The State of Global Deep Tech: Key Insights from the Corporate Innovation Summit 2024

By Nicolas Sauvage, President, TDK Ventures

I recently had the honor of delivering a keynote at the Corporate Innovation Summit 2024 in Bangkok, where I shared insights into the global deep tech landscape and TDK Ventures’ approach to investing in transformative technologies. This keynote provided a platform to highlight the critical role of deep tech in addressing global challenges, and I emphasized the importance of innovation as the key to unlocking a greener and more sustainable future.

Deep Tech: A Force for Global Transformation

Deep tech represents the cutting-edge of technology development—revolutionary advancements that are fundamentally changing industries and reshaping the world as we know it. At TDK Ventures, our mission is to support the pioneers driving these technological revolutions. Whether it’s developing breakthrough materials, transforming energy storage, or advancing mobility solutions, we believe that deep tech will be the cornerstone of tomorrow’s industries.

During my keynote, I discussed how our First Principles-Based Investment Thesis (FIT Method) guides us in identifying the most promising startups. We don’t just invest in today’s solutions; we seek out the pioneers who are creating the technologies that will lead the market five to seven years from now. Our aim is to find and support “Impact Scalers ”—visionary entrepreneurs working on technologies that have the potential to change the world.

Investing in the Future: From Mobility to Energy

TDK Ventures' portfolio reflects our commitment to backing transformative technologies across a range of industries. I was proud to highlight some of the groundbreaking companies we’ve partnered with:

• AutoFlight, a world-records leader in eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircrafts, is reshaping the future of mobility by making aerial transport more sustainable, efficient and accessible. The potential to revolutionize urban transport is enormous, and AutoFlight is at the forefront of this shift.
• Ascend Elements, one of our unicorns, is tackling one of the most pressing challenges in energy—battery recycling. Their closed-loop process not only addresses critical supply chain issues but also promotes sustainability by reclaiming valuable materials from discarded lithium-ion batteries.
• Peak Energy is commercializing scalable, eco-friendly sodium-ion battery technology, offering an alternative to lithium-ion solutions and addressing the growing demand for sustainable energy storage.
• Type One Energy is working on a stellarator-based fusion power plant, which could unlock the future of clean, limitless energy. Fusion technology holds the promise of a transformative shift in how we generate power, and Type One is leading the way with their innovative approach.

Navigating the Complexities of Deep Tech

One of the key messages from my talk was the importance of aligning investments with a long-term vision. Deep tech is not about quick wins or short-term gains—it requires patience, conviction, and a deep understanding of where the world is headed. Our FIT Method helps us identify the “King of the Hill” technologies; startups with the potential to lead their markets and drive significant impact in the future.

I also spoke about how the fragmented world we find ourselves in today, marked by geopolitical tensions and environmental crises, is creating opportunities for Challenger Technologies . These technologies—born out of necessity—are stepping up to address the global challenges we face, from energy transformation to sustainability, mobility, and beyond. At TDK Ventures, we are proud to back these innovators who are not only reshaping industries but also redefining how we think about solving the most pressing problems of our time.Ultimately, deep tech investment is all about collaboration, partnership, and shared vision. At TDK Ventures, we believe in working alongside entrepreneurs to help them scale their innovations and create meaningful change. Our focus is on long-term partnerships that enable startups to move from prototype to production to scaling, while also building sustainable business models.

Looking Ahead: The Power of Deep Tech and Collaboration

The Corporate Innovation Summit 2024 was a powerful reminder of the incredible potential of deep tech to shape our future. As we continue to explore new frontiers in materials science, mobility, robotics, energy, and sustainability, I’m excited to see what the next generation of innovators will achieve.

If you’re an entrepreneur working in deep tech or an investor interested in supporting transformative technologies, I encourage you to reach out.

Together, we can create a future where innovation meets sustainability, and where deep tech drives global progress.