Project History¶
A Decade of R&D
The 10-year journey from a TNO research project to ONLIFE—and how it birthed the Smartup model itself. This is our collective memory of how we got here.
The Evolution: From Apps to Emergency Infrastructure¶
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Phase 1: Transient Apps (2016-2017) --- The Origin. A research collaboration between TNO and RS New Media Concepts to solve app overload using a "Context Engine." We proved the concept, but platform gatekeepers (Apple/Google) blocked the path.
Transient Apps Report -
Phase 2: "Onlive" Social Networks (2017-2019) --- The First Pivot. Instead of connecting individuals online, we repurposed the Context Engine to connect groups in the real world. We delivered a working Android PoC.
Onlive Research Report -
Phase 3: The Governance Pivot (2019-2020) --- Birth of the Smartup. We realized a traditional VC-backed startup couldn't protect a public-good mission. We conceptualized a new model based on collective ownership and democratic governance.
Original Smartup Whitepaper -
Phase 4: Academic Validation (2020-2022) --- The COVID Pivot. The pandemic provided an urgent test case. Partnering with the Erasmus Programme, we validated the UX and security model for crisis communication.
UX Research Report -
Phase 5: Mesh Networking (2023-2024) --- Technical Deep Dive. Partnering with HanzeHogeschool, we built open-source, smartphone-native mesh protocols capable of 75+ node networks without internet.
Mesh Protocol Design -
Phase 6: ONLIFE (2025-Present) --- The Final Pivot. Ten years of R&D crystallizes. Not just "online live," but ONLIFE—an emergency network that stays alive when life itself is at stake. Smartup Zero is born to build it.
The Dual Innovation¶
What makes our history unique is that we didn't just develop technology—we developed a new way to develop technology. Both innovations emerged from the exact same insight: existing systems (both technical and organizational) are not fit for planetary challenges.
- ONLIFE: The emergency communication protocol.
- SmartupOS: The organizational form to build it.
Ready to Contribute?¶
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Contact the 3_1_leadership_team with questions or remarks