because it represents one of the ultimate “unconnected environments”.

Although we depend on the oceans for climate regulation, biodiversity and food resources, much of the deep sea remains poorly understood. It is exactly the kind of challenge that pushes the boundaries of sensing and communication technologies.

met: What is your favourite superpower of mioty technology?

Lena: mioty is a best-in-class communication technology designed from the outset for large-scale and complex IoT deployments. At the same time, it is an open standard that continues to evolve. That means users can build their long-term digitalisation strategies on a future-proof technology that grows with their needs rather than becoming a bottleneck. For me, this combination of technical excellence and long-term vision is mioty’s true superpower. It enables the connected solutions of tomorrow.