Introduction to the Future of Deep Tech
The future of deep tech will shape every industry from healthcare to finance. As venture capital pours record-breaking sums into AI chips, quantum processors, and synthetic biology, the strategic decisions made today will define the next decade of innovation. On Dec 3, 2025, the final StrictlyVC event of the year lands in Palo Alto, promising a candid, data-driven conversation about exactly how these technologies will evolve and where the biggest opportunities lie.
Event Overview: StrictlyVC Palo Alto
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | December 3, 2025 |
| Location | Stanford Guest Hall, Palo Alto, CA |
| Format | 2-hour live panel + 30-minute Q&A + post-event networking |
| Key Speakers | Pat Gelsinger (Intel), Max Hodak (Neuralink spin-off), Nicholas Kelez (DCVC), Aileen Lee (Cowboy Ventures), and several undisclosed deep-tech founders |
| Registration | Free with RSVP – StrictlyVC Event Page |
Deep Tech Landscape in 2025: Market Size, Investment Flow, and Key Sectors
According to Crunchbase data, global deep-tech funding topped $120 B in 2024, a 38% YoY increase. The top three sub-sectors—AI hardware, quantum computing, and synthetic biology—account for 62% of that capital.
| Sub-Sector | 2024 Funding | Projected 2026 CAGR |
|---|---|---|
| AI Accelerators | $42 B | 45% |
| Quantum Processors | $18 B | 55% |
| Synthetic Biology | $15 B | 48% |
Speaker Spotlights: Pat Gelsinger, Max Hodak, Nicholas Kelez, and Others
- Pat Gelsinger – As Intel’s CEO, Gelsinger is steering a $20 B investment into next-gen silicon that can run trillion-parameter AI models on-chip.
- Max Hodak – Co-founder of a Neuralink spin-off, Hodak focuses on brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that could unlock new human-machine symbiosis.
- Nicholas Kelez – Managing Partner at DCVC, Kelez has backed over 120 deep-tech startups, giving him a macro view of where capital is flowing.
- Aileen Lee – Known for coining “unicorn,” Lee will discuss valuation trends for deep-tech exits.
Core Themes Expected at the Event
AI-Accelerated Hardware
- Chip-let architecture: Modular designs that enable rapid upgrades.
- Edge-AI: Deploying inference at the sensor level to cut latency by 70%.
- Energy efficiency: New 3-nm processes promise 10× performance per watt.
Quantum Computing Roadmap
- Error-corrected qubits: IBM and Google aim for >1,000 logical qubits by 2027.
- Quantum-ready software stacks: Open-source frameworks like Qiskit 2.0 will lower the barrier for developers.
Bio-fabrication & Synthetic Biology
- Cell-free protein synthesis: Reduces manufacturing time from weeks to hours.
- CRISPR-based therapeutics: Projected to capture $30 B market by 2030.
Key Takeaways: Actionable Insights for Founders, Investors, and Engineers
- Hardware-First Strategy – Early-stage deep-tech firms should partner with silicon foundries now to secure access to 3-nm nodes before they become mainstream.
- Quantum-Ready Talent – Hiring developers familiar with Qiskit or Cirq will give startups a competitive edge when quantum-as-a-service platforms launch.
- Cross-Domain Collaboration – Successful ventures will blend AI, biology, and energy expertise—think AI-driven drug discovery pipelines.
Practical Implementation: How to Leverage Deep Tech in Your Organization
To stay ahead of the curve, organizations should:
- Assess their tech stack: Identify areas where deep tech can enhance existing infrastructure.
- Foster a culture of innovation: Encourage experimentation and learning from failure.
- Develop strategic partnerships: Collaborate with deep-tech startups and research institutions to access cutting-edge technologies.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The future of deep tech will be shaped by the conversations and decisions made today. By attending the StrictlyVC event in Palo Alto on Dec 3, 2025, you can gain valuable insights into the latest trends and opportunities in deep tech. Register now and join the discussion that will define the next decade of innovation. For more information, visit https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/03/tonight-the-future-of-deep-tech-will-be-explained-to-you-at-strictlyvc-palo-alto/.