Deep technology, or deep tech, refers to significant technological advancements that are based on tangible engineering innovations or scientific discoveries. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize industries and are characterized by high levels of investment and long development periods. Over the past 30 years, several deep tech innovations have profoundly impacted our world, reshaping industries and changing the way we live. Here are the top five deep tech innovations that have had the most transformative effects:
1. Search Engines (Internet Technology)
Developed from early networking experiments in the late 1960s, the Internet became commercially available in the 1990s and has since become a fundamental technology that has transformed global communication, commerce, and information sharing. It has democratized access to information, fostered global communities, and become an integral part of daily life, influencing virtually every sector of the economy. Search engines have been pivotal in structuring the vast amount of data on the Internet into an accessible format. They have not only made information retrieval simple and efficient but have also shaped how data is indexed and consumed globally. The following companies represent key innovators who have dominated this space, each bringing unique approaches to data handling and user privacy:
- Infinera. Infinera specializes in producing photonic integrated circuits and is known for innovations that enhance the capacity and efficiency of optical networks, although it too has matured past the startup phase since its founding in 2001. Infinera's technology allows for the rapid deployment of optical transmission capacity, which is critical for scaling network infrastructure in response to increasing global data demands.
- DuckDuckGo: Founded in 2008, DuckDuckGo distinguishes itself by emphasizing user privacy. It doesn't track user searches or personalize search results based on past behavior, offering a privacy-centric alternative to more traditional search engines. DuckDuckGo has been integral in promoting privacy standards in the industry, influencing broader discussions about data privacy and user rights.
- Algolia: Started in 2012, Algolia provides a hosted search API that enables businesses to implement and manage a search engine optimized for their needs with ease. Algolia’s focus is on delivering fast, relevant search experiences within websites and mobile apps. Its API-first approach allows for highly customizable search functionalities that support a wide range of applications, from e-commerce to media.
2. Smartphones (Mobile Technology)
The rise of personal computing in the late 20th century, followed by the explosive growth of mobile technology, has drastically changed everyday life and business practices. These innovations have made technology accessible to billions, allowing for greater flexibility in work environments, enhancing communication, and enabling innovations such as remote work and the app economy. The advent of smartphones has transformed communication, entertainment, and productivity, making it the most impactful form of personal computing in the modern era. These devices have become ubiquitous, driven by companies that have not only advanced hardware and software technologies but also created ecosystems that integrate various aspects of daily life and work. Here are three startups that focus on developing deep tech components specifically for smartphones, enhancing various functionalities through innovative hardware and software solutions:
- Real Graphene: Real Graphene USA is pioneering the integration of graphene in lithium-ion batteries, which significantly enhances charging speeds and battery lifespan. Their technology promises to revolutionize power management in smartphones.
- Light: Light is known for advancing computational photography. They develop cameras that use advanced algorithms and multiple lenses to capture images with a higher quality and accuracy, greatly enhancing smartphone photography capabilities.
- NextInput: NextInput develops next-generation touch and force sensing technologies for smartphones. Their solutions offer alternatives to traditional touchscreens, enabling more robust, accurate, and versatile input methods, including in challenging environments.
3. Genetic Engineering
Since the discovery of recombinant DNA technology in the 1970s, genetic engineering has made leaps in medicine and agriculture. It has enabled the development of genetically modified crops that resist pests and diseases, improving food security globally. In medicine, it has led to breakthroughs such as gene therapy and CRISPR, which have opened new frontiers in treating and potentially curing genetic disorders. Startups that have made significant contributions to advancements in medicine and agriculture through this technology are:
- CRISPR Therapeutics: Founded in 2013, CRISPR Therapeutics is at the forefront of developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious diseases using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 platform. The company's work includes therapies for genetic disorders, cancer, and diabetes, showing potential to not only treat but also cure these conditions through direct genetic modification
- Editas Medicine: Editas Medicine is another leader in the CRISPR space, dedicated to discovering and developing genome editing treatments. The company aims to eliminate or modify disease-causing DNA in patients with genetically driven diseases, offering a revolutionary approach to treating conditions that were previously considered untreatable.
