10 deep-tech startups solving Asia’s toughest challenges in 2025

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Deep technology is reshaping Asia’s innovation landscape. From AI and robotics to quantum computing and sustainable materials, startups across the region are tackling urgent issues—climate change, healthcare access, food security, and energy resilience. In 2025, these ten deep-tech ventures are proving that science-driven innovation can power real-world impact.

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QpiAI |

Founders: Shailendra Kumar, Dr. Debanjan Borthakur

Valuation of $320 million; backed by venture capital from HNIs and government grants.

Founded in 2019, QpiAI is pioneering quantum computing and AI convergence for industrial optimization. The company develops hybrid quantum-AI models that help manufacturing and logistics firms improve efficiency and sustainability. Its platform, QpiAI Explorer, is being used in aerospace and smart grid projects, showcasing India’s growing edge in deep-tech research and applied innovation.

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SakunAI Robotics |

Founders: Riku Tanaka and Dr. Mika Ishida

Series B funding of $60 million; strategic partnerships with Mitsubishi Electric and Toyota.

Established in 2020, SakunAI builds adaptive robotic systems for industrial automation and elderly care. Its proprietary “bio-mimetic AI” allows robots to learn motor skills more naturally, improving efficiency and safety in factories and care facilities. The company represents Japan’s push to solve labor shortages and aging population challenges through intelligent robotics.

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RWDC Industries |

Founders: Dr. Daniel Carraway and Roland Wee

Funding of over $200 million from Temasek and Blue Horizon Ventures.

Founded in 2015, RWDC develops PHA-based biodegradable materials as alternatives to petroleum plastics. Its deep-tech biopolymer research is helping Asia tackle plastic waste and carbon emissions. With large-scale production facilities in Singapore and the U.S., RWDC is a prime example of science-led sustainability innovation driving global environmental change.

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Fano Labs |

Founders: Dr. Miles Wen and Prof. Victor Li

Funding of $20 million; backed by Horizons Ventures.

Founded in 2015, Fano Labs specializes in speech AI and natural language processing for multilingual environments. Its AI engine supports 15+ Asian languages and dialects, helping banks and governments improve accessibility and customer service. The company’s innovations demonstrate how linguistic AI can bridge Asia’s cultural and communication divides.

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Boson Energy |

Founders: Jan Grimbrandt and Dr. S. Ramesh

Funding over $150 million; partnerships with Tata Power and NTPC.

Boson Energy uses plasma-assisted gasification to convert waste into clean hydrogen. Founded in 2018, it operates pilot plants in India and Europe. By combining physics-based innovation with circular economy models, Boson Energy is addressing Asia’s dual challenges of waste management and renewable energy transition.

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Taisei BioFab |

Founders: Akira Suzuki and Prof. Naomi Watanabe

Valuation of $180 million; collaborations with Kyoto University.

Established in 2021, Taisei BioFab develops biofabrication technology for regenerative medicine. Its deep-tech breakthroughs include 3D-printed vascular tissues and smart biomaterials for wound healing. The company’s hybrid approach, merging biotech and robotics, reflects Japan’s expanding influence in next-generation healthcare innovation.

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Aigen Elements |

Founders: Kim Hyun-woo and Park Seo-jin

Raised $75 million in Series B; supported by LG and Korea Investment Partners.

Founded in 2019, Aigen Elements specializes in AI-powered climate modeling for agriculture. Its deep-learning systems analyze soil, satellite, and climate data to help farmers adapt to changing weather conditions. The platform is already deployed across South Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia, empowering small farmers with data-driven resilience tools.

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OpenOcean Robotics |

Founders: Amir Rahman and Dr. Nur Farah

Funding of $35 million; backed by Petronas Ventures and Khazanah Nasional.

Founded in 2020, OpenOcean Robotics builds solar-powered autonomous marine drones for ocean monitoring and resource exploration. Its deep-tech sensors collect data for fisheries, oil platforms, and climate research. The startup is driving sustainable ocean intelligence in one of Asia’s most resource-rich and ecologically critical regions.

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GaNPower Semiconductor |

Founders: Dr. Lin Wei and Dr. Joseph Chang

Valuation over $600 million; strategic partnerships with TSMC and MediaTek.

Founded in 2016, GaNPower develops gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors that power EVs, 5G, and renewable energy systems. Its innovations have improved energy conversion efficiency by up to 25%. By focusing on advanced materials and sustainable chip design, GaNPower plays a crucial role in Asia’s semiconductor sovereignty.

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Entomal BioTech |

Founders: Dr. Kenneth Tan and Jasmine Teh

Series A funding of $12 million; processing 10 tons of organic waste daily.

Founded in 2019, Entomal BioTech converts organic waste into high-value protein using black soldier fly larvae. Its proprietary AI-based systems monitor bioconversion efficiency in real-time. The company’s circular bioeconomy model is addressing Asia’s food waste crisis while supporting sustainable feed and fertilizer production.

Asia’s deep-tech founders are tackling challenges that stretch beyond profitability—waste, climate resilience, food security, and healthcare. These ten startups are turning scientific research into scalable solutions that blend innovation with purpose. As governments and investors increase funding for applied science, Asia is poised to lead the next global wave of deep-tech impact.

Discover more inspiring journeys on Feature.Asia: 10 Entrepreneurs Under 30 Changing Asia’s Economy

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