DeepTech

Data privacy has become a critical issue in the digital age, and Zama is at the forefront with its innovative homomorphic encryption solutions. Co-founded by Pascal Paillier and Rand Hindi in 2020, the company aims to protect sensitive data through Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE), a groundbreaking technology that allows computations on encrypted data without exposure. As businesses and industries navigate increasing privacy concerns, Zama’s encryption solutions transform data usage in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, healthcare, and finance. A Visionary Start in Data Privacy The inspiration behind Zama arose from the urgent need to balance data privacy with functionality in an increasingly data-driven world. “Zama was born out of a desire to solve the paradox of enabling secure data usage without compromising privacy,” shares Jeremy Bradley, Zama’s COO. This vision has evolved from a research-focused concept to a fully accessible and user-friendly encryption platform, making significant strides in deploying advanced cryptographic solutions that promise to revolutionize industries reliant on big data. The Core Technology: Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) At the heart of Zama’s innovation lies homomorphic encryption, a transformative advancement in the encryption landscape. Traditional encryption methods require data to be decrypted for processing, which exposes it to security risks. “FHE allows data to remain encrypted during computations,” explains Bradley. This capability is vital for sectors such as healthcare and finance, where secure data processing is paramount. Their technology ensures privacy while maintaining high performance, providing practical solutions to real-world challenges. “We’ve optimized our cryptographic algorithms to ensure our solutions are both secure and efficient,” Bradley notes. Zama’s Competitive Edge in Encryption What sets Zama apart from other encryption providers is its commitment to usability and performance. While many competitors focus on theoretical advancements, Zama is dedicated to making homomorphic encryption accessible to developers without requiring extensive cryptographic knowledge. “We emphasize open-source tools, making our technology widely available for innovation and collaboration,” Bradley states. This approach cultivates a community-driven ecosystem where privacy-preserving applications can flourish. Overcoming Challenges in Cryptographic Solutions Developing cryptographic solutions presents numerous challenges, and Zama has faced its share. “Balancing security with performance has been one of our biggest challenges,” admits Bradley. FHE is inherently computationally intensive, but the company has made significant strides in refining the technology to ensure it’s practical for everyday use. Collaborations with the cryptographic research community have been essential in overcoming these challenges and pushing the possible boundaries. Expanding Impact Across Industries and Use Cases Zama envisions a future where FHE is a foundational technology across various sectors. In finance, FHE enables secure data analysis without exposing sensitive information. In healthcare, it allows patient data to be processed securely while adhering to privacy regulations. Governments can also benefit from FHE, ensuring secure data sharing across departments. “We see homomorphic encryption as the bedrock of privacy-preserving innovation,” Bradley emphasizes, highlighting their long-term vision. Zama’s Flagship Product: Concrete In its mission to democratize homomorphic encryption, Zama recently launched Concrete. This is an open-source encryption library designed for efficiency and ease of use. “Concrete allows developers to integrate FHE into their applications without needing to be cryptography experts,” says Bradley. The product will significantly impact the industry by enabling more developers to create secure, privacy-preserving applications. Looking Ahead: Zama’s Strategic Goals Looking to the future, Zama’s strategic goals are clear: to expand the adoption of homomorphic encryption across industries and continue optimizing its solutions. “We’re focused on building a robust ecosystem of developers and partners around our open-source tools,” Bradley shares. By fostering innovation and staying at the forefront of encryption research, Zama is positioned to shape the future of data privacy. Zama’s journey exemplifies the power of visionary leadership and groundbreaking technology. With a focus on practicality, performance, and privacy, Zama is setting new standards for encryption in the digital age. “We’re committed to protecting privacy without compromising functionality,” Bradley emphasizes — a promise that solidifies Zama’s status as a leader in secure data processing.