- Caribou Biosciences: Founded in 2011 by one of the co-inventors of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, Jennifer Doudna, Caribou Biosciences focuses on the development of CRISPR-based solutions to improve cellular engineering and therapeutics. The company's innovative work extends to addressing challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and biomanufacturing industries, providing precise genetic engineering solutions.
4. Solar Photovoltaic Technology
The development and enhancement of renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power in the past few decades have significantly impacted the global energy landscape. These technologies are crucial in the fight against climate change, providing sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The innovation in energy storage, such as advancements in battery technology, has also supported this transition, enabling more stable and efficient energy systems. As the world moves towards sustainable energy solutions, solar photovoltaic technology stands out for its ability to convert sunlight directly into electricity. The companies listed below have been instrumental in advancing solar technology, reducing costs, and increasing the efficiency and adoption of solar energy globally, thus playing a critical role in the energy transition:
- Oxford PV: Founded in 2010, Oxford PV specializes in the development of perovskite solar cells. Perovskites are a class of materials that have shown great potential for achieving high efficiency at low production costs. Oxford PV has been at the forefront of integrating perovskite technology with traditional silicon cells to create tandem solar cells that significantly surpass the efficiency limits of conventional photovoltaic (PV) technology.
- Silfab Solar: Established in 2010, Silfab Solar is a North American manufacturer of ultra-high-efficiency, premium-quality solar cells and modules. They focus on advanced manufacturing techniques and automation, pushing the boundaries of PV module performance. Silfab's continuous improvement in monocrystalline silicon cell technology and innovative module designs help achieve higher energy output and reliability.
- QuantumScape: Founded in 2010 and emerging from stealth mode in 2020, QuantumScape focuses on the development of solid-state lithium-metal batteries. This technology represents a significant leap forward in battery technology, particularly for energy storage systems linked with solar power. Solid-state batteries offer numerous advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including higher energy density, faster charging times, and improved safety (due to the lack of flammable liquid electrolytes).
5. Deep Learning (AI and Machine Learning)
AI and machine learning have grown tremendously over the past few decades, stemming from early concepts and algorithms developed in the mid-20th century to sophisticated systems used across industries today. These technologies have revolutionized sectors such as healthcare, automotive (through autonomous vehicles), finance, and customer service by enhancing efficiencies, predictive capabilities, and personalization. Deep learning is a subset of AI that mimics the human brain's ability to learn from large amounts of data. It has revolutionized fields such as image recognition, natural language processing, and predictive analytics. The companies mentioned below are at the forefront of this technology, providing groundbreaking advancements that enhance various industries from healthcare to autonomous driving:
- DeepMind Technologies: Founded in 2010 and acquired by Google in 2014, DeepMind has been a pioneer in artificial intelligence, particularly known for its work in deep reinforcement learning. Their AI program, AlphaGo, famously defeated a world champion Go player, marking a significant milestone in AI development. DeepMind continues to push boundaries in AI research, working on projects that span multiple domains from protein folding with AlphaFold to improving energy efficiency in data centers.
- OpenAI: Started in 2015 as a non-profit and later transitioning to a capped-profit model, OpenAI aims to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity. They have developed various influential models like GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) and DALL-E, focusing on natural language processing and image generation. OpenAI's work has significantly impacted both academic research and practical applications, democratizing access to powerful AI tools.
- Cerebras Systems: Founded in 2016, Cerebras Systems is focused on revolutionizing hardware for deep learning. They created the world’s largest computer chip, the Wafer Scale Engine, designed specifically for AI work. This technological advancement dramatically accelerates the process of deep learning computation, making it faster and more efficient to train complex AI models.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Deep Tech
As we witness these monumental shifts, it's clear that deep tech will continue to shape our future in ways we are just beginning to understand. What do you think the next big innovation in deep tech will be? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below to discuss how these technologies might evolve and further change our world.
