< Previous2 /9 3 /10 4 TRL /9 M OLECULAR ENERGY SYSTEMS, which is in the Prototype Stage, is the field of research concerned with unlocking the mysteries of how inorganic and organic molecules and matter communicate and interact with one another to transmit information and instructions between entities, and as researchers try to create more efficient energy systems being able to unlock these mysteries becomes increasingly important, both at a large scale, for example, in the development of new mass market battery systems, and at the nanoscale when it comes to using the technology to power tomorrow’s Nano-Machines. DEFINITION Molecular Energy Systems are small molecular sized energy systems capable of generating energy that can be harnessed by a range of devices. EXAMPLE USE CASES Today the first Molecular Energy Systems prototypes are small enzyme engines that are being used to power the first generation of in vivo Nano-Machines. In the future the technology’s primary use case will include helping create better Artificial Photosynthesis products, new Bioelectronic Medicine treatments, and powering Nano-Machines. FUTURE TRAJECTORY AND REPLACABILITY Over the next decade interest in the field will continue to accelerate, and interest and investment will continue to grow at an accelerating rate, primarily led by organisations in the Biotech, Defence and Energy sectors, with support from government funding and university grants. While Molecular Communications is in the Prototype Stage, over the long term it will be enhanced by advances in Artificial Photosynthesis, Bio-Batteries, Bioelectronic Medicine, Biological Computing, Chemical Computing, DNA Computing, DNA Robots, Molecular Assemblers, Molecular Computing, Molecular Robots, Nano-Machines, and Syncell Robots, but this point in time it is not clear what it will be replaced by. MATTHEW’S RECOMMENDATION In the short to medium term I suggest companies put the technology on their radars, and re-visit it every few years until progress in the space accelerates. 15 SECOND SUMMARY Accessibility Affordability Competition Demonstration Desirability Investment Regulation Viability 5 3 3 4 4 3 2 7 1977 2004 2010 2027 2040 STATUS PRIMARY GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS IMPACT STARBURST APPEARANCES: ‘17, ‘18, ‘19 MOLECULAR ENERGY SYSTEMS EXPLORE MORE. Click or scan me to learn more about this emerging tech. 280311institute.com MRL3 /9 4 /10 4 TRL /9 M OLECULAR MOTORS, which are in the Prototype Stage, is the field of research concerned with harnessing some of natures smallest materials to create a new class of microscopic and nanoscale energetic propulsion systems which can be used to enable and power everything from Nanobots and Nanomachines to future Molecular Assemblers whose benefits will influence sectors as diverse as Healthcare, Manufacturing, and beyond. Recently there have been several breakthroughs in the field including researcher’s ability to reliably manufacture the technology and demonstrate fine grained control of its outputs to power and propel a variety of different devices and products. DEFINITION Molecular Motors are molecular sized mechanical devices that are independently capable of generating and sustaining motion. EXAMPLE USE CASES Today Molecular Motors are helping doctors deliver drugs and therapies in a highly targeted way in order to minimise the collateral damage and errant side effects that are often caused by more traditional “scatter gun” treatments. They are also being used in the first basic Molecular Assemblers to help scientists build next generation Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Vehicles. In the future this technology will help open the door to a whole new era of Advanced Manufacturing, Biotech, and Robotics opportunities. FUTURE TRAJECTORY AND REPLACABILITY Over the next decade interest in the field will continue to accelerate, and interest and investment will continue to grow at an accelerating rate, primarily led by organisations in the Manufacturing sector, with support from university grants. In time we will see the technology mature and commercialise, but adoption will be slowed by challenges that involve the reality of reliably manufacturing products at the nanoscale, integrating them with other processes and technologies, and regulation. While Molecular Motors are in the Prototype Stage, over the long term they will be enhanced by advances in 3D Printing, Artificial Intelligence, Molecular Assemblers, Molecular Computing, Molecular Electronics, Nano-Manufacturing, and Nanotechnology, but at this point in time it is not clear what they will be replaced by. MATTHEW’S RECOMMENDATION In the short to medium term I suggest companies put the technology on their radars, explore the field, establish a point of view, and re-visit it every few years until progress in this space accelerates. 