Edgee, an innovative platform specializing in open-source edge computing, recently secured $2.9 million in funding. This investment will help Edgee tackle modern data processing challenges and provide developers with powerful new tools to build fast and scalable applications. Edge Computing Moves Data Processing Closer to the User Edgee is built around edge computing, a method that moves data processing to the “edge” of the network, closer to the end-user. This reduces latency and boosts performance, making applications run faster. As co-founder Sacha Morard explains, “We’re offering developers a full suite of edge services, from AI to cybersecurity, in an open ecosystem designed for speed and scalability.” By allowing developers to process data closer to the source, Edgee is surely revolutionizing the traditional approach to data handling. Tackling the Data Collection Dilemma: “The Big Lie” One of the main problems Edgee addresses is what the team calls “The Big Lie.” Traditional data collection methods lose 25% of users and 30% of data volume due to ad blockers, privacy regulations, and performance issues. Edgee’s solution brings data processing to the edge of the network, ensuring complete and reliable data collection. “Our platform guarantees that companies collect all the data they need, while maintaining performance and complying with user consent laws,” says Gilles Raymond, co-founder of Edgee. Open Source Edge Computing Solutions for Developers At its core, Edgee provides developers with an even more revolutionary way to collect data using open-source technology. Their platform offers customizable WebAssembly components, which developers can modify to suit their specific project needs. “We’re lowering the barrier to entry for developers,” says Sacha, “allowing them to build faster, more responsive applications without compromising on performance or compliance.” With a focus on flexibility, the open-source nature of Edgee empowers developers to innovate more freely. Serverless Architecture for Seamless Integration Edgee also features a serverless architecture that simplifies deployment, making it easier for companies to adopt and scale their platform. By offering a serverless option, Edgee ensures that businesses can quickly implement their solutions without extensive infrastructure needs. This approach allows companies to focus on innovation rather than on managing complex servers. Future of Open Source Edge Computing With the $2.9 million in funding, Edgee is undoubtedly well-positioned to expand its platform and continue innovating in edge computing. The company plans to grow its suite of services, including AI-driven analytics and cybersecurity tools, all powered by its open-source ecosystem. “This is just the beginning,” also says Sacha. “We’re committed to building a transparent, collaborative ecosystem that drives innovation in edge computing and beyond.” Edgee is not only providing developers with the tools they need to solve today’s data challenges but is also setting the stage for the future of edge computing. With its focus on performance, privacy, and scalability, Edgee is poised to become a key player in the tech landscape.

The name “Active Label” was thoughtfully selected to emphasize its proactive, real-time temperature monitoring technology for temperature-sensitive products. “We wanted the name to capture the dynamic and continuous functionality of our labels,” said CEO Carlo Ricci. “Active” highlights continuous temperature tracking, while “Label” refers to the smart, non-electronic tags seamlessly integrated into packaging. Together, they ensure product safety and freshness throughout the supply chain, addressing concerns in industries like food and pharmaceuticals. Tackling Global Cold Chain Challenges Cold chain management inefficiencies result in the loss of about one-third of food produced for consumption, contributing to both economic losses and environmental impact. “Our innovative solution addresses these challenges by providing real-time temperature and time monitoring,” Carlo stated. Active Label’s patented technology ensures that products are stored and transported under optimal conditions, reducing waste, improving safety, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This applies to both the food and pharmaceutical industries, where temperature-sensitive medications also face storage issues. Research-Driven Innovation Active Label’s founding team consists of researchers from the University of Cagliari, united by their expertise in materials science and optical technology. “Our academic collaboration naturally led to the development of our smart label,” Carlo shared. With a strong partnership with the university, the team combines research with real-world applications to push the boundaries of temperature monitoring technology. This collaboration ensures the retention of intellectual property while leveraging valuable academic resources. Targeting Critical Industries Active Label’s smart temperature monitoring system targets industries where temperature control is essential. “Our primary audience includes food producers, pharmaceutical companies, logistics providers, and large retailers,” Carlo noted. The system ensures real-time, accurate data for temperature-sensitive products like dairy, seafood, medications, and vaccines. Additionally, insurance companies benefit from reliable data, which helps assess risks during storage and transportation, ultimately reducing costs and enhancing product integrity. Differentiating in a Competitive Market Around the Cold Supply Chain Active Label stands out in a market dominated by electronic temperature monitoring systems. “Our competitors, often use expensive electronic devices that offer limited data,” Carlo explained. Active Label’s patented system provides a cost-effective, non-electronic solution that monitors time and temperature, offering detailed product insights. It’s eco-friendly, scalable, and easily integrated into existing packaging for mass production. Poised for Expansion Since its 2023 launch, Active Label has rapidly grown through key partnerships and investments. Backed by Eureka! Venture SGR Spa and collaborate with industry leaders like Rovagnati and Smeralda, the company is conducting real-world testing of its technology. “These partnerships are crucial for commercial validation,” noted Carlo. Aiming for industrial validation by 2024 and commercial agreements, Active Label joined SIAL Startup Village to boost visibility, attract investors, and network with industry leaders. Focused on innovation and sustainability, they aim to revolutionize cold chain management for temperature-sensitive products.

The Hello Tomorrow Global Summit 2024 just wrapped up, and oh boy, was it a spectacle of deep tech wonders! In an exciting twist this year, the opening session set the tone differently. The Mc of welcoming session, Gemma Milne, put it perfectly, saying, “In the past, we’ve talked about deep tech in a way to introduce and persuade people that it’s coming. But this year, we’re here to show that deep tech isn’t just coming, it’s here, and it’s real.” This statement shifts the focus from mere anticipation to real-world application and impact. It highlights that deep tech is no longer a distant future but a present reality. The Hello Tomorrow Global Summit 2024 wasn’t just any gathering; it marked a significant moment showcasing the real-world impact of deep tech in our daily lives. The event buzzed with excitement, bringing together diverse technologies and industries. Whether it was AI, biotech, or space tech, there was something captivating for everyone in attendance. Highlights Exploring the Future: Over 80 Deep Tech Startups and Industry Leaders Unveil Cutting-Edge Technologies The Hello Tomorrow Global Summit 2024 was vibrant with innovation, featuring an impressive lineup of over 80 deep tech startups, as well as major industrial and research entities. Throughout the “Exploring the Future” segment, attendees gained direct exposure to the latest advancements in AI, robotics, biotech, and sustainability. This showcase didn’t just display technology; it emphasized how deep tech is reshaping industries and addressing global issues. Visionary Voices: Exploring Diverse Perspectives on Deep Tech at Hello Tomorrow Global Summit This Summit brought together a diverse group of pioneering speakers from various industries, all converging to discuss and pitch on a range of pivotal topics. These discussions covered a wide spectrum of themes, including “Advanced Computing: New Frontier,” “Aerospace,” “Climate Resilience and Biodiversity,” “Deep Tech Ecosystem,” “Decarbonized Manufacturing and Buildings,” “Energy Transition and Clean Mobility,” “Healthcare for All,” “Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” “Investor Insights,” “Scaling for Global Impact,” and “Sustainable Food Systems.” Industry leaders and innovators tackled each topic, offering valuable insights and suggesting solutions to today’s most pressing global challenges. Their varied backgrounds and expertise added richness to the discussions, showcasing the many facets of deep tech and its ability to make a substantial impact across different fields. These experts’ participation emphasized the summit’s dedication to encouraging dialogue and cooperation in advancing global progress and sustainability efforts. Networking and Collaborations Networking was a key highlight of the summit, uniting a diverse mix of participants such as scientists, tech developers, entrepreneurs, and investors. The event’s user-friendly app made it simple for attendees to connect by providing easy access to each other’s profiles, including their roles and motivations for attending. Moreover, the app facilitated the scheduling of fast meetings in specific rooms, enhancing opportunities for collaborations across different industries and driving innovative advancements in deep tech. This tech integration enhanced networking and highlighted the summit’s dedication to fostering connections among participants. The Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge The Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge is a prestigious event aimed at harnessing deep tech innovations to address pressing global issues. In its 9th edition, the challenge has recognized the startup tozero with a €100,000 prize for their innovative recycling process of lithium-ion batteries, enabling the reintroduction of vital raw materials into the supply chain. Alongside tozero, nine other startups received awards across various categories. Each winner represents the forefront of technological advancements, bringing solutions to some of the world’s most complex challenges. Below, you’ll find a list of all the forward-thinking winners from each category in this year’s