The Critical Tech

🚀 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 10: 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 2025 🚀 Welcome to The Critical 10! This month, we continue to explore the most innovative and trailblazing startups that are setting the pace for technological advancements. From eco-friendly breakthroughs to revolutionary deep tech developments, here are ten deep tech startups you should keep an eye on: 🤖 Sereact:  Pioneers in embodied AI for robotics, enhancing autonomy and efficiency in robotics with advanced AI, enabling robots to perform complex, real-world tasks autonomously.  🛰️ Spaceium Inc. (YC S24): Focuses on next-generation satellite technology to enhance global communication networks, offering faster, more reliable internet access from space. 🦾 Tetsuwan Scientific: Innovates in the field of robotics, creating advanced robotic arms that are flexible, intelligent, and capable of performing complex assembly tasks with high precision. 🌬️ Clairity Technology: Specializes in air quality monitoring solutions that utilize cutting-edge sensor technology and AI to provide real-time, actionable environmental data. 🚁 Upside Robotics: Develops drone technology for automated inspection and maintenance of large infrastructures, improving safety and efficiency in the utilities and telecommunications industries. 🏢 Monumental: Offers groundbreaking 3D printing technologies that revolutionize construction processes, enabling the rapid, cost-effective building of eco-friendly structures. 💻 NcodiN:  Revolutionizes computing with light-based ultra-fast, energy-efficient interconnects for next-gen processors. ☁️ Ferry: Accelerates digital manufacturing with AI-powered, data-driven applications that evolve alongside your operations. ⚙️ Arondite: Excels in the creation of wear-resistant coatings that extend the life of industrial machinery, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. 🧪 Via Separations: Specializes in chemical separation technologies that significantly reduce energy consumption in industrial processes, promoting sustainability in the chemical manufacturing industry. 𝑾𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒄𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈-𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎. Have you come across any groundbreaking tech startups recently? 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒖𝒔 𝒅𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚. We might feature your suggestion in our next edition of The Critical 10! 🚀 #TechInnovation #DeepTech #Sustainability #TheCritical10 #Startups Luigi Di Piazza | Dr. Micol C. | The Critical Tech

🚀🌌 SuperCritical episode with Joshua Western from Space Forge is out! 🛰️✨ Building on the momentum of a historic week, Space Forge just secured the first-ever UK license for in-space advanced manufacturing—a massive leap for the future of space-based industry. "If the 19th century was about coal, and the 20th century was about oil—then the 21st century is about semiconductors." On the latest SuperCritical episode, I sat down with Josh to explore: 🌍 Why making semiconductors in space is no longer science fiction 🏭 How Space Forge is building micro-orbiting factories 🔬 The cutting-edge materials that can ONLY be made in space 🚀 The future of asteroid mining, quantum tech, and next-gen semiconductors 💡 Are you working on something groundbreaking in space or deep tech? Let’s talk! I’d love to feature more founders, operators, and researchers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Drop a comment or DM me! 👇 📌 Podcast link + major media coverage in the first comment! The Critical Tech | Dr. Micol C. | Luigi Di Piazza #SpaceTech #DeepTech #SuperCritical #SpaceForge #Semiconductors #Startups #VC #SpaceEconomy

🌟 Discover the Ultimate VC Tech Stack for 2025! We’ve stumbled upon a fantastic market map detailing the essential tools used by venture capitalists to excel. Whether you're enhancing productivity, managing funds, or optimizing operations, this map offers invaluable insights for any deep tech company looking to navigate the investment landscape. Dive deeper into how these tools can transform your business in our latest podcast episode! 🚀 #DeepTech #VentureCapital #TechTools #Innovation Luigi Di Piazza | Dr. Micol C.