15 SECOND SUMMARY Accessibility Affordability Competition Demonstration Desirability Investment Regulation Viability 4 4 3 6 7 4 3 8 1977 1987 2020 2044 2065 STATUS PRIMARY GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS IMPACT STARBURST APPEARANCES: NONE MOLECULAR MOTORS EXPLORE MORE. Click or scan me to learn more about this emerging tech. 281311institute.com MRL3 /9 7 /10 4 TRL /9 N ANO-GENERATORS, which are in the Prototype Stage, is the field of research concerned with finding new ways to use nano sized devices and machines to generate minuscule amounts of energy that can be harnessed to perform and carry out specific actions. Recently breakthroughs in the space have seen the development of a range of Nano-Generators that can turn human blood vessels and other fluids into energy sources, in the same way that a hydroelectric dam generates energy from water flowing through its turbine halls. DEFINITION Nano Generators are nano scale devices capable of converting small scale mechanical and thermal changes within a material or fluid into electricity. EXAMPLE USE CASES Today we are using the first Nano-Generator prototypes to produce electricity from animals blood streams. The future applications of this technology are as yet unclear, other than as a primary way to generate electricity from fluids at the nanoscale to power nanoscale or larger sized devices. FUTURE TRAJECTORY AND REPLACABILITY Over the next decade interest in the field will continue to accelerate, and interest and investment will continue to grow, primarily led by university grants. While Nano-Generators are in the Prototype Stage, over the long term they will be enhanced by advances in 3D Printing, Carbon Nanotubes, Nano-Manufacturing, and Nano- Machines, but at this point in time it is unclear what they could be replaced by. MATTHEW’S RECOMMENDATION In the short to medium term I suggest companies put the technology on their radars, and re-visit it every few years until progress in the space accelerates. 15 SECOND SUMMARY Accessibility Affordability Competition Demonstration Desirability Investment Regulation Viability 4 2 2 5 3 3 2 6 1984 2006 2016 2034 2046 STATUS PRIMARY GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS IMPACT NANO-GENERATORS STARBURST APPEARANCES: ‘17, ‘18, ‘19, ‘20, ‘21, ‘22, ‘23, ‘24 EXPLORE MORE. Click or scan me to learn more about this emerging tech. 282311institute.com MRL6 /9 6 /10 8 TRL /9 N UCLEAR BATTERIES, which are in the Prototype Stage, is the field of research concerned with harnessing the radiation present in nuclear materials to create batteries that last for thousands of years or more before running out. Recently there has been an acceleration in the development of the technology as certain sovereign states see the technology as providing them with a tactical military advantage, especially in the space realm where satellites die when their on board energy reserves run out. That said though the technology also has more benign and practical applications, such as providing surgeons with a solution to the problem of having to replace batteries every ten or so years in pacemakers and other implanted medical devices. DEFINITION Nuclear Batteries are devices which use energy from the decay of radioactive isotopes to generate electricity. EXAMPLE USE CASES Today we have created the first Nuclear Battery prototypes from nuclear waste, by compressing them into diamonds, that can be used to power implanted medical devices indefinitely, and more conventional nuclear batteries that can be used to power satellites. In the future the primary use cases for the technology will include installing the batteries in any devices where changing a battery is complex, impractical, or impossible. FUTURE TRAJECTORY AND REPLACABILITY Over the next decade interest in the field will continue to accelerate, and interest and investment will continue to grow at an accelerating rate, albeit from a low base, primarily led by organisations in the Defence and Energy sectors, with support from government funding and university grants. While Nuclear Batteries are in the Prototype Stage, over the long term they will be enhanced by advances in 3D Printing, Backscatter Energy Systems, Molecular Energy Systems, Printable Batteries, and Nano-Manufacturing, but at this point in time it is not clear what they will be replaced by. MATTHEW’S RECOMMENDATION In the short to medium term I suggest companies put the technology on their radars, and re-visit it every few years until progress in the space accelerates. 15 SECOND SUMMARY Accessibility Affordability Competition Demonstration Desirability Investment Regulation Viability 3 2 4 9 5 5 6 7 1913 1934 1958 1997 2042 STATUS PRIMARY GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS IMPACT STARBURST APPEARANCES: ‘19, ‘20, ‘21 NUCLEAR BATTERIES EXPLORE MORE. Click or scan me to learn more about this emerging tech. 283311institute.com MRL1 /9 4 /10 2 TRL /9 N UCLEAR TRANSMUTATION, which is in the early Prototype Stage, is the field of research concerned with trying to convert long lived radioactive waste nuclei into short lived or stable nuclei. Recently there have been very few breakthroughs in the field, however it now seems theoretically possible to use this technology to reduce the volume and hazard of nuclear waste by bombarding it with neutrons and transforming a large fraction of the long term source of heat, radioactivity, and radiotoxicity in it into stable or short lived - less than 30 years - materials that are easier to handle, manage, and store. And, as the world faces having to dispose of even greater amounts of nuclear waste in the future, this is an interesting technology to watch. DEFINITION Nuclear Transmutation is a change undergone in atomic nuclei that is bombarded by neutrons or other particles. EXAMPLE USE CASES Today the primary use case for Nuclear Transmutation is to use it to turn nuclear waste into a short lived stable and safe material that can be disposed of quickly, safely, and cheaply. FUTURE TRAJECTORY AND REPLACABILITY Over the next decade we will continue to see interest in the field accelerate, albeit from a very low base, predominantly led by the energy sector and government grants. The problem of nuclear waste is a global scourge that’s growing and the cost associated with managing and storing it is only getting worse so while this technology is difficult to develop it’s very attractive. As a result it’s a technology that will likely remain on the fringes being developed by highly specialised teams. While Nuclear Transmutation is in the early Prototype Stage over the longer term it could be enhanced by advances in AI, Materials, Quantum Computing, and other technologies, however over the long term it’s unclear what it could be superceeded by. MATTHEW’S RECOMMENDATION In the short to medium term I suggest companies put the technology on their radars, establish a point of view, and re- visit it every few years until progress in the space accelerates. 