MIT “Tough Tech” Statistics

There are a few data sources that I closely follow to understand the temperature of the current market in the Energize space.

One of those data sources comes from The Engine as they produce a great annual report on what they call “Tough Tech”…. and no, there isn’t any affiliation. See below for the details on The Engine, how they describe “Tough Tech” and some stats on the current market. The market is hot, to say the least.

What is The Engine?

The Engine is an early-stage venture firm that invests inTough Tech companies commercializing transformative technology that will lead to a healthier population, more accessible and adaptive society, and a more resilient world.

It was conceived of and created by MIT to address the need for sustained support for startups commercializing breakthrough science and engineering, with the potential to solve intransigent global problems and make a material, positive impact on society. Launched out of MIT in 2016, The Engine was designed as an “innovation orchard”, where Tough Tech founders could have access to capital, infrastructure, and
a growing network of stakeholders needed for them to be successful. Together, these three elements combine to create a model around which we
can build an innovation ecosystem that successfully translates breakthrough research to impact.

What is Tough Tech?

Tough Tech is transformative technology that solves the world’s most difficult challenges through the convergence of breakthrough science, engineering, and leadership. While it is often grouped with Deep Tech or Frontier Tech, Tough Tech differentiates itself by centering on mission and purpose.

Tough Tech has the potential for big returns and global impact, through the creation of new foundational economic infrastructure and by enabling the transformation of existing industrial activities.The Engine’sToughTech founders have proven breakthrough science in labs and are taking the next step to bring their technologies to market and impact.These companies will improve human health and agriculture, build resilient systems, enable adaptive infrastructure, and adapt to—and even reverse—climate change.