INTERNET OF THINGS

This is a free program of 2 ECTS credits that will require that the student attends synchronously online for 16 hours of classes (see time schedule below), and additionally perform some autonomous work at home.

Once the synchronous version of this course is finished by end of November 2025, it will be offered in an asynchronous mode for those persons that are not able to follow the synchronous one in the period scheduled.

Each participant who completes this course, either synchronously or asynchronously, will receive a personalised certificate from EIT.

Please note that registration is now open only for synchronous mode; asynchronous will be open by November 10th.

Summary of the course

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT), guiding participants through the technological foundations and the strategic considerations behind modern connected systems. Starting with the anatomy of smart devices and their core functionalities, the course explores programming principles, communication protocols, and cloud-edge architectures. Participants will also examine crucial issues such as data security, privacy, and intellectual property (IP), equipping them with the tools to design IoT solutions that are not only technically sound but also legally and ethically aware. Through interactive sessions and real-world case studies, the course fosters a critical understanding of innovation in the IoT space.

Program OF THEMES

1. What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

Definitions, evolution, and key concepts
Examples of IoT in daily life and industry

2. Anatomy of a Smart Device

Sensors, actuators, and connectivity modules
Embedded systems and microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, ESP32)

3. Programming for IoT

Introduction to IoT programming languages and platforms
Writing and deploying simple device code

4. IoT Communication Protocols

Overview: MQTT, HTTP, CoAP, LoRaWAN
Choosing the right protocol for your project

5. Cloud & Edge in IoT Architecture

From device to cloud: data flow and storage
Edge computing vs. cloud computing in IoT

6. Security and Privacy in IoT

Common vulnerabilities and attack vectors
Secure-by-design principles for IoT systems

7. Intellectual Property (IP) Basics

Types of IP: patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets
Why IP matters in IoT development

8. IP Strategies for IoT Innovators

Protecting hardware, software, and data flows
Licensing models and patenting approaches

9. Legal and Ethical Challenges

IoT data ownership, privacy laws, compliance (GDPR, etc.)
Ethical design in connected environments

10. Building IP-Aware IoT Projects

From prototype to market: IP checkpoints
Case studies and best practices

11. Introduction to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) principles

Fundamentals of GDPR
Data protection terminology, principles and legal bases
Privacy-by-design and management of data subjects’ rights

12. Sensors for IoT Systems

IoT use in business and cities
AI for smart systems
Real-world examples

Time schedule (all times in CET)

Day	Hours
November 4	17:30-19:30
November 5	17:30-19:30
November 11	17:30-19:30
November 12	17:30-19:30
November 18	17:30-19:30
November 19	18:00-19:30
November 20	18:00-19:30
November 25	18:00-19:30
November 26	18:00-19:30