15 SECOND SUMMARY Accessibility Affordability Competition Demonstration Desirability Investment Regulation Viability 2 2 2 2 8 3 2 7 1971 1979 2015 2035 2055 STATUS PRIMARY GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS IMPACT NUCLEAR TRANSMUTATION STARBURST APPEARANCES: ‘23 EXPLORE MORE. Click or scan me to learn more about this emerging tech. 284311institute.com MRL5 /9 2 /10 9 TRL /9 O CEAN THERMAL ENERGY, which is in the early Productisation Stage, is the field of research concerned with trying to extract energy from the temperature differences between cooler deep sea waters and shallow warm sea waters. While there have been few breakthroughs in the field recently, including the use of phase changing Ammonia to boost power generation, ironically this is one energy generation technology that could be turbo charged by the anthropogenic warming of the oceans whose temperatures have been creeping up steadily for decades, the result of which means that over the long term this technology could end up generating over 46% more power. DEFINITION Ocean Thermal Energy is a technology that generates energy from the temperature differences in ocean water. EXAMPLE USE CASES The primary use case for Ocean Thermal Energy is to use it to generate electricity in countries that have access to steep continental shelves and where other forms of electricity generation make less sense. FUTURE TRAJECTORY AND REPLACABILITY Over the next decade we will continue to see interest in the field accelerate, albeit from a very low base, predominantly led by the energy sector and government grants. Being eyed up as a potential energy source for countries and islands surrounded by deep waters interest in this technology has remained weak, but as we see heavyweights such as Australia and China entering the field this could change. That said though it is highly likely that this technology will only ever be used to supplement other major energy sources such as renewables. While Ocean Thermal Energy is in the early Productisation Stage over the long term it could be enhanced by advances in 3D Printing, Materials, Thermoelectric Generators, and other technologies, however over the longer term it’s likely that it will be superceeded by other energy technologies. MATTHEW’S RECOMMENDATION In the short to medium term I suggest companies put the technology on their radars, establish a point of view, and re- visit it every few years until progress in the space accelerates. 15 SECOND SUMMARY Accessibility Affordability Competition Demonstration Desirability Investment Regulation Viability 7 7 9 8 8 6 4 8 1963 1976 2010 2020 2042 STATUS PRIMARY GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS IMPACT OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY STARBURST APPEARANCES: NONE EXPLORE MORE. Click or scan me to learn more about this emerging tech. 285311institute.com MRL9 /9 2 /10 9 TRL /9 P HOTOVOLTAICS, which is in the early Mass Adoption Stage, is the field of research concerned with improving the efficiency of photovoltaic cells, and recently there have been a plethora of breakthroughs. As researchers continue to experiment with 3D Printed Perscovite systems that prevent the brittle Perscovite from breaking, as well as hybrid Graphene coated silicon systems that generate energy from both sun and rain, and even the use of genetically modified cyborg bacteria that combine themselves with Perscovite crystals to generate electricity, it is clear we are nowehere near the limits of the technology, and that eventually the cost of electricity at the point of use will become close to zero. DEFINITION Photovoltaics is the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effects. EXAMPLE USE CASES Today we are using Photovoltaics to bring electricity to locations around the world that would otherwise be off the grid, and to help wean the world off of its fossil fuel addiction. In the future the primary use for the technology will to provide decentralised, ubiquitous energy to anything and everything. FUTURE TRAJECTORY AND REPLACABILITY Over the next decade interest in the field will continue to accelerate, and interest and investment will continue to grow at an accelerating rate, primarily led by organisations in the Energy and Manufacturing sectors, with support from government funding, industry consortiums, and university grants. In time we will see the efficiency of photovoltaic technology increase to well above 50 percent, thanks to a combination of new materials and manufacturing methods, as well as the continued development of hybrid, genetically engineered products. Tomorrow’s photovoltaics will also be more flexible and durable as researchers make breakthroughs in Polymers, Semiconductors and photovoltaic substrates. While Photovoltaics is in the early Mass Adoption Stage, over the long term it will be enhanced by advances in 3D Printing, Carbon Nanotubes, CRISPR Gene Editing, Graphene, Grid Scale Energy Storage, Flexible Electronics, Nano-Photonic Materials, Polymers, Semiconductors, Semi-Synthetic Cells, and Synthetic Cells, but at this point in time it is not clear what it will be replaced by. MATTHEW’S RECOMMENDATION In the short to medium term I suggest companies put the technology on their radