Deepsense

What were the science-tech expertise trends of 2024? ↓ At the forefront of science-tech and deeptech, we worked with leading investors and consultants to tackle their toughest technical assessments. By analyzing hundreds of client projects, we’ve identified the top fields that defined 2024 - 5 each in climate tech, healthcare, and computing. We’re also sharing the rising trends from the last year that could potentially take center stage in 2025. Read the full report to explore the key trends: https://lnkd.in/e28i7Rpu #sciencetech #deepsense #vc #pe #consulting #wrapped

November's trending science-tech areas ↓ Here’s a snapshot of the top fields our experts advised on last month. → In Climate Tech, Nuclear Fusion, a potentially unlimited, low-carbon source of clean energy, was the most in-demand expertise from our experts. With some significant achievements in fusion experiments and progress as well as funding announcements  in magnetic confinement (e.g., tokamaks and stellarators) and inertial confinement (e.g., laser-based technologies) over the past months and action shifting from the public to the private sector, we saw investors across all stages exploring the landscape. However, significant challenges like achieving sustained plasma confinement, scaling fusion systems to viable levels, and developing materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions remain critical barriers. → In Healthcare, Biomanufacturing—broadly defined as using biological systems to (mass-)produce biomaterials and biomolecules for medicines, food, and industrial applications—was a key topic of attention, driven by the development of novel bioproducts, AI’s outset to accelerate biotech innovations and process developments, and the shift toward more sustainable and digital manufacturing processes overall. Challenges include maintaining product consistency at larger scales, overcoming technical complexities in manufacturing, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations, and addressing the need for specialized facilities and a skilled workforce. → In Advanced Computing and at the intersection of Climate Tech, we have observed strong expertise demands for Smart Energy Management Systems (EMS), advanced platforms that monitor, control, and optimize energy consumption in real-time using technologies like AI, IoT, and edge computing. These systems are crucial for integrating renewable energy sources, balancing grid loads, and enabling demand response, particularly as the energy landscape becomes more decentralized. Current developments include AI-driven energy forecasting, IoT-enabled granular monitoring, and decentralized control mechanisms. Additionally, EMS solutions are increasingly tailored for specific sectors, such as HVAC, EV charging, and smart cities, to meet diverse energy needs. However, challenges remain in ensuring interoperability across devices, protecting data from cyber threats, and scaling solutions for complex networks. Adoption is further hindered by high upfront costs, limited awareness among smaller enterprises, and regulatory barriers, as compliance requirements vary widely by region. Looking for deeper insights or technical support? Schedule an intro with us: https://lnkd.in/erti9MMd #deeptech #climate #healthtech #consulting #vc #pe #sciencetech

Geologic hydrogen is emerging as one of the most trending opportunities in the clean energy transition, offering a natural, carbon-free alternative to fossil fuels. In our latest insights newsletter issue, we looked at at how this hidden resource could transform global energy systems and dive into these topics: → The natural processes that produce geologic hydrogen. → Current advancements in extraction techniques and their challenges. → The role of geologic hydrogen in renewable energy systems and storage. While still in the early stages of development, geologic hydrogen presents an opportunity for decarbonization solutions, with potential applications across clean energy, synthetic hydrogen replacement, and grid balancing. Read the issue: https://lnkd.in/eWq_2Ytk → Reach out to us for technical assessments and expert insights into this emerging field. #GeologicHydrogen #CleanEnergy #ClimateTech #EnergyStorage #Hydrogen #Deepsense #VentureCapital #DueDiligence #NaturalHydrogen

We’ve recently published our Insights piece on geologic hydrogen, a groundbreaking clean energy resource. Geologic hydrogen, also known as natural or white hydrogen, is naturally produced in the Earth’s subsurface and has the potential to transform the global energy landscape. With advancements in extraction techniques, geologic hydrogen is gaining attention as a carbon-free energy source that could complement renewable energy systems. Researchers are exploring innovative methods like stimulating subsurface hydrogen production and safely extracting it without seismic risks, offering a scalable and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The illustration highlights a geologic hydrogen extraction system, showcasing how water injected into iron-rich rocks stimulates hydrogen production, which is then captured through production wells. Geological hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize renewable energy storage and grid stability by providing a reliable back-up for variable energy sources such as solar and wind. As the energy transition accelerates, breakthroughs in hydrogen production could pave the way for cleaner, more sustainable energy systems worldwide. In case you missed it, read our full feature on geologic hydrogen (link in the comments). → We work with experts in hydrogen extraction and renewable energy systems. Reach out to us for technical assessments and strategic insights into this emerging field. #hydrogen #geologichydrogen #cleantech #climatetech #deepsense #vc #duediligence #expertnetwork

A European climate tech fund came to us to lead a science-tech assessment on a startup developing innovative solutions for plastic recycling, aiming to transform difficult-to-recycle materials into valuable resources. Deepsense’s assessment provided the client with structured insights and a detailed analysis of key opportunities, risks, and milestones, as well as clear next steps for de-risking, and a roadmap for scaling and commercial viability. This enabled the client to make a technically and scientifically informed decision about their potential investment. Read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/eU2U4saQ Looking to embed specialized expertise into your project workflow? Let’s connect: https://lnkd.in/eQevQChq #plasticrecycling #duediligence #sciencetech #vc

