A complicated problem requires complex solutions
Climate change is a complex issue affecting the environment, society, and economy. The IPCC predicts a 1.5°C rise above pre-industrial levels by 2030, leading to severe environmental consequences, including biodiversity loss, sea level rise, and disruptions to agriculture and water supplies.
Traditional solutions are essential but insufficient alone. They often address specific aspects without tackling the root causes of climate change. To effectively combat this issue, we need innovative, advanced technologies capable of making significant, lasting impacts. Deep tech, which offers disruptive changes and industry transformations, could be the answer.
The role of Deep Tech in battling climate change
Deep tech refers to technologies based on significant engineering innovation or scientific advances. These are not just incremental improvements but breakthroughs that can redefine industries and create new ones, spanning fields like advanced materials, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing.
As a climate tech venture capital , we see deep tech as essential for tackling climate change because it creates disruptive changes that can transform the entire value chain of not only one but multiple industries. Traditional solutions often address only surface symptoms, while deep tech approaches problems comprehensively, solving complex issues at their core.
The wide applicability of deep tech means even a few solutions can have far-reaching impacts, fundamentally changing our interactions with the planet and offering paradigm shifts in addressing climate change.
Examples from Earth VC’s Portfolio
Earth Venture Capital (Earth VC) is a climate tech VC headquartered in Vietnam. We invest globally in startups with deep tech or digital solutions that have the potential to decarbonise Emerging Asia.
To illustrate the power of deep tech, let us look at some examples from our portfolio:
- Blykalla (Small Modular Nuclear Reactor) Blykalla is developing small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) that are safe, clean, and efficient. Unlike traditional reactors, SMRs are smaller, more flexible, and can be deployed in various settings. They provide reliable, zero-emission energy, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of energy production.
With SMRs, instead of investing billions in large-scale plants with risks like Fukushima, each district or industrial area can run on a single SMR that fits in a garage. If mass-produced, SMRs could revolutionise energy production and distribution, making sustainable nuclear power accessible and affordable globally. This decentralisation could enhance energy security and resilience against grid failures, transforming the global energy landscape.
- Kuva Space (Hyperspectral Satellite) Kuva Space uses hyperspectral satellite technology to monitor and manage environmental changes. This imaging technique provides detailed observations of the Earth’s surface, allowing for precise tracking of deforestation, crop health, water quality, and pollution levels. Such data is vital for informed decision-making and proactive climate action.
When applied effectively, Kuva Space’s technology can transform various sectors. In agriculture, it helps farmers optimise irrigation and fertiliser use, leading to higher yields and more sustainable practices. For water resources, it detects contaminants and monitors water quality, facilitating timely interventions to safeguard drinking supplies. Urban planners can use it to track air quality and urban heat islands, enhancing public health and city living conditions.
- Orbillion (Cultivated Animal Protein) Orbillion is pioneering biotechnology by producing cultivated animal protein. By growing meat in a lab instead of through traditional livestock farming, Orbillion significantly cuts the environmental impact of meat production, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced land and water use, and improved animal welfare.
When adopted on a large scale, Orbillion’s technology could transform the food industry. It would reduce pressure on natural resources, allowing land to be used for reforestation or other sustainable practices. It provides a reliable protein source, decreasing dependence on livestock and mitigating food shortages caused by diseases or climate change. In urban areas, lab-grown meat facilities could be integrated into city infrastructure, cutting transportation emissions and offering fresh, local meat. Additionally, eliminating antibiotics and hormones used in traditional farming could lead to healthier food options. Orbillion’s work paves the way for a more sustainable and ethical food future.
The innovations we have highlighted—Blykalla’s small modular reactors, Kuva Space’s hyperspectral imaging, and Orbillion’s cultivated protein—are prime examples of the deep tech solutions we are eager to support. These technologies not only offer global climate change mitigation but also have significant potential to drive meaningful environmental progress and long-term sustainability for Southeast Asia.
If you believe, like we do, that deep tech holds the key to combating climate change, let us join forces. Whether you are an investor, philanthropist, or capital locator, together we can drive impactful solutions—because there is no prosperity on a death planet.
