The future of urban technology, Anatoly Zimin reasons, is not about more dashboards or data,but about systems that quietly keep cities running. As the founder of GreenMesh, he develops IoT and AI solutions that connect diverse devices and infrastructures into one reliable, adaptive network. His work challenges the hype-driven image of “smart cities,” replacing it with a vision of simplicity, interoperability, and real environmental impact. In this interview, Anatoly Zimin reflects on what makes technology truly useful, how cities can stay resilient without over-engineering, and why sustainability must be built into the very core of innovation.
What are the most pressing challenges cities face right now?
Cities are not struggling with the lack of dashboards or AI slogans. They struggle with reliability, aging infrastructure, and environmental pressure that is growing faster than budgets. The real challenge is building systems that actually work, 24/7, without adding more noise for citizens or officials.
What tools or technologies from your work can help cities manage environmental conditions in a simpler, more effective way – without adding unnecessary complexity?
At GreenMesh, we focus on IoT + AI platforms that are hardware-agnostic. That means we don’t lock cities into one vendor or one device. Air quality, energy, water – all come into one place, analyzed, automated, and translated into clear actions. The city doesn’t need another flashy control room. It needs a quiet backbone that keeps the lights on and the air clean.
Could you explain to our readers what “hardware agnosticism” means? And how might we apply this concept more broadly, for example, to how we think about urban space and infrastructure?
It means freedom. Your city sensors, meters, or legacy systems don’t have to speak the same “language” – we make them interoperable. Applied more broadly, it’s about not forcing a single blueprint on every city block. Think modularity: streets, energy grids, transport systems should allow evolution, not lock-in. That’s how cities stay resilient.
What’s your take on data-driven city ecosystems? Do you see them as a real path to better urban living, or are there limitations we should keep in mind?
Data is not a magic bullet. Most “smart city” projects die because they collect data with no plan to act on it. A true ecosystem is not about “big data” – it’s about relevant, timely insights that drive maintenance, energy savings, and healthier public spaces. The limitation? Don’t fall in love with the graph. Fall in love with the impact.
How do you think people’s everyday behavior could change in smarter cities, perhaps becoming more relaxed, more mindful, or more connected? What kinds of changes in the urban environment might support such a shift?
When the background systems work, people can relax. They don’t think about water leaks, pollution peaks, or traffic jams – because those are prevented or minimized. Smarter cities reduce friction: more green zones, safe pedestrian areas, transparent air and energy monitoring. Everyday life feels less like firefighting, more like breathing normally.
Many people don’t immediately associate AI, IoT, and smart solutions with green or nature-friendly cities. How do ideas of ecological sustainability fit into your technological thinking and vision for urban innovation?
For me, sustainability is not decoration. It’s the core. Tech is only meaningful if it reduces waste, saves energy, or keeps the environment livable. Otherwise, it’s just another gadget. Our work with IoT and AI is measured not by how futuristic it looks, but by how much CO2, water, or energy it saves.
Do you think there are any universal principles or approaches that can help cities shift toward smarter planning and governance? Or do these solutions always have to be context-specific?
Both. The universal principle is: keep it simple, keep it reliable. No over-engineering. But the application is always local – what works in Ljubljana will not work in Dubai or São Paulo. The trick is designing flexible platforms that adapt to local climate, culture, and infrastructure.
Let’s imagine we’re talking to ordinary people, not policymakers or tech experts. What small but meaningful actions would you suggest they take to help build a more sustainable and smarter world?
Don’t underestimate the basics: reduce waste, use energy consciously, and support local initiatives that push for greener, smarter neighborhoods. Even choosing sensors for your home or school that share data openly is a step. Cities become “smart” not from one big project, but from thousands of small, consistent actions.
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