EIC’s 2024 Tech Report names 34 groundbreaking emerging technologies that shape a strategic roadmap for innovation. AI did not capture central attention.

The European Innovation Council (EIC), the European Union’s flagship program to support deep-tech from early-stage research to market scale-up, released last week a new annual report with a comprehensive watchlist of emerging technologies and breakthrough innovations developed by both funded and aspiring EIC awardees since 2018.

The 2024 Tech Report (PDF) highlights 34 signals, identifying technologies and innovations at early development stages in EIC data that show significant potential for future advancement. 

All signals were identified and selected through sequential quantitative and qualitative assessments of EIC internal data encompassing submissions for funding at low Technology Readiness Levels8 between February 2018 and December 2023. This includes both funded projects and proposals that were not funded due to criteria beyond scientific or technological excellence.

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This comprehensive analysis categorizes advancements under Green, Health, and Digital, Industry and Space domains, offering a roadmap to the technologies that promise to shape the world of tomorrow.

The following emerging technologies will be instrumental in transforming the future, according to the EIC:

Green technologies

1. Plant-based biomanufacturing and metabolic reprogramming: Leveraging plants for biosafe, cost-effective production of biopharmaceuticals and enzymes, these innovations enhance food security and sustainability by creating stress-resilient crops and sustainable manufacturing methods. They also open avenues for producing vitamins and bio-based chemicals, offering a scalable alternative to traditional chemical processes.

2. Tri-parental plant breeding: A revolutionary approach to crop improvement, this method involves three genetic contributors to accelerate the development of climate-resilient plants without genetic modification. This method boosts genetic diversity, leading to crops with higher yields and greater resistance to pests and diseases.

3. Biohybrid sensors: These self-powered, plant-based sensors monitor environmental factors like water stress and nutrient needs, promising advancements in precision agriculture and smart farming. They enable real-time data collection to optimize resource use and improve crop performance.

4. High-temperature thermal energy storage (TES): Innovations in TES, including advanced ceramics and phase change materials, enable efficient industrial heat storage above 600°C, addressing energy demands sustainably. These systems are crucial for integrating renewable energy into industrial processes.

5. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs): Enhancements in SAFs with higher energy densities aim to decarbonize aviation, integrating innovative fuels like liquefied hydrogen and e-fuels. These fuels promise a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining performance standards.

6. Advanced thermal management: From data centers to electric vehicles, thermal management technologies optimize energy use by converting waste heat into valuable energy resources. These systems also improve the longevity and efficiency of electronic devices.

7. Artificial CO2 photosynthesis: Inspired by natural photosynthesis, this innovation converts CO2 into storable fuels, aiding in carbon reduction and renewable energy production. It holds the potential to transform sectors like energy storage and industrial chemistry.

8. Electrosynthesis of urea: This eco-friendly urea production method reduces energy consumption by co-reducing CO2 and nitrogen under ambient conditions. It offers a sustainable solution to meet the high global demand for fertilisers.

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9.

Nanostructured materials for pollution remediation: Cutting-edge materials address water and soil contamination by efficiently degrading persistent pollutants. These materials are also being adapted for use in air filtration systems.

10. Smart aeraulic systems: AI-driven ventilation systems dynamically optimise indoor air quality, balancing health and energy efficiency. These systems are particularly impactful in settings like hospitals and schools.

11. Robotics in architecture and construction: Advanced autonomous robots transform construction processes, improving safety and precision in tasks like concrete pouring and material handling. They also facilitate off-site modular construction.

12. Synthetic data-driven digital twins: This hyper-realistic modelling technology integrates synthetic data to simulate built environments, enhancing urban planning and resource management. These digital twins also enable predictive maintenance for infrastructure.

Health innovations

13. Metabolomics in medicine: Revolutionizing diagnostics, metabolomics reveals disease-specific metabolic signatures, enabling precise treatments for conditions like cancer and neurological disorders. This technology also aids in understanding metabolic responses to new therapies.

14. In-situ bioprinting: This breakthrough allows for the direct printing of tissues onto or within patients, offering personalized solutions for injuries and organ repairs. It eliminates the need for prefabricated implants, reducing treatment times.

