TOKYO, Jun 13 (News On Japan) –
A brand new rating of ‘applied sciences which might be attracting funding’ has simply been revealed, with an evaluation of a number of the most promising improvements.
The rating, compiled collectively by Nikkei Cross Tech and Zuba, which operates a startup database, makes use of the newly developed Technology Future Investment Index. This index combines two metrics: a development index calculated from the expansion in fundraising quantities for every expertise, and a maturity index based mostly on the variety of fundraising rounds. Together, these present a brand new benchmark for figuring out which applied sciences corporations ought to take into account investing in subsequent.
Nikkei Cross Tech has now publicly launched the highest 50 applied sciences for the primary time. Leading the listing is AI brokers, which autonomously carry out duties rather than people. The whole quantity of funding raised on this sector has reached 4.2 billion {dollars}, and the speedy progress in funding has resulted in a very excessive index rating.
In fifth place is 3D streaming, which delivers three-dimensional video and digital content material to units equivalent to head-mounted shows. This discipline stands out for its potential, with a maturity index of 73.1, indicating substantial room for progress.
Among the varied superior applied sciences included within the rating, Okabe highlights people who strike a stability between progress in capital influx and progress potential. He notably notes the promise of rock weathering acceleration, which ranked second.
In this expertise, crushed rock is unfold over farmland. The calcium and magnesium contained within the rock bind with carbon dioxide within the environment, lowering CO2 ranges. While this weathering course of usually takes over a thousand years in nature, by pulverizing the rock and growing its floor space, it’s potential to speed up the elimination of carbon dioxide. Takao Nakagaki, a professor at Waseda University who’s advancing analysis on rock weathering acceleration alongside nationwide research, additionally sees nice potential on this strategy. “It’s an easily applicable technology that doesn’t require complex processes and could be implemented quickly,” Nakagaki stated. “Since there will always be unavoidable CO2 emissions, carbon fixation technologies for the atmosphere are absolutely essential. I hope this technology sees significant adoption.”
In addition to contributing to decarbonization, rock weathering acceleration can be anticipated to spice up crop yields and enhance soil circumstances. Its potential has even attracted consideration from main U.S. tech corporations. In December final 12 months, Google and others invested 58.2 million {dollars}, or roughly 8.4 billion yen, within the American startup Lithos, which makes a speciality of rock weathering acceleration.
Until now, there was little quantitative knowledge to foretell technological progress based mostly on capital inflows. While the Technology Future Investment Index doesn’t assure outcomes, Okabe hopes it’ll function a great tool for gauging expectations for technological growth.
When requested concerning the function behind creating this rating, Okabe defined that it goals to supply corporations with a beneficial reference level to determine rising fields worthy of early funding consideration.
Source: テレ東BIZ