Collaborations and projects

SURF sees the development of the smart campus as a joint voyage of discovery in which technology and ethics come together. Together with the University of Groningen, NHL Stenden, the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, and TU Twente, we are conducting pilots to test innovative applications.

With projects around wayfinding, IoT networking and community building, we are laying the foundations for a future in which campuses become increasingly connected and user-friendly. Below is an overview of all initiatives.

1. Community smart campus

The topic of smart campus and smart building is alive and well at many different institutions. Cooperation and knowledge sharing is often a logical next step. A group of universities and institutes of higher education has therefore come together in a smart building knowledge network. Within the Facility Cooperation ROCs (FSR), too, this topic is now on the agenda.

In consultation with the initiators of the knowledge network, SURF has started setting up a pilot environment for a community platform. In this platform, participants can share knowledge and experiences, place meetings in an agenda and ask questions or respond to each other.

More information will follow as soon as the platform is available.

2. Plekkie: better utilisation of buildings thanks to Internet of Things

Together with Hanzehogeschool Groningen, SURF launched a project to investigate how IoT sensors can help students find the right place to study, consult, workshop or relax. One of the first results is the Plekkie app, which shows suitable spaces based on sensor data.

Read more about the project and the Plekkie app

3. Wayfinding: finding your way around the smart campus

At various MBOs, HBOs and universities, there is a need for a well-equipped digital wayfinder. Various institutions are already working on this in their own way, or have this topic on their roadmap.

In May 2023, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences and SURF organised an interactive meeting to reflect on the wishes, experiences, knowledge and expertise around wayfinding. The findings, solutions and recommendations of this pilot can be found in the report Wayfinding - State of affairs 2023.

Read more about the projects

4. Exploring crowding indicator

Many institutions seek to understand the occupancy and utilisation of their buildings. An occupancy indicator can help in this regard. In an exploratory phase, SURF has investigated whether we can offer such a solution centrally, so that institutions do not have to develop or purchase it themselves.

By the end of 2024, the exploration phase was completed. This showed that, at present, the crowding indicator does not sufficiently match the needs of our members and SURF's direction. We do continue to explore the technology within the SURFwireless service, to keep options open for the future.

5. IoTnet - pilot service under development

With IoTnet, we are exploring a wireless infrastructure for linking Low Power sensors. Sensor data can be easily shared via IoTnet with other platforms for further analysis or visualisation.

Together with members and market players, we are investigating whether IoTnet offers sufficient added value as a new service. We test the technology in practice and look at its distinctiveness compared to existing solutions. If there is sufficient demand and proven added value, we will include IoTnet in SURF's portfolio of services. We are now in phase 0.5 of the development process; the service is expected to go live in 2026.

Want to think along or know more? Please contact Thomas Esman.

6. Dynamic Procurement System for sensors and smart campus applications

Institutions wanting to procure sensors and smart campus applications often run into procurement barriers. With a Dynamic Acquisition System (DAS), they can procure more easily and quickly. We are currently investigating among our members whether there is a need for such a system.

How does a Dynamic Procurement System work?

The Dynamic Purchasing System (DAS) allows institutions to procure smart campus hardware easily and efficiently. They submit one request, after which suppliers, pre-approved under clear conditions, make an appropriate offer. This saves time, reduces the procurement burden and provides access to competitive and reliable deals. More information on a DAS can be found here.

We will keep you updated on the progress of the inventory and follow-up steps.