15. Targeted protein degradation: Using innovative molecules, this technology eliminates disease-causing proteins, addressing previously undruggable targets in oncology and beyond. It has the potential to tackle neurodegenerative diseases as well.

16. FLASH radiotherapy: Delivering ultra-high-dose radiation in milliseconds, FLASH therapy enhances cancer treatment by minimizing damage to healthy tissues. It also shortens treatment times, increasing patient accessibility.

17. Digital biomarkers: AI-integrated biomarkers provide predictive insights into patient health, revolutionizing disease prevention and personalised medicine. They support real-time monitoring of chronic diseases.

18. 3D and 4D bioprinting: From chronic wound management to dynamic, adaptive tissue constructs, these emerging technologies enable personalised medical interventions with responsive biomaterials. 4D bioprinting introduces self-healing materials that adapt to the body’s needs.

Digital, Industry, and Space

19. Single-Atom Photocatalysis: Pioneering precision in advanced manufacturing, this technique offers unprecedented control at the atomic level for sustainable production. It enables cleaner chemical reactions with reduced energy requirements.

20. Next-generation high-entropy materials: Advanced computational techniques accelerate the discovery of versatile materials for applications ranging from electronics to energy. These materials exhibit superior mechanical and thermal properties.

21. Bio-based sustainable electronics: Replacing harmful substances, bio-based materials pave the way for eco-friendly and high-performance electronic devices. These innovations align with circular economy principles.

22. Ultra-thin 2D materials: These materials improve power efficiency in electronics, advancing next-generation semiconductors and sensors. They also enable flexible and wearable electronic devices.

23. Brain-inspired neuromorphic chips: These chips emulate human neural processes, promising breakthroughs in energy-efficient AI and computing. They are crucial for real-time applications like autonomous vehicles.

24. Non-charge-based memories: Specialized semiconductor applications leverage these novel memory types for enhanced data storage and access speeds. They offer improved reliability and lower energy consumption.

25. Photonic integrated circuits: Driving advancements in quantum computing and ICT, these circuits enhance data transmission and processing capabilities. They are key to scaling quantum technologies.

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26. Quantum compilers: Optimising quantum systems for real-world applications, quantum compilers improve computational accuracy and enable efficient execution of complex algorithms.

27. Fault-tolerant quantum systems: Addressing challenges like noise and decoherence, fault-tolerant quantum systems enhance reliability and pave the way for scalable quantum computing solutions.

28. Miniaturized quantum systems: Scaling quantum technologies to chip-sized solutions, these systems make advanced computing more accessible and portable. They enable quantum functionality in compact devices.

29. Knowledge-driven AI with graph technologies: By harnessing graph structures, this AI evolution enables more intuitive data processing and decision-making systems. It enhances knowledge management in complex industries.

30. Agentic AI for decentralized decision-making: Agentic AI combines autonomous decision-making with collaborative frameworks, optimising operations in distributed environments such as logistics and energy grids.

31. Edge AI for sustainable computing: Focusing on reducing energy consumption, edge AI applications bring computational power closer to the data source, minimizing latency and improving efficiency in IoT devices.

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32. Low-earth orbit satellite technologies: Advances in satellite systems enhance connectivity, enabling precise environmental monitoring and data acquisition. These emerging technologies support disaster response and navigation.

33. High-precision LiDAR instruments: These instruments provide accurate atmospheric and environmental assessments, crucial for climate monitoring. They also support autonomous vehicle navigation.

34. Flexible printed circuit boards: Innovative designs support multi-level integration in space systems, improving satellite efficiency and durability. They enable lightweight and compact electronic solutions.

The EIC Tech Report 2024 highlights the emerging technologies with the potential to redefine industries and address critical global challenges.

By identifying early-stage developments with high potential, the EIC provides a strategic roadmap for future innovation, guiding investment and research efforts. 

One thing is, however, quite curious about the report - it doesn't shift much focus on artificial intelligence, which is the centerpiece of economic and military competition between the United States and China, for example. 

Whether Europe will stand up to these challenges remains to be seen.

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