- Quantum computing: Banks and investment firms are testing quantum algorithms for portfolio optimization and risk analysis, seeking breakthroughs classical computing can’t achieve. Quantum services are already available via cloud platforms, addressing complex issues in chemistry and logistics.
- Biotechnology and synthetic biology: The swift development of mRNA vaccines in 2020 illustrated biotech’s unprecedented speed in delivering transformative products. Pharma and agriculture companies now leverage AI and gene-editing (e.g., CRISPR) for personalized medicine and drought-resistant crops.
- Satellite technology: Rapid growth in satellite constellations benefits telecom (remote connectivity), insurance and agriculture (high-resolution crop monitoring and disaster assessment). Even terrestrial industries gain from enhanced communication and data from space.
- Advanced materials and energy: Innovations in materials science enable stronger, lighter, sustainable products — next-gen batteries for affordable EVs, improved airplane composites for fuel efficiency and clean-energy breakthroughs like small modular nuclear reactors and carbon capture technology.
Each of these deep tech domains is reshaping industries in ways that drive competitive advantage — either by creating new products and services (top-line growth) or by solving problems that reduce costs and risks (bottom-line protection). Crucially, they often reinforce each other: advancements in one field (say, materials for better batteries) amplify innovation in another (say, more efficient electric vehicles), multiplying the impact on business.
A strategic imperative: Integrate deep tech or fall behind
If deep tech is so promising, why aren’t all organizations embracing it overnight?
Key challenges include cultural resistance to change, talent gap and skills shortage, presence of legacy systems and costs considerations. Overcoming these challenges isn’t easy, but it’s feasible with the right approach.
