4 Rules for Successful Deep Tech Ventures

Reference

https://www.ted.com/talks/antoine_gourevitch_what_is_deep_tech_a_look_at_how_it_could_shape_the_future

premise

I used the term startup venture based on
the events described,
but please note that we are a small company.

What is Deep Tech?

First, let's talk about deep tech.
Deep Tech is a new chapter in the story of innovation.
It integrates science, engineering, and design thinking.
Robotics, synthetic biology, nanomaterials, blockchain, quantum computing, and much more.

1. Problem-oriented, not tech-oriented

Next, let's talk about the main subject.
"Deep Tech" is about the "4 rules of a successful venture".

The first is "Problem, not tech, oriented."

Don't focus on technology.
This is very important.

Many deep tech ventures start by looking for a problem and coming up with a solution.

Ginkgo teamed up with Bayer to solve the problem of nitrogen fertilizers. Nitrogen is currently the most used fertilizer in the world. However, nitrogen emits 3 percent of greenhouse gases and also causes water pollution. Today, many startups are trying to solve this problem by applying their solutions. Ginkgo tried to solve the problem in a different way. Instead of producing nitrogen, what if we created bacteria that, like nature, use existing nitrogen to anchor to plant roots?

2. Ecosystem

Rule No. 2 is "Ecosystem".

We need to have a cross-disciplinary team from an early stage to create an ecosystem. What exactly does that mean?

For example, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, an energy venture specializing in nuclear fusion. They achieved breakthroughs in fusion by combining advances in materials and data science that enabled calculations and simulations that were not possible a few years ago. And they make very good use of the ecosystem. Companies like ENI and Equinor invest early on. Universities such as the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center are also actively collaborating, supporting ventures such as Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and the U.S. government seems to be interested in working with them.

3. Design Thinking

Rule No. 3 is "design thinking."

Identify prerequisites to test early on to reduce risk ahead of time. Make a working prototype as soon as possible. Predict friction points at each stage of the innovation cycle. Use data and digital platforms to reduce test costs. Lilium Aviation is a deep-tech startup that manufactures all-electric air taxis with the aim of solving urban air mobility, starting with the development of a two-seater prototype and then designing a five-seater version using real-time data from every flight.

4. Design to Cost

Rule 4 is "Design to Cost."

In order to integrate science and engineering, it is necessary to always keep economics in mind.

Seimagen is a pioneer in synthetic biology.
Zymagen always takes a ruthless "design-to-cost" approach when designing products. From the design stage before production begins, they are looking for the right product at the right cost and with the right parameters. Zymagen has developed a transparent and printable electronic circuit "Hyalin", which is produced by fermentation. This bio-based film is cheaper and has better properties than existing peltrium-based films.