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Top 20 Trends for Deeptech Startups in 2025

Top 20 Trends for Deeptech Startups in 2025

Top 20 Trends for Deeptech Startups in 2025

As we step into 2025, deep tech continues to reshape industries through innovative advancements and emerging technologies. Below is a detailed examination of the Top 20 Trends for Deeptech Startups in 2025, highlighting key insights into where the sector is headed.
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1. Consolidation in the Deep Tech Sector

Trend: Expect increased mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the European deep tech sector due to tight funding and scaling challenges.
Data Points:
  • M&A activity will rise, particularly from US acquirers.
  • Focus areas for M&A include AI, space tech, defense tech, and semiconductors.
  • Funding constraints will drive companies to combine forces.
  • Explore More

2. AI Domination

Trend: Artificial intelligence will remain a primary driver of growth across deep tech, fueling advancements in various sectors.
Data Points:
  • AI powers advancements in robotics, biotech, semiconductors, and space analytics.
  • AI startup valuations will maintain a 2-3x premium over other sectors.
  • AI is expected to be a main focus of deep tech investments in the near future.
  • Explore More

3. Targeted Growth in Hardware

Trend: While overall hardware investment may not surge, specific technologies will see strong demand.
Data Points:
  • Semiconductors will benefit from Europe's push for technological sovereignty.
  • Industrial robotics will grow with AI-enabled smarter systems.
  • Defense tech will continue to receive high priority for public and private funding.
  • Explore More
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4. Real-World Data for AI

Trend: The next frontier for AI development will be accessing and utilizing real-world data not readily available online.
Data Points:
  • Efforts will focus on sourcing, mapping, and consolidating real-world data.
  • This data will be used to train advanced AI models.
  • Applications will emerge in robotics, biology, and medicine.
  • Explore More

5. In-Space Propulsion

Trend: With rapid advancements in the space industry, in-space propulsion technologies will gain prominence.
Data Points:
  • Technologies designed to maintain spacecraft positioning will be emphasized.
  • Focus will be given to technologies that allow further space exploration.
  • Explore More

6. Nuclear Fusion for AI Energy Needs

Trend: With AI's energy demands growing, nuclear fusion will be explored as a long-term solution.
Data Points:
  • Funding will concentrate on companies with a fast path to grid-scale implementation.
  • The focus shifts beyond GPUs to other AI bottlenecks, such as energy.
  • More aggressive pushes towards fusion technology are expected.
  • Explore More

7. Increased Hardware VC Funding

Trend: The share of VC funding going to hardware startups will double to 40% in 2025.
Data Points:
  • Currently, 20% of VC funding goes to hardware since 2016.
  • The realization that 60% of future tech revenues will be from hardware-enabled innovations is a driving factor.
  • This shift is expected to dramatically impact the investment landscape.
  • Explore More

8. Mega-Deals with Unicorns

Trend: A surge in mega-deals involving unicorn startups (valued at $1 billion+) is expected.
Data Points:
  • The number of unicorns has rapidly increased, from 142 worldwide in 2015 to over 1,200 in 2024.
  • Mega-deals involving these companies are on the rise.
  • This trend shows no signs of slowing down.
  • Explore More
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9. Public-Private Partnerships in Deep Tech

Trend: More public-private partnerships, increased venture capital, and a focus on sustainability and ethical tech are anticipated.
Data Points:
  • Europe and the UK are taking bold steps to secure leadership in emerging technologies.
  • Coordinated strategies, increased R&D funding, and regulatory support are shaping the landscape.
  • Emphasis on resilience and ethical technology development.
  • Explore More

10. EIC Investment in Deep Tech

Trend: The European Innovation Council (EIC) plans to invest €1.4 billion in deep tech and strategic technologies.
Data Points:
  • €300 million earmarked for the STEP Scale-up scheme to encourage private-sector co-investment.
  • Targeted technologies include quantum computing, clean energy, and biotechnologies.
  • The UK government is also making its largest-ever R&D investment.
  • Explore More

11. Agentic AI

Trend: The rise of autonomous AI that can plan and take action to achieve user-defined goals.
Data Points:
  • AI will perform tasks without human intervention.
  • Focus on AI agents capable of managing daily tasks and finances.
  • Explore More

