ista combines advanced digital infrastructure with deep building energy expertise.
We focus on innovations that prove themselves in real buildings, making them more efficient, climate-friendly and easy to operate.
Technology backed by people.
Behind our technology is a global team of over 6,000 colleagues and dedicated engineering hubs such as the ista Technikum in Essen. Together with our customers, we are building the next generation of intelligent, efficient and future‑proof buildings with innovation focused on outcomes, accountability and verified performance.
Development of new products
Continuous product tests
Testing of new technologies
Digital infrastructure with real‑world impact.
Across our region and globally, hundreds of thousands of gateways connect millions of meters and devices, feeding consumption data into our Meter Data Management Systems and billing platforms. This digital backbone replaces manual readings, speeds up processes and gives owners, operators and residents clear, reliable information about their energy and water use.
Our open, IoT‑ready approach means new use cases - from smart metering and zero‑touch billing to remote monitoring of safety devices - can be added on the same infrastructure over time.
New technologies are only valuable if they solve real problems for our customers.
That is why we:
- Test devices under extreme conditions to match Middle East environments.
- Develop and refine metering, connectivity and MDMS solutions with live customer feedback.
- Focus on full‑cycle use cases - from energy audits and retrofits to ESCO performance contracts and day‑to‑day building operations.
Our goal is simple: innovations that reduce energy costs and CO₂, cut manual work and give customers confidence in the data they use to make decisions.
Research and development
As the innovation driver of our industry, we invest over 100 million euros in our digital devices and infrastructure every year. Today, we already have more than 25 million connected devices in use. Cooling, heat and hot water consumption can therefore be read directly by our wireless solutions without a meter reader having to enter the apartment. More services for the intelligent multi-family building ("smart building") will be added in future.
Self made is simply better
Climate protection is a major task that affects everyone. At ista, we have made it our mission to create transparency about energy consumption around the globe. To make it easier for as many people as possible to save energy, CO₂ and costs. To achieve this, energy and water consumption must be precisely measured, accurately billed and easy to manage. Property managers and owners need not only firstclass services, but also the right technology, such as remote readable cooling, water and heat meters. We develop these devices ourselves – in the ista technical center.
Innovation centralized at one location
To meet the high demands on our technology, you need a motivated, creative team with fresh ideas and professional know-how. That's why we decided in 2017 to bundle all the expertise required for research and equipment development in one place and set up such a team. The ista Technikum was thus created. The location in Essen offers optimal technical conditions, good accessibility and a reliable infrastructure.