🚀 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝟭𝟬: 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 🚀 Welcome to The Critical 10! Each month, we highlight ten groundbreaking startups that are not just navigating the future but actively defining it. As we venture into February 2025, let's dive into the cutting-edge advancements and transformative solutions offered by these emerging leaders in deep tech: 🔋 alteva (DE): Specializes in ultra-lightweight, high-performance batteries crafted from innovative carbon materials. These batteries are designed to decarbonize sectors such as aviation, heavy machinery, and long-haul transportation. 🌀 apheros (CH): Engineers ultra-high surface area metallic foams that provide superior cooling performance, enhancing efficiency across various applications. 🛰️ Starcloud (YC S24) (formerly Lumen Orbit) (US): Develops orbital data centers powered by solar energy, aiming to process AI workloads in space to minimize Earth-based data transfer costs. 🤖 Avalor AI (NL): Offers hardware-agnostic AI software that enables autonomous mission planning for unmanned systems in air, land, and sea, significantly enhancing military operational capabilities. 🧬 OGMA Bio (US): Utilizes AI to develop nanomaterials that emulate the effectiveness of natural catalysts, aiming to overcome their limitations and unlock new possibilities in biochemical applications. ⛏️ Alta Resource Technologies (US): Pioneers advanced biochemistry in mining to source critical raw materials more efficiently, aiming to power next-generation technologies and enhance economic security. 🚦 Hazen.ai AI (Saudi Arabia): Leads in traffic AI innovation, using computer vision and deep learning to develop intelligent traffic analytic software that helps reduce road accidents. 🔭 Muotech (Poland): Offers safe and precise non-invasive imaging solutions, leveraging space assets to advance medical and industrial applications. 🛡️ Nanite Solutions (IN): Develops advanced nanotechnology-based solutions for industrial coatings that significantly reduce wear and tear, enhancing longevity and performance in extreme environments. 🔋 QuantumScape (US): Focuses on developing next-generation solid-state lithium batteries that promise significantly higher energy density, faster charging, and longer lifespan for electric vehicles. Who will be the next innovator to catch our eye? We are tirelessly scouting for the most revolutionary startups that are reshaping industries and advancing the frontiers of technology. If you know of a dynamic deep tech company that deserves a spotlight, we'd love to hear about it! Share your suggestions in the comments or contact us directly. 💚 Luigi Di Piazza | Dr. Micol C. | The Critical Tech #Innovation #DeepTech #Startups #Technology #FutureTech #TechTrends

🚀 A Bessemer Moment for Biomanufacturing? 🏭🧬 We sat down with Massimo Portincaso, CEO of Arsenale Bioyards, to explore how they are shattering cost barriers in precision fermentation—driving a paradigm shift in industrial biotech. 🔬 What’s Changing? Instead of trying to scale up research environments, Arsenale flips the script: bringing industrial conditions into the lab. This unlocks a 10x reduction in cost, making bio-based production truly competitive for the first time. In this must-listen conversation, we dive into: 📌 From extraction to creation – moving from an exploitative to a generative approach in biomanufacturing. 📌 Economies of scale vs. economies of learning – why iteration speed might matter more than factory size. 📌 AI + sensing tech – making biomanufacturing as scalable and predictable as software. 🌍 Why It Matters Biomanufacturing has the potential to redefine food, medicine, and materials—but only if it can compete on cost. With this breakthrough, Arsenale Bioyards is making that future real. 🔥 Big Congrats to Massimo and the Arsenale team on coming out of stealth and announcing their $10M seed round led by Planet A Ventures and byFounders, with participation from CDP Venture Capital SGR, Acequia Capital, and Plug and Play Europe. If you’re excited about the industrialization of biotech, AI-driven bioprocessing, and the future of sustainable production, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎙️ 🎧 Listen now & explore the insights (plus the Dario Amodei article mentioned in the episode) ⬇️ #Biomanufacturing #DeepTech #PrecisionFermentation #AI #IndustrialBiotech #SuperCritical #Innovation #TechInvestors #VentureCapital #TechCommunity #Founders #Sustainability #BusinessGrowth #CriticalTech Luigi Di Piazza Dr. Micol C.

