Dutch innovation in AI, digital twins and sustainability earns a place on the international stage. What happens when artificial intelligence, sustainability and practical business impact come together?
According to the audience at Telecom Insights 2026, the answer is Integer Energy. During Telecompaper’s annual Telecom Insights conference in Bussum, Integer Energy was selected as the winner of the Telecompaper Innovation Award 2026. The company convinced attendees with its autonomous climate optimization platform, which combines AI, self-learning digital twins and predictive control technology to improve the performance of existing HVAC systems.
As part of the prize, Integer Energy will join the Netherlands Pavilion as partner at MWC Barcelona 2027, opening the door to one of the world’s largest international technology and connectivity ecosystems.
A Day Focused on the Future
Telecom Insights has become one of the leading annual gatherings for the Dutch telecom, connectivity and digital infrastructure sector. This year’s edition brought together operators, infrastructure providers, technology companies, policymakers and innovators to discuss the forces shaping the future of the industry. Topics ranged from artificial intelligence and digital sovereignty to changing consumer behaviour, infrastructure investments and the evolving role of telecom in society. The programme featured contributions from industry leaders including Chantal Vergouw (KPN), Phaedra Kortekaas (Eurofiber), Mickie Schoch (ACM), Stephen van Rooyen (VodafoneZiggo), Jan Oetjen (FRITZ!), Marjolein van Tilburg (ChatLicense) and experts from Deloitte. The event reflected a sector that is increasingly influenced by developments far beyond traditional telecommunications, including AI, geopolitics, sustainability and digital transformation.
Yet one of the most anticipated moments of the day remained the Telecompaper Innovation Award.
Four Finalists, One Winner
The 2026 finalists showcased a diverse range of innovations, each addressing a different challenge within the digital economy.
MultiBel presented its AI-based positioning technology for safer working environments. PhoneCam demonstrated its innovative approach to communication and visual interaction. SCION showcased a next-generation internet architecture focused on security, resilience and digital sovereignty. Integer Energy addressed a challenge faced by organizations worldwide: how to make buildings more energy efficient without complex and costly implementation projects.
After live pitches and audience voting, Integer Energy emerged as the winner.
Its solution enables existing HVAC installations to be automatically optimised through a self-learning digital twin and autonomous predictive control. Unlike many advanced building management systems that are primarily available to large enterprises, Integer Energy focuses on making these capabilities accessible to small and medium-sized buildings as well. According to the company, models can be trained within days using a building’s own operational data.
The result is a technology that helps organizations reduce energy consumption, lower emissions and improve operational efficiency without replacing existing infrastructure.
Why This Matters
The significance of the award extends beyond the technology itself.
The telecom and connectivity sector increasingly serves as the foundation for innovation across many domains, including energy, mobility, healthcare, logistics and sustainability. The strongest innovations are often those that combine connectivity, data and AI to solve real-world problems.
Integer Energy is a good example of this trend. While the company operates in the energy and building management domain, its solution relies on the same digital foundations that are transforming industries worldwide: connected systems, intelligent data processing and autonomous decision-making.
This is exactly why the Telecompaper Innovation Award is so valuable. It highlights innovations that sit at the intersection of technology, connectivity and societal impact.
From National Recognition to Global Exposure
For Integer Energy, the award is also the start of a new chapter. As part of the prize package, the company will participate as partner in the Netherlands Pavilion at MWC Barcelona 2027. The award and participation are made possible through the partnership between Telecompaper and Ecosystem Services, organiser of the Dutch programme at MWC Barcelona.
Each year, the Netherlands Pavilion brings together Dutch innovators, scale-ups, corporates, government organizations and knowledge institutions at the world’s leading connectivity event. It provides a platform where Dutch companies can showcase their innovations, connect with international partners and explore new business opportunities.
For many participants, MWC Barcelona becomes much more than a trade show. It is a gateway to international collaboration, market expansion and ecosystem development.
Building the Ecosystem Together
Telecom Insights 2026 had not only quality of innovations on display, but also showed the strength of the community surrounding them. Innovation rarely happens in isolation. It emerges when entrepreneurs, technology providers, investors, policymakers and customers come together around shared challenges and opportunities.
That same philosophy underpins the NL@MWC community. Throughout the year, Ecosystem Services, together with its partners (including telecompaper), brings together professionals and innovators who are shaping the future of connectivity, digital infrastructure, AI, sustainability and emerging technologies. MWC Barcelona is where many of those conversations continue on a global stage.
Congratulations to Integer Energy on this well-deserved recognition.
We look forward to welcoming the team to the Netherlands Pavilion at MWC Barcelona 2027 and sharing another great example of Dutch innovation with the world.
fotos: TON-Media
Looking ahead to MWC 2027, reach out to info@ecosystemservices.nl if you like to learn more about joining the pavilion or the NL program that enables and invites you to stay connected, stay critical, and keep building the partnerships that help turn technology into meaningful progress.
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