Deep Tech, also called hard tech, is a ground-breaking sector that uniquely provides solutions through the convergence and fusion of various technologies and approaches.
This technology which encompasses a lot of advanced technology such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, quantum computing, embedded system technology, among others will from forecasts solve a lot of man’s complex problems with ease.
Unlike other solutions providing tech applications that leverage already existing models, either by modifying or by simply building on them.
Deep Tech solutions are built from the ground up, this is where the various areas of technology and engineering come into play.
With this unique modus operandi, this technology will have a profound effect on the economic, business, and social sectors.
With the changes it is already bringing to emerging fields such as CleanTech, Smart cities/homes, Medicine and Health care, Robotics, and Clean energy, it can no longer be disputed that Deep Tech has come to stay.
Startups built around Deep Tech take longer to introduce their product to the market due to the intricacies involved in developing a Deep Tech product.
Here, iterative experiments are conducted to determine the overall effect of the product on the environment.
A good example can be seen in how long artificial intelligence was worked on before it became a thing, also, a lot of investment capital goes into these researches.
However, due to the high chances of developing a very valuable intellectual property, Deep Tech doesn’t lack investors.
A lot of investors are spending heavily to fund Deep tech innovations from Meta formerly known as Facebook, Google, to Apple even the highly sought-after Y Combinator incubation program, all are grappling to invest in the latest Deep Tech ventures.
How Does Deep Tech Function?
Before setting out to involve in Deep Tech ventures, it is expedient to understand how it functions.
Remember, it deals with a convergence of various disciplines and technology. Understanding how each arm functions to create the Deep Tech solution is vital.
Ideation
One of the first steps taken by Deep Tech ventures is problem orientation, it shapes the methodology, operations, and strategy. This forms the purpose of a particular project, guiding the inputs made.
This technology is known for attempting to provide high-impact solutions, the ideation is done by designing a solution through design thinking, stating the problem, framing it, and identifying the various disciplines needed.
Converging And Fusion Of Approaches
As already established, this technology requires various disciplines working together to provide a solution, and Engineering and Sciences are usually disciplines that are integral to these solutions.
Robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT) are examples of the convergence of approaches and disciplines and as seen they are leading the innovation trend.
Design-Build-Test-Learn
Called the DBTL cycle, it is an approach that builds the bridge between the proposed solution and the problem it is solving. It does this by introducing major advancements in every loop of the DBTL cycle.
Therefore each successful iterative loop in a DBTL cycle denotes the completion of a milestone and this means a lot for everyone that is involved from stakeholders to investors.
The risk in Deep Tech ventures is higher, however, the win is worth much more than the risk.
Some other important things to note about the technology is that it contributes to the United Nations’ sustainable goals, SDG 9, 11, and 17.
A majority of Deep Tech products are therefore physical products that use cutting-edge technologies in various disciplines.
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