Today, Deel (YC W19) announced that new anchor investors, including General Catalyst and a sovereign investor, have purchased nearly $300 million in secondary shares from early investors. This marks a major milestone, highlighting the company’s strong momentum and the confidence investors have in Deel’s long-term vision. Founded by Alex Bouaziz and Shuo Wang, Deel has also achieved a run rate of $800 million as of December 2024, reflecting 70% year-over-year growth— and has been profitable for over two years. Since graduating from YC in 2019, Deel has expanded from a two-product hiring solution to a comprehensive platform that simplifies global workforce management. Now serving 150 countries, Deel combines HRIS, payroll, compliance, benefits, performance, and more into one unified solution. Congrats to the team on the incredible new milestone! https://lnkd.in/g-uXMC6u

🚀 The Critical 10: Deep Tech Startups to Watch in January 2025 🚀 Welcome to The Critical 10! In this series, we spotlight the most innovative and boundary-pushing startups shaping the future of technology. From sustainable solutions to cutting-edge advancements, here are ten deep tech startups to watch this month: 🧲 Chipiron (FR): Leveraging the emerging properties of ultra-low magnetic fields (<10 mT), they are building the first lightweight, inexpensive, open full-body MRI machine without compromising image quality. 🔍 CuspAI (UK): This is a search engine for materials—users can input the properties they desire, and the platform will generate the necessary chemical composition. 🌱 PolyGone (US): Develops natural microparticle filter technology and has created a product called the ‘Plastic Hunter,’ which captures microplastic debris through biometric root filters that mimic the structure of aquatic plants. 🎲 Quantum Dice (UK): Innovator in quantum random number generation (QRNG), providing true, unbiased random numbers critical for cryptographically secure keys used in enterprise communication technologies. 🌾 HutanBio (UK): HutanBio has developed HBx, a cost-effective, high-energy density biofuel using CO₂ to grow algae in specialized bioreactor farms, eliminating the need for genetic modification or extensive land use. 🛠️ Manukai AG (CH): An ETH Zurich spinoff, their CAM Copilot software optimizes CNC machining processes, significantly reducing machine programming time and enhancing manufacturing efficiency. 📏 NanoSen (Ger): Develops and mass-produces advanced, ultra-thin, flexible force sensors using a unique Polymer Nano Composite material. ⚛️ Pasqal (FR): As quantum computing continues to grow, their development of next-gen technologies is vital. 👁️ SparingVision (FR): A biotechnology company developing novel gene therapies for the treatment of retinal diseases. 🚀 Stroke Space (US): Their work on fully reusable rockets is pivotal for sustainable space access. Who's next on our radar? We’re constantly on the lookout for groundbreaking startups transforming industries and pushing technological boundaries. Know an exciting deep tech company we should feature? Drop your recommendations in the comments or reach out to us directly. 💚 Luigi Di Piazza | Dr. Micol C. | Evan Kervella | Chad Edwards | Nathaniel Banks | Ramy Shelbaya | Paul Beastall | Daniel Wälchli | Pascal Weber | Rajarajan Ramalingame | Georges-Olivier REYMOND | Stephane Boissel | Andy Lapsa

“Only What Can Be Measured Can Be Controlled”—Revisiting Sensing in the AI Era The famous quote remains a cornerstone of innovation, but in the age of AI, it needs an update. Sensors aren’t just tools for measurement—they’re the lifeblood of physical AI systems. From autonomous vehicles to robotics and healthcare, sensors enable machines to perceive, interpret, and act in the real world. But here’s the big question: Are today’s sensors ready to meet the demands of next-generation AI models? 1️⃣ What Sensing Platforms Do We Use Today? We rely on: • Traditional Sensors like cameras, LiDAR, and microphones. • Advanced Systems such as IoT networks and multi-modal sensor arrays. • Emerging Technologies like quantum sensors and edge-AI sensors. 2️⃣ Why Aren’t These Sensors Enough? It’s not just about sensing better—it’s about implementing smarter. • Many sensors are too bulky, fragile, or costly for scalable use. • Integration bottlenecks and siloed data hinder efficiency. • Environmental challenges (low light, high humidity, interference) remain unsolved. 3️⃣ Where Are the Opportunities? The future lies in rethinking sensing: • Miniaturization & Modular Design for compact, energy-efficient deployment. • Edge-AI Sensors to reduce latency and bandwidth needs. • Cross-Modal Sensing to combine visual, thermal, and acoustic data for richer insights. • Environmental Resilience to thrive in extreme or unpredictable conditions. What are your thoughts on the evolution of sensing? Who is building the future of sensing?

On this week's episode of SuperCritical, we were joined by Michael Lazarenko, co-founder of Embedd.it, to explore the fascinating (and often frustrating!) world of embedded software. 💡 3 Key Learnings from the Episode: 1️⃣ The hidden complexity of embedded systems: Building modern devices requires bridging hardware and software in ways that are more intricate—and more important—than ever before. 2️⃣ Standardization is the missing link: The lack of unified chip descriptions is slowing down innovation—but Michael explains how Embedded is tackling this bottleneck. 3️⃣ Testing as the ultimate safeguard: In embedded systems, testing isn’t just troubleshooting—it’s ensuring devices are safe, functional, and ready for market. 🎧 Curious? Here’s what else we cover: - The challenges engineers face when developing embedded systems. - How data models can reshape the semiconductor industry. - Insights on trends shaping aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics. Luigi Di Piazza | Dr. Micol C. #SuperCritical #DeepTech #Innovation #Startups #TechInvestors #Entrepreneurship #VentureCapital #TechCommunity #Founders #EmbeddedSystems #Technology #BusinessGrowth #CriticalTech #Electronics #FutureOfHardware #hardtech

🚀 The Critical 10: Deep Tech Startups to Watch in November 2024 🚀 Welcome to The Critical 10! This month, we spotlight deep tech startups leading innovation across various sectors. These companies are shaping the future with their groundbreaking technologies. 🏗️ Optiml (Switzerland, 2022): offers AI-powered software for net-zero real estate investment and renovation planning, empowering asset managers with sustainable solutions. ⚡ Texture (USA, 2023): develops platforms for distributed energy, eliminating data silos to enhance grid optimization and efficiency. 💾 Neuronova (Italy, 2024): specializes in AI chips that deliver high performance with lower energy consumption, empowering the next generation of smart devices. 🌍 ClimateAligned (UK, 2022): provides climate analytics for finance, enabling investors to assess and monitor the impact of their investments efficiently. 🚀 Inversion (USA, 2021): develops reusable orbital vehicles for payload delivery and retrieval, transforming logistics in the space economy. 🔍 Xavveo (Germany, 2023): creates advanced photonic sensor technologies for autonomous vehicles, enhancing safety and efficiency in transportation. 🚢 HavocAI (USA, 2024): delivers scalable maritime autonomy solutions, focusing on intelligent uncrewed surface vessels for ocean navigation. 🌱 CREW Carbon (USA, 2022): engineers innovative wastewater treatment processes to safely remove CO₂ and capture greenhouse gases efficiently. 🔥 Bedrock Energy (USA, 2022): pioneers geothermal heating and cooling systems, decarbonizing buildings and promoting sustainable energy solutions. 🧬 Coding Bio (UK, 2020): leverages machine learning to design modular immunotherapies, advancing cell therapy for enhanced immune activation. Who should we feature next? We are always looking for the freshest and most innovative companies pushing the boundaries of technology. Share your suggestions in the comments or message us directly! Stay tuned as we spotlight more transformative startups and technologies shaping our world. #DeepTech #Innovation #Startups #Tech2024 #TheCritical10 #DeepTech #Innovation #Startups #TechInvestors #Entrepreneurship #VentureCapital #TechCommunity #Founders #Technology #BusinessGrowth #CriticalTech #SuperCritical Dr. Micol C. | Luigi Di Piazza | The Critical Tech