When it comes to infrastructure safety, timing matters. In many communities, monitoring still relies on periodic inspections, leaving gaps between measurements. A Venture Clienting Project in the Ore Mountains of Germany set out to challenge this approach. The Czech startup Statotest, in collaboration with the municipal administration of Elterlein, drove this initiative to explore how real-time monitoring can improve both safety and operational efficiency. Supported by EDIH Saxony and co-funded by the European Union, the Venture Clienting project provided a practical example of how digital solutions can be integrated into public infrastructure management.
At the center of the project was a rock formation beneath the “Kleiner Anger” road, an area influenced by historical mining and therefore particularly sensitive to geological shifts. Traditionally, sites like this are monitored through on-site inspections and selective measurements, capturing conditions only at specific points in time. To address this, Statotest introduced a continuous monitoring approach based on connected sensors and cloud-based software. The system tracks key indicators such as ground movement, tilt and vibrations, factors that provided early signals of potential instability.
Statotest is a tech startup that develops its own monitoring systems for infrastructure assets such as bridges, masts, and retaining walls. Founded in 2020 and based in Liberec, Czech Republic, the company has already implemented dozens of projects both domestically and internationally, monitoring bridges, towers, masts, historic buildings, and retaining walls.
A core component of the monitoring is the “Geosnake,” a set of high-precision inclinometers capable of detecting even minimal shifts in the terrain. Combined with additional sensors, the system creates a continuous data stream that reflects how the site evolves over time. This allows the customer to identify risks at an earlier stage.
One of the key advantages of the system lies in how data is processed and used. Sensor data is transmitted directly to a digital platform, where it is analyzed and visualized in real time. This gives the municipal team constant access to the current situation without the need to be on-site. Instead of relying on scheduled inspections, they can respond when necessary.
When predefined thresholds are exceeded, the system notifies responsible teams immediately, enabling faster and more targeted decision-making. At the same time, the continuous data stream supports long-term planning by helping prioritize maintenance activities based on actual conditions. Importantly, the Venture Clienting Project confirmed the reliability of this approach, showing that the collected data aligns with known geological patterns and historical trends.
Beyond the technical implementation, the project also focused on how collaboration was structured. Statotest brought not only its technology but also its experience as a startup, introducing agile ways of working. Municipal staff were involved through workshops and regular review sessions, alongside an external expert. This involvement included the Ingenieurbüro Eckert GmbH, an established expert in conventional geological inspections. Their participation was necessary to validate the digital data and integrate their deep experience with traditional measurement methods, providing direct feedback on how the new technology could complement the work they currently perform.
Instead of following a rigid plan, the project evolved iteratively, with adjustments based on real-world feedback and operational needs. This approach made it possible to respond quickly to challenges and ensure that the solution remained aligned with practical requirements. At the same time, it provided the administration with new insights into how digital tools and methods could be integrated into existing workflows. For many public institutions, adopting such approaches is still a learning process. The project shows that combining technological innovation with flexible collaboration models can significantly improve outcomes.
The introduction of real-time monitoring has already led to measurable benefits. According to Marco Ludwig of the Elterlein municipal administration: “The system is very useful because it improves the efficiency of municipal operations: It delivers high-quality results (with the same resolution as traditional methods) but is available in real time and accessible online—so no on-site visits are necessary.”
At the same time, continuous monitoring improves safety. Potential risks can be identified earlier, allowing preventive action before issues escalate. There are also clear financial advantages. More precise data enables better prioritization of maintenance and repair activities, helping municipalities allocate limited resources more effectively.
Following the positive results, all project partners have expressed strong interest in continuing the collaboration. Monitoring at the “Kleiner Anger” site will be extended to gather additional data under varying environmental conditions. This next phase will further validate the system’s long-term performance and support its potential rollout to other locations. Ultimately, the project demonstrates how Public Sector Organizations can move from reactive processes to data-driven decision-making.
The SpinLab Group not only accelerates startups ventures like Statotest, but also works closely with companies through venture clienting models, helping corporates systematically integrate startup solutions into their operations.
This collaborative project was co-funded by EDIH Saxony. As part of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) program of the European Union, EDIH Saxony provides comprehensive support to companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises as well as Public Sector Organizations, in integrating digital technologies. By fostering research, development, and implementation of digital innovations, EDIH Saxony contributes to strengthening the regional economy and increasing digital transformation.