Top 10 Trends for DeepTech Startups Globally in 2025
As we look towards 2025, the landscape of deeptech startups is set to experience transformative changes driven by innovation, investment, and evolving market demands. From advances in artificial intelligence to new bioeconomy initiatives, the following trends will shape the future of deeptech.
Here is a detailed overview of the Top 10 Trends for DeepTech Startups Globally in 2025, along with relevant data points and sources.
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1. AI Domination Across Deep Tech Sectors
Details: Artificial intelligence will continue to be the leading force behind advancements across various deeptech domains, including robotics, biotechnology, semiconductors, and space analytics.
Data Points:
- AI startups are projected to have a 2-3x valuation premium over other tech startups.
- By September 2023, global venture capital investment in generative AI startups reached $21.4 billion, a significant increase from $5.1 billion in 2022.
- The AI sector is anticipated to surpass a trillion dollars by 2029.
2. Consolidation and M&A Activity
Details: The deeptech sector in Europe is likely to see an increase in mergers and acquisitions, fueled by scarce funding and the need for startups to scale effectively.
Data Points:
- M&A activity is expected to focus on AI, space tech, defense tech, and semiconductors.
- A 15% decline in funding for tech companies in 2024 will push VCs toward already successful companies.
- The number of unicorns has surged from 142 in 2015 to over 1200 by 2024.
3. Increased Focus on Hardware
Details: Significant investments in hardware startups are anticipated, recognizing that hardware innovations will drive much of future technology revenue.
Data Points:
- The share of VC funding for hardware is likely to double to 40% by 2025 from 20% since 2016.
- Hardware is expected to account for 60% of future technology revenues.
4. Quantum Computing Advancements
Details: 2025 marks the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, ushering in enhanced investments and development within this frontier of science.
Data Points:
- European quantum computing companies are predicted to generate over €200 million in revenue by 2025.
- Public and private investments in this sector are expected to increase.
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5. Bioeconomy and Sustainable Solutions
Details: The bioeconomy is emerging as a primary focus, with startups turning to biological resources and technologies to meet sustainability goals.
Data Points:
- Companies are investing heavily in bio-based materials as alternatives to plastics and in renewable energy projects.
- Climate tech startups are addressing significant environmental challenges.
6. FoodTech Revolution
Details: Driven by climate change and population growth, there is an escalating need for sustainable food solutions.
Data Points:
- Innovations in lab-grown meat, vertical farming, and AI-driven food supply chain optimization will flourish.
- Startups are developing resilient and localized food supply systems.
7. Blue Economy and Ocean Tech
Details: Focus on the blue economy, which entails sustainable practices regarding ocean resources, will lead to advancements in technologies for ocean sustainability.
Data Points:
- Investments in technologies for marine biodiversity preservation and sustainable fishing are rising.
- New business opportunities are emerging in underwater robotics and ocean monitoring.
8. Agentic AI and Autonomous Systems
Details: Research and investment are increasingly shifting towards "agentic" AI capable of making autonomous decisions, alongside advancements in robotics and logistics.
Data Points:
- Companies are enhancing technologies such as self-driving vehicles and AI-driven logistics solutions.
- The demand for automated systems in industries will increase significantly.
9. Post-Quantum Cryptography
Details: As organizations prepare for the potential of quantum computing to break current encryption methods, investment in post-quantum cryptography is becoming paramount.
Data Points:
- 31% of advanced IT departments are expected to invest in post-quantum cryptography by 2025.
- Industries such as finance and healthcare are prioritizing solutions to safeguard sensitive data.
10. Deep Tech Talent Initiatives
Details: There's an ambitious effort to cultivate talent in deep tech, aiming to train one million individuals by the end of 2025.
Data Points:
- The Deep Tech Talent Initiative is spearheading a program to position Europe at the forefront of deep tech innovation.
- Funding for educational materials and courses in deep tech is being mobilized.
These trends outline an evolving and dynamic environment for deeptech startups, propelled by advancements in technology, sustainability goals, and strategic collaborations.
FAQ
Q: How will AI impact deep tech sectors in 2025?
A: AI is anticipated to dominate all deep tech domains, significantly influencing sectors such as robotics, biotech, and semiconductors. The AI sector is expected to exceed a trillion dollars by 2029. Learn more from Sifted.
Q: What trends in mergers and acquisitions can we expect in 2025?
A: A wave of consolidation is expected in the deep tech sector, particularly in AI, space tech, and semiconductors, driven by tight funding and scaling challenges. Discover more from Sifted.
Q: What is the projected investment shift towards hardware in 2025?
A: Investments in hardware startups are projected to double to 40% of VC funding as the realization grows that future technology revenues will increasingly be tied to hardware-enabled innovations. Find out more from Sifted.
Q: How is quantum computing expected to advance in 2025?
A: The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology is set to enhance investments and advancements in quantum computing, with European companies predicted to generate over €200 million in revenue. Learn more from BBVA.
Q: What role will the bioeconomy play in deep tech startups?
A: The bioeconomy is becoming crucial for deep tech startups, focusing on sustainable solutions and investments in bio-based materials and renewable energy. Learn more from Republic of Work.
Q: What innovations are occurring within FoodTech?
A: The FoodTech sector is witnessing innovations such as lab-grown meat and AI-driven supply chain optimizations to meet the growing demand for sustainable food solutions. Discover more from Republic of Work.
Q: What is the significance of the blue economy in deep tech?
A: The blue economy is emerging as a key area for deep tech innovation, focusing on sustainable fishing, ocean cleanup, and marine biodiversity. Investment is growing to promote a sustainable relationship with the ocean. Learn more from Republic of Work.
Q: What advancements are expected in agentic AI and autonomous systems?
A: Agentic AI is evolving to make autonomous decisions, contributing to advancements in various industries including self-driving vehicles and logistics. Read more from BBVA.
Q: Why is post-quantum cryptography becoming important?
A: Organizations are increasingly investing in post-quantum cryptography to protect sensitive data from future quantum computer threats, with significant growth expected in industries like finance and healthcare. Learn more from Deeptech Times.
Q: What initiatives are underway to support deep tech talent development?
A: The Deep Tech Talent Initiative aims to train 1 million people in deep tech areas by the end of 2025, fostering a robust supply of skilled talent for the industry. Find out more from EIT Food Learning Services.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities.
