at.inc/reflections: Upcycling the way through my SXSW Debut
TL;DR My first SXSW trip introduced me to "upcycle technology," a clever twist on elevating what we already have, ranging from repurposing food waste to employing digital twins for ecological and industrial advancements. This insight opens up new avenues for reimagining how we approach technology's role in solving complex problems.
Hello, everyone! Fresh from the mind-opening journey of SXSW, I'm thrilled to share the discoveries and insights that have deeply enriched my perspective. At at.inc/ we’re all about backing the experts in non-obvious emerging categories, so I embarked on a mission to uncover hidden gems—both the people and the technologies—and SXSW delivered spectacularly.
While the allure of groundbreaking innovation is undeniable, for me, SXSW highlighted the critical importance of refining and perfecting existing technologies. In a landscape where many technologies have reached maturity, the focus shifts towards enhancing what already exists, delivering real solutions to real problems with unmatched efficiency and scalability.
Moving through various panels and pitches, I observed a recurring trend, which I've dubbed "upcycle technology"—a term I came up with after attending a panel on reducing food waste. The discussions centered around innovative approaches to transforming food waste into valuable products. Experts shared insights on making the most of our harvests, upcycling food and ingredients, and fostering collaborations between businesses and governments.
“Upcycle technology” revolves around breathing new life into existing technologies or ideas, enhancing them to serve better, more sustainable purposes. It's a creative twist on recycling—not just reusing but elevating what's already there to a new level of usefulness and efficiency. This approach is not limited to minor tweaks; it's about significant leaps in how we perceive and improve upon the established.
The essence of upcycling technology was vividly present across various domains, from startups revolutionizing supply chains with behavioral modeling to ambitious, well-funded ventures like Google X moonshot’s Tidal. The last one’s use of digital twins for coral reefs opens up new possibilities for research and preservation, offering a groundbreaking approach to understanding and protecting these vital ecosystems. Digital twins are also applicable to optimizing industrial processes and perfecting products.
This upcycled technology approach can be applied to technologies that have been around for a while but are undergoing breakthroughs in technology, regulatory changes, etc. One such area is the exploration of MDMA and psychedelic therapies. Transitioning from being dubbed the "American truth poison" to gaining FDA's "breakthrough therapy" status for treatments of PTSD, depression, migraines, and inflammations signifies a substantial shift in our approach to both mental and physical health.
Another domain is fusion energy. With advancements in hot and cold fusion technologies, the once-distant dream of sustainable, always-on energy seems within reach. International cooperation, public-private partnerships, and growing interest from both energy and tech giants signal a promising future for fusion energy, with applications extending far beyond power generation.
We can even extend the “Upcycled Technology” concept to benefit existing infrastructures - like the city we live in. As cities evolve into dynamic hubs of human activity, companies like our portfolio company InCitu are enhancing communication between citizens and decision-makers, ensuring that urban spaces are designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind.
As I reflect on the vibrant insights from SXSW, "Upcycle Technology" emerges as a guiding principle for innovation—reinventing the familiar to address today's challenges with sustainability at its core. This journey through enhanced supply chains, groundbreaking digital twins, and the expanded potential of psychedelics underscores the power of thoughtful refinement over novelty for novelty's sake. Inspired by this ethos, I'm reminded that the future of innovation lies not just in the new, but in the creatively repurposed, urging us to embrace the untapped potential of the world around us.
Takeaway: Discovering "upcycle technology" at SXSW opened my eyes to the potential of investing in sustainability and innovation. This approach isn't just about finding the next big thing; it's about seeing the value in what's already there and imagining how it can be way better.
What have we covered:
Emphasizing the importance of refining mature technologies for real-world solutions.
"Upcycle Technology", breathing new life into existing technologies or ideas, and its potential to transform industries.
Demonstrating the versatility of digital twins revolutionizing both environmental preservation and industrial efficiency.
Revolutionary shifts in MDMA therapies and fusion energy underscore upcycle technology's impact.
InCitu exemplifies upcycle technology in urban development, enhancing city living.
Final Thoughts: "Upcycle technology" redefines innovation, blending sustainability with the creative enhancement of the existing, paving the way for a future ripe with untapped potential.