A leading tech advisory firm approached us to conduct a thorough tech due diligence on a TechBio startup focused on next-generation sequencing. Leveraging our network’s deep technical expertise, we delivered clear, data-driven insights that informed their strategic decisions. Read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/eXbK4ySg Looking to embed specialized expertise into your project workflow? Let’s connect: https://lnkd.in/eQevQChq #ngs #duediligence #sciencetech #consulting

What will investors typically ask for or expect during science-tech due diligence? (8/8) It's the final part of our "How to Prepare for Science-Tech Due Diligence" series! Let's dive into the final areas. → Regulatory & Policy Environment Investors may assess whether there are favorable policies, subsidies, or standards supporting your technology. They’ll also want to understand how regulatory approvals and safety certifications could affect your go-to-market timeline, especially in highly regulated sectors like healthcare, energy, and chemicals. → Exit to Strategic Buyers Investors may also explore the potential for an exit via acquisition by strategic buyers, specifically where this is a viable alternative to an IPO. They will evaluate how your technology fits into a corporate portfolio and whether there is interest in acquiring your company. Understanding the acquisition landscape and competitive positioning can provide a clearer path to exit. For a full overview of the areas that will come under scrutiny during an investor's science-tech due diligence process, download the free guide: https://lnkd.in/dQPuVxpG Want a headstart in investor readiness? Get hands-on support from leading science-tech and industry advisors. Schedule an intro: https://lnkd.in/eQevQChq #startup #funding #fundraising #vc #sciencetech

We've recently published an insights piece on precision fermentation, a technology transforming the food industry by creating sustainable, animal-free alternatives to traditional protein production. Key processes in precision fermentation include: → Engineering microbial strains to produce specific proteins, peptides, or enzymes. → Cultivating these microbes in controlled environments for efficient bioprocessing. → Isolating and purifying the produced ingredients for use in food products. This approach could offer significant environmental benefits, reducing land and water use while cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 97%. Emerging startups like Formo and Perfect Day are making great progress, though industry challenges such as regulatory hurdles and cost parity remain. Read our full issue on precision fermentation to dive deeper into how this technology is revolutionizing food production (link in the comments). → We have precision fermentation experts from leading institutions. Reach out to us for technical support and assessments to evaluate your next opportunity. #PrecisionFermentation #FoodTech #Sustainability #DeepTech #ExpertNetwork #TechDueDiligence #FutureOfFood

October's trending science-tech areas ↓ Here’s a snapshot of the top topics our experts advised on last month. → In Climate Tech: Plastics recycling has garnered significant interest. While mechanical recycling is the most established method, chemical and biological recycling are emerging as alternatives to overcome traditional limitations. Chemical recycling breaks down plastic waste into monomers or other basic chemical building blocks, handling a broader range of plastics, including mixed or contaminated types. However, scaling this method faces challenges, including high costs, commercial maturity, and varying regulatory barriers. Biological recycling employs microorganisms or enzymes to decompose plastics into simpler, biodegradable compounds, showing promise for biodegradable and some conventional plastics. Despite its potential, biological recycling struggles with slower breakdown rates compared to chemical methods, scalability and repeatability of processes, and the need for controlled environmental conditions, complicating large-scale implementation. → In Healthcare: CAR T cell therapy, which genetically modifies a patient's T cells to target and destroy cancer cells more effectively, has attracted interest from investors. Recent advances include expanding applications beyond blood cancers to solid tumors, with over 200 ongoing clinical trials. Researchers are developing new CAR designs, such as logic-gated CAR-T cells, to improve specificity and reduce side effects. Efforts are also focused on reducing manufacturing time and costs, as well as exploring "off-the-shelf" allogeneic CAR-T therapies. However, challenges remain, including managing severe toxicities like cytokine release syndrome, improving efficacy in solid tumors, and addressing the high cost of treatment. Companies such as Novartis, Kite Pharma, Juno Therapeutics, and Cellectis are at the forefront of developing next-generation CAR-T therapies. → In Advanced Computing: Industrial robotics is undergoing rapid evolution, driven by the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Collaborative robots (cobots) are gaining traction, designed to work alongside humans in shared spaces, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in manufacturing processes. Advanced vision systems and sensors are improving robot perception and adaptability, allowing for more complex tasks and safer human-robot interactions. The integration of IoT and cloud computing is creating smarter, more connected robotic systems, enabling real-time data analysis and remote monitoring. However, challenges remain in managing the complexity of implementing robotic systems across diverse industrial settings, ensuring worker safety, and achieving the scalability, detail, and repeatability of industrial manufacturing processes. Looking for deeper insights or technical support? Schedule an intro with us: https://lnkd.in/erti9MMd #deeptech #climate #healthtech #vc #pe #sciencetech

See how we supported a European VC fund with due diligence on a green ammonia production technology startup: https://lnkd.in/edpn4y7J Looking into something technical? Reach out to embed deep expertise into your workflow. https://lnkd.in/eQevQChq #duediligence #vc #greenammonia #tech