challenge. Second prize, the moonshot factory: Robeauté Third prize: Jurata Thin Film Special Boston Consulting Group (BCG) prize: Cambrium Winner of the “Advanced Computing & Electronics” category: FononTech (Netherlands) Winner of the “Aerospace” category: ION-X (France) Winner of the “Digital Health & Medical Devices” category : Robeauté (France) Winner of the “Energy” category : Tozero (Germany) Winner of the “Environment & Biodiversity” category : Carbon Atlantis (Germany) Winner of the “Food & Agriculture” category: Perfat Technologies (Finland) Winner of the “Industrial Biotech & New Materials” category : TopoLogic (Japan) Winner of the “Industry & Machines” category: InSpek (France) Winner of the “Medical Biotech & Pharmaceuticals” category : Jurata Thin Film (United States) Winner of the “Sustainable Construction & Infrastructure” category: Photio (Chile) Trends in DeepTech Women in Tech In the realm of deep tech, women’s representation remains a critical issue. Despite a consistent showcase of women-led startups at the Global Summit, with over half of the recent finalists being women-led, only 6% of deep tech scaleups in Europe have female founders. To address this disparity, Hello Tomorrow is set to amplify the visibility of women-led startups by inviting 29 women co-founders to pitch at their Global Summit. These founders will also gain exclusive access to key networking events like the VIP Cocktail and the Invest in Women Event, showcasing Hello Tomorrow’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs in the deep tech industry. Deep Tech Investment Trends In 2023, deep tech investments showed significant trends with 24% ($79 billion) of funding focusing primarily on sustainability and digital technology. Europe, growing three times faster than North America in this domain, accounted for 20% of these investments. Notably, France and Sweden together concentrated 51% of VC funding in Europe, making them key players investing the most relative to their GDP in deep tech. This reflects the strategic prioritization and evolving landscape of deep tech funding in these regions. The deep tech landscape is thriving, with advanced materials and nanotechnologies leading at an 18% growth rate, followed by quantum computing and synthetic biology from 2017-2023. Notably, healthcare, manufacturing, and food & agriculture are the top sectors, each showing significant application presence in 2023. Notably, the push for decarbonization in cement production emphasizes sustainability, with the industry poised to significantly reduce CO2 emissions by 2050. These figures underscore the pivotal role of emerging technologies and sustainability in shaping the future of industry and environmental efforts. Want more from Sesamers? Stay tuned for all the tech talk! Follow […]

An exclusive interview with the team at Hello Tomorrow to learn more about their upcoming Global Summit 2024!

The DeepTech revolution is already in full swing so we decided to peek behind the curtains with Hello Tomorrow's team to learn more about what's being planned for their upcoming Global Summit.

Searching for the best deep tech events and conferences to attend in 2022? Our collection showcases the best across Europe, Asia and America.

PSW aims to provide concrete technological answers to project leaders, Buyers, agencies, PRIMES, OEMS, SMEs, ETI or research facilities in search of innovative technological solutions adapted to an industrial project or service.

Discover why Hello Tomorrow Global Summit is great for DeepTech startups looking to meet with relevant investors.

Corporate collaboration with DeepTech startups is critical even though it requires different processes and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure results.

As crazy as it sounds, we can technically already "taste" the Internet; in the near future, this information will be sent directly to our brains...but let's start by discovering some currently available projects you should know about.

France has become increasingly focused on 2 pillars for the French Tech ecosystem: Deep Tech & Tech For Good. What happens when these 2 themes intersect?