Monday 22 June, 2026
How 5G, satellite connectivity and network APIs are helping enable smarter, more efficient irrigation in rural agriculture.
This ESA and GSMA Foundry NTN × Open Gateway Challenge winning project demonstrates how integrated terrestrial 5G and satellite communications can support precision agriculture. Trialled in Tuscany, the solution used sensors, edge and cloud intelligence, and CAMARA-based Quality on Demand APIs to enable real-time irrigation decisions across connected vineyards.
Key highlights
- Trial conducted in Tuscany in summer 2025
- Led by the University of Pisa with Nextworks and project partners
- Used 5G SatCom, IoT sensors, AI, edge/cloud processing and open network APIs
- Supported real-time alerts and automated irrigation actuation
- Helped optimise water use and improve resource efficiency
- Demonstrated near-continuous uptime, with minor interruptions during extreme weather
The challenge
Farmers need reliable connectivity to monitor soil, crops and water use, especially in rural areas where terrestrial networks are limited.
The solution
A hybrid 5G and satellite platform connected field sensors to an intelligent irrigation decision-support system.
How it worked
Sensors measured atmospheric conditions, soil moisture and crop water stress. Data was sent through LoRa, 5G SatCom and cloud/edge systems, while Quality on Demand APIs helped prioritise network performance when needed.
The impact
The system enabled timely alerts, automated irrigation control and more precise water management, helping reduce waste and support better crop productivity.
Why it matters
The trial shows how satellite-enabled 5G and open APIs can extend smart agriculture to remote and underserved rural environments.
Nextworks was recognised as one of the winners of the ESA x GSMA Foundry NTN Challenge for demonstrating how integrated 5G and satellite connectivity can support smarter, more sustainable agriculture. Read the full winner announcement and discover the other breakthrough projects shaping the future of non-terrestrial networks.
Explore the 2026 ESA × GSMA Foundry Innovation Challenges
The next wave of innovation is already underway. If you are developing solutions in AI, NTN, Direct-to-Device connectivity, or future 6G networks, discover how you can participate in the ESA × GSMA Foundry Innovation Challenges 2026. If you have any questions feel free to email us at foundry@gsma.com.
