In the rapidly evolving world of distributed ledger technology (DLT), a new player from Taiwan is making waves. BiiLabs, a forward-thinking blockchain startup, is positioning itself as a key enabler of decentralized infrastructure—particularly for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. At the heart of its innovation lies IOTA’s Tangle architecture, a next-generation DLT framework that eliminates traditional blockchain limitations such as transaction fees, scalability bottlenecks, and mining dependencies.
👉 Discover how decentralized technologies are reshaping the future of IoT connectivity.
Bridging Enterprise Needs with Decentralized Infrastructure
“Blockchain technology isn’t just about Bitcoin or Ethereum,” says Yi-Chen Chu, CEO and co-founder of BiiLabs. “Distributed ledger technology has far broader applications—especially in high-volume environments like IoT.” Drawing inspiration from Red Hat’s role in popularizing Linux, BiiLabs aims to become the go-to platform for enterprises seeking to adopt DLT through accessible, subscription-based API services.
Rather than building proprietary systems, BiiLabs leverages IOTA’s open-source Tangle protocol to deliver modular, enterprise-ready blockchain microservices. These services allow businesses to integrate secure, tamper-proof data exchange capabilities without deep technical overhead—effectively turning DLT into a scalable business solution.
Why Traditional Blockchains Fall Short for IoT
One of the core challenges in applying conventional blockchains to IoT ecosystems is throughput. Most blockchain networks operate on a sequential validation model: transactions queue up, await miner confirmation, and incur fees. This “funnel effect,” as Chu describes it, creates delays when transaction volumes spike—making real-time processing impractical.
Imagine millions of smart devices simultaneously transmitting data or executing microtransactions. In a traditional blockchain setup, this would overwhelm the network, leading to latency and rising costs. For IoT use cases—where speed, efficiency, and low overhead are critical—this model simply doesn’t scale.
Tangle: A Chainless Architecture Built for Scale
IOTA’s Tangle offers a radical alternative. Unlike blockchains that rely on blocks and chains, Tangle uses a directed acyclic graph (DAG) structure. Each new transaction must validate two previous ones, creating a self-sustaining consensus mechanism without miners or fees.
This design yields several advantages:
- Zero transaction fees: Ideal for micropayments between devices.
- High scalability: More transactions improve network speed and security.
- Decentralized validation: Users participate directly in securing the network.
- Tamper-resistant data integrity: Once recorded, data is replicated across nodes and cannot be altered.
As Chu emphasizes, “The larger the transaction volume, the more efficient the system becomes.” This inverse relationship makes Tangle uniquely suited for IoT environments, where billions of daily interactions are expected by 2025.
Real-World Applications: From Air Quality Sensors to Digital Identity
BiiLabs has already demonstrated the practical value of its platform through impactful collaborations.
AirBox: Securing Environmental Data on Tangle
One of the earliest pilots involved Taiwan’s AirBox project—an open-source air quality monitoring initiative led by Academia Sinica. Originally, sensor data was sent to centralized cloud servers, which incurred growing operational costs and posed cybersecurity risks.
BiiLabs migrated the entire data flow onto IOTA’s Tangle network. Now, every sensor reading is immutably recorded in a decentralized ledger. The result? Enhanced data integrity, reduced infrastructure costs, and long-term sustainability—all without relying on cloud storage.
👉 Explore how decentralized ledgers are transforming environmental monitoring systems.
Taipei City Government Partnership
In January, BiiLabs facilitated a landmark collaboration between the Taipei City Government and the IOTA Foundation. Through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), both parties committed to co-developing secure IoT applications using DLT.
The first implementation focuses on digital citizen cards. By storing identity data on Tangle, the city aims to prevent unauthorized access and tampering—offering residents stronger privacy controls and fraud protection in public services.
PTT.ai: Reimagining Social Media with Decentralization
In April, Taiwan AI Labs—the organization behind PTT, often called the “father of PTT”—announced a partnership with BiiLabs to launch PTT.ai, a decentralized social media platform. Leveraging IOTA’s infrastructure, the project seeks to transition PTT from a centralized model to a user-owned ecosystem.
Key features include:
- Decentralized identity verification
- User-controlled personal data
- Transparent content moderation
- Ownership of digital reputation
This shift empowers users to reclaim control over their online identities—an urgent need in an era of rampant data exploitation.
The Future of IoT and DLT Convergence
Chu envisions a future where every connected device—from wearables to industrial sensors—participates in a trusted, autonomous network. With projections indicating 50 billion connected devices generating 50 trillion transactions daily by 2025, centralized cloud architectures will struggle to keep pace.
Decentralized storage and processing offer a sustainable alternative. While initial deployment costs may be higher, long-term IT management expenses stabilize—unlike cloud models where costs grow linearly with usage.
For B2B enterprises currently reliant on cloud infrastructure, migrating to DLT-based platforms could mean:
- Lower operational overhead
- Improved data security
- Greater regulatory compliance
- Enhanced interoperability across systems
Four Strategic Principles for Blockchain Entrepreneurs
Chu also shared valuable insights for founders entering the DLT space:
- Design for Global Utility
Focus on universally applicable solutions rather than niche markets. Products should solve fundamental problems across regions and industries. - Choose Long-Lifecycle Technologies
Avoid legacy systems nearing obsolescence. Invest in protocols designed for decades of evolution—not short-term trends. - Align with Technology Roadmaps
Understand the development trajectory of your chosen DLT. Misalignment can lead to costly rewrites or technological dead ends. - Ensure Backing from Active Technical Communities
A strong support ecosystem is crucial. When issues arise, having an engaged foundation or developer community ensures timely resolution.
These principles reflect BiiLabs’ own strategy: build on sustainable technology, serve real-world needs, and empower others to innovate securely.
👉 Learn how next-gen developers are building the decentralized internet of tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Tangle, and how does it differ from blockchain?
A: Tangle is a DAG-based distributed ledger developed by IOTA. Unlike blockchain, it doesn’t use blocks or chains. Instead, each transaction validates two prior ones, enabling feeless, scalable microtransactions—ideal for IoT networks.
Q: Why is BiiLabs focusing on IoT applications?
A: IoT generates massive transaction volumes that overwhelm traditional blockchains. Tangle’s architecture scales with usage, making it perfect for device-to-device communication and automated payments.
Q: Is IOTA secure without miners?
A: Yes. Security comes from cumulative validation effort. As more transactions occur, the network becomes harder to attack—creating a positive feedback loop of safety and performance.
Q: Can businesses easily integrate BiiLabs’ services?
A: Absolutely. BiiLabs provides API-first tools that abstract away DLT complexity, allowing enterprises to plug into decentralized functionality without deep technical expertise.
Q: How does decentralization improve data privacy?
A: By removing central points of failure and giving users control over their data, decentralized systems reduce risks of breaches and unauthorized access—critical for digital identity and personal information.
Q: What industries benefit most from BiiLabs’ solutions?
A: Smart cities, environmental monitoring, digital identity, supply chain tracking, and decentralized social platforms—all benefit from secure, scalable, and autonomous data exchange.
Keywords: blockchain technology, distributed ledger technology (DLT), IOTA Tangle, IoT applications, decentralized infrastructure, enterprise blockchain solutions, smart city technology