DeepTech: Emerging Frontiers — Mini Blog #7
Material Science
In our last few blogs, we focused on the potential of digital technologies such as AI and Crypto Infrastructure. In subsequent blogs, we will focus on the innovations in the physical domain — something we term “Beyond Digital”. In this segment, we will talk about, Material Science which is the key horizontal technology that will play a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We are excited about material science and believe that “Just as data is to AI, material science is to physical innovation”.
To define it, material science is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses science, engineering and technology of developing new materials with unprecedented properties and functionalities. The importance of material science reflects in how different time periods of humanity have been named after the material of the time — for example, the bronze age, iron age, copper age, etc. Even in recent history, materials innovation has revolutionized multiple industries. For example, we enjoy the benefits of electronics thanks to all the advancements in semiconductor materials and processes. We have now begun to hit the limits of the existing semiconductor materials and the next wave of disruption in the industry will again come from novel alternate materials.
Material innovation is a multi-step process that involves discovery, screening, synthesis, and manufacturing. Scientists today employ various techniques such as AI screening, generative models, robotic automation, high throughput screening, quantum simulations, 3D printing, and more for material outcomes. As a result, we have gradually moved away from a trial-and-error-based approach which used to take decades to tech-driven approaches that have reasonably predictable outcomes and take significantly less time. This acceleration of the process is making the space attractive for investments.
Material science not only accelerates the wheels of industry but also plays a significant role in solving existing societal challenges, for example — alternative food and biostimulants have the potential to solve food scarcity, and biodegradable materials and harboring circular economy through recycling can go a long way in leading to a more sustainable planet.
While the impact of material science spans across industries, we will focus on two areas — synthetic biology and energy storage in the upcoming blogs.
