Deeptech transforms science into concrete solutions. By combining fundamental research and breakthrough innovations, it paves the way for technologies capable of addressing the major challenges of our time. Discover what Deeptech truly entails, its sectors of application, strategic challenges, and the opportunities it presents for startups and talents alike.
What is Deeptech?
Have you heard about deeptech but aren’t entirely sure what it means? It refers to groundbreaking scientific innovations originating from research laboratories and often protected by patents. Unlike so-called “consumer technologies,” deeptech relies on complex technical advancements, requiring time, specialized expertise, and specific support.
Its goal? To fundamentally transform key sectors such as health, energy, or agriculture by leveraging science. In France, Bpifrance actively supports these startups through the Deeptech Plan to foster the emergence of tomorrow’s industrial unicorns.
Which sectors are involved in Deeptech?
Deeptech is not restricted to one domain. It permeates several strategic areas of our economy, where technological transformation can have the most significant impact.
Sector | Description |
|---|---|
Health and Biotechnologies | New therapies, personalized medicine as exemplified by OpenFold, genome editing |
Energy, Climate, and Decarbonization | Green hydrogen, CO₂ capture, breakthrough renewable energies |
Industry, Robotics, and Microelectronics | Intelligent sensors, additive manufacturing, advanced automation |
AI and Quantum Technologies | Quantum computing, deep learning, new data architectures |
Examples of French Deeptech Startups
Ÿnsect and Sustainable Agriculture
Looking for a sustainable alternative to animal proteins? Ÿnsect develops vertical insect farms to produce proteins intended for agriculture, with a lower environmental impact.
Eligo Bioscience and Precision Medicine
Eligo targets only pathogenic bacteria while preserving the microbiota. Through genome editing, this approach avoids the side effects of traditional antibiotics.
Lhyfe and Green Hydrogen
Lhyfe produces renewable hydrogen from wind turbines, without CO₂ emissions. A concrete solution for decarbonizing transportation or heavy industry.
Aledia, Multiwave, Dilepix... Other Inspiring Pioneers
From optical electronics (Aledia) to advanced medical imaging (Multiwave), and agricultural AI (Dilepix), French Deeptech shines in a multitude of sectors where scientific expertise is a decisive factor.
How to Be Labeled Deeptech?
The Role of Bpifrance and the Deeptech Plan
Bpifrance plays a leading role. The Deeptech Plan, launched in 2019, aims to see 500 deeptech startups emerge each year by 2030. It relies on funding, personalized support, and most importantly a Deeptech label, recognized within the innovation ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria for the Label
To qualify for the Deeptech label, your project must:
- Be based on technology from public or private research,
- Have high scientific or technological barriers,
- Involve a high uncertainty risk (technical or temporal),
- Offer a significant market potential.
The Benefits for Project Leaders
Once labeled, you gain access to specific funding, expert networks, enhanced visibility, and strategic support to accelerate your transition from research to market.
Deeptech and Employment: What Opportunities?
The sector recruits at all levels: R&D engineers, project managers, specialized developers, as well as business or communication profiles. By joining a deeptech startup, you work on tangible projects, at the intersection of science and reality, often in stimulating and rewarding conditions.
The Deeptech Tour and the French Ecosystem
The Deeptech Tour, organized by Bpifrance, travels across campuses to introduce this universe to researchers, students, and entrepreneurs. It’s a powerful tool for democratizing scientific innovation, as well as a key moment to inspire vocations. It fits into a burgeoning ecosystem, blending schools, laboratories, incubators, and financiers.
Conclusion
Deeptech is not just a passing trend. It’s a strategic lever capable of profoundly transforming our society by relying on the boldest advances in science. In France, a complete ecosystem is rallying to support these high-impact startups. If you’re looking to innovate, undertake, or simply understand the challenges of tomorrow, you have every interest in focusing on Deeptech. Because that’s where a large part of our scientific, economic, and societal future is being played out.
