Investing in Deep Tech for the Future: “A Quantum Leap”
In a world moving at the speed of light, Chile has the opportunity to not only participate in, but also lead, the next technological revolution. Deep Tech innovation, like the quantum computing, the advanced biotechnology and the next-generation artificial intelligence, is not just science fiction; it is the foundation of our future prosperity. But how do we balance the audacity of this ambition with the reality of our budgets? It is time for the Chilean State to take the lead, establishing a sovereign wealth fund dedicated to Deep Tech, and invite our companies to explore this unlimited horizon.
The Most Common Challenges of Deep Tech Innovation
Investing in frontier technologies carries risks, yes.financial challenges are obvious:
High initial costs: Deep Tech research and development is capital intensive.
Long ripening cycles: Investment returns can take years to materialize.
Shortage of specialized talent: Training experts in emerging fields is a bottleneck.
Technological uncertainty: Technology may evolve or face unforeseen barriers.
These factors can discourage early private investment, creating a gap that only a strategic vision at the state level can close.
Cost-Effective Strategies to Drive Innovation
The key to success in Deep Tech is not spending recklessly, but invest intelligently and strategically:
Creation of Sovereign Wealth and Venture Capital Funds: A Chilean sovereign wealth fund for Deep Tech would provide the patient, long-term capital these innovations require. This fund could co-invest with private capital, demystifying the risk and attracting more players to the ecosystem.
Public-Private Partnerships and Centers of Excellence: Promote collaboration between the State, universities, research centers, and private companies.Canada, for example, has boosted its quantum ecosystem through theQuantum Algorithms Institute in British Columbia, a hub for collaboration between academia and industry.
Tax Incentives and Targeted Subsidies: Offer tax breaks for Deep Tech R&D, as well as targeted grants for startups and pilot projects. Australia has successfully used programs such as Research and Development Tax Incentive to encourage business investment in innovation.
Talent Development and Training:Invest in educational and training programs in areas such as quantum computing. Spain, with initiatives such as the Quantum Spain project, is investing in supercomputing infrastructure and training the next generation of quantum experts.
Agile Methodologies and Rapid Prototyping: Although Deep Tech has long cycles, adopting lean principles to test hypotheses and build prototypes quickly can reduce resource waste.
International Success Stories that Inspire Chile
Several countries and companies are leading the way:
Canada: In addition to the Quantum Algorithms Institute, the Canadian government has invested significantly in the National Research Council (NRC)to support cutting-edge quantum research, positioning the country as a global leader.
Australia: Companies like Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC), supported by the University of New South Wales and the government, are at the forefront of silicon qubit development, demonstrating the power of collaboration in bringing laboratory research to market.
Italy: The CINECA Supercomputing Center and other state-backed initiatives are building crucial infrastructure for research in high-performance computing and emerging technologies, including quantum computing.
These examples show that with a clear vision, strategic support from the state, and private sector participation, it is possible to transform a country's technological landscape.
The Urgency of Awareness: Quantum Cybersecurity and the Cost of Inaction
It is essential to develop a deep awareness on the imminent impact of these technologies.Being late and reactive is always much more costly.than a proactive investment. A clear and immediate impact is the quantum cybersecurityAdvances in quantum computing threaten to break current cryptographic schemes that protect everything from our banking transactions to the country's critical infrastructure.
It's not a distant threat; it's a rapidly approaching reality. It's imperative that Chilean businesses and the government begin to respond now.assess the security of your current cryptographic systems against the quantum threat. This involves:
Understanding the risks:Know which systems are vulnerable.
Investigate post-quantum solutions:Become familiar with cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to quantum attacks.
Planning the migration:Prepare a roadmap to upgrade systems to a level"Quantum Safe".
Investing in Deep Tech is not only an opportunity for economic growth, but a national defense strategy and of preservation of digital sovereigntyDelaying this preparation represents an unacceptable risk to the data security and operational continuity of our organizations.
Conclusions: Chile's Time is Now
Chile has the potential, talent and ambition to be a relevant player in the global Deep Tech scene.sovereign wealth fund dedicated to these technologies will not only mitigate the initial risks, but will send an unequivocal signal to the world:Chile is ready for the future.
I call upon:
To the State of Chile:To promote this sovereign wealth fund, establishing a framework that encourages long-term investment and collaboration in Deep Tech. Quantum cybersecurity must be an urgent priority.
To Chilean Companies:Take the initiative. It's time to know, evaluate and pilot innovations such as quantum technology, especially in the area of system security. Explore partnerships with research centers, participate in pilot programs, and train your teams.
The future doesn't wait. Let's invest together in theDeep Tech and position Chile at the forefront of the next technological era.