12. AI Governance Platforms

Trend: Technology solutions to manage the legal, ethical, and operational performance of AI systems.
Data Points:
  • Organizations need tools to ensure AI systems are compliant and ethical.
  • Platforms to manage the risks and operational impacts of AI are necessary.
  • Explore More

13. Quantum Computing Applications

Trend: Quantum computing is moving from R&D to real-world applications.
Data Points:
  • Applications in logistics to optimize supply chains.
  • Development of quantum-safe encryption tools and usage in drug discovery.
  • Explore More
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14. Clean Energy Breakthroughs

Trend: Innovation in clean energy is growing, driven by the transition to sustainability.
Data Points:
  • Advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology.
  • Development of solid-state batteries.
  • Increased government support for renewable energy startups.
  • Explore More

15. AI in Healthcare

Trend: AI is revolutionizing healthcare treatment.
Data Points:
  • AI algorithms are being used to diagnose diseases.
  • AI is personalizing medicine and treatments.
  • Explore More

16. Public-Private Grant Model for Deep Tech

Trend: The deep tech sector is advocating for a public-private grant model in addition to equity-based funding.
Data Points:
  • Grants can be directly managed by the government.
  • A public-private grant initiative is proposed, similar to DARPA in the USA.
  • The sector is seeking increased government allocation for R&D.
  • Explore More

17. Disinformation Security

Trend: An emerging technology category focused on discerning trust.
Data Points:
  • Technologies that can identify misinformation and fake content are becoming essential.
  • A systematic approach to validating sources and content is needed.
  • Explore More

18. Hybrid AI

Trend: Integrating multiple AI methodologies for more adaptable systems.
Data Points:
  • Combining machine learning, neural networks, symbolic reasoning, and human expertise.
  • Creation of systems that can perform complex tasks.
  • Explore More

19. Generative AI and Autonomous Technologies

Trend: Generative AI will continue to revolutionize industries.
Data Points:
  • Automating content creation, design, and decision-making.
  • Autonomous vehicles and AI-powered logistics are gaining traction.
  • Explore More and Explore More

20. AI-Native Applications

Trend: AI-native apps will see the strongest funding momentum.
Data Points:
  • Increase in AI-native companies reaching $50M in ARR.
  • Increase in AI exits, but M&As will trump IPOs.
  • Explore More
This detailed list outlines the major trends expected to shape the deep tech landscape in 2025, providing insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry veterans alike.
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FAQ

Q: What major trend is anticipated in the deep tech sector by 2025?
A: An increase in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is expected as companies face tight funding and scaling challenges in the sector. Learn more about deep tech trends.
Q: How will artificial intelligence impact deep tech startups in 2025?
A: AI is expected to remain a primary driver of growth, with investments focusing heavily on this technology across various sectors. Discover AI's influence on deep tech.
Q: What specific hardware investment trends are projected?
A: While overall investment in hardware may not see a significant surge, areas such as semiconductors and industrial robotics are expected to see strong demand. Read about hardware investment trends.
Q: What is the focus for the next phase of AI development?
A: The focus will shift towards utilizing real-world data that isn't readily available online to train AI models for various applications. Explore the future of AI.
Q: How will in-space propulsion technology evolve?
A: Rapid advancements in the space industry will push for innovations in propulsion technologies aimed at improving spacecraft positioning and facilitating deeper space exploration. Learn more about space technologies.
Q: What role will nuclear fusion play in the energy landscape for AI?
A: As AI's energy demands increase, there will be exploration into nuclear fusion as a long-term solution to meet these needs. Discover the energy trends for AI.
Q: How is venture capital funding expected to change for hardware startups?
A: Venture capital funding directed towards hardware startups is expected to double to 40% in 2025 due to a realization of hardware's importance for future tech revenues. Read about VC funding trends.
Q: Are there any expectations for public-private partnerships in deep tech?
A: More public-private partnerships are anticipated, focusing on sustainability and ethical technology development as Europe and the UK seek leadership in emerging technologies. Learn more about partnerships.
Q: What commitments has the European Innovation Council made regarding deep tech investment?
A: The EIC plans to invest €1.4 billion in deep tech and strategic technologies, with a significant portion aimed at promoting private-sector co-investment. Discover EIC's investment plans.
Q: How is generative AI expected to change various industries?
A: Generative AI will continue to revolutionize industries by automating content creation and design, as well as enhancing decision-making processes through autonomous technologies. Explore generative AI developments.

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. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
2025-05-22 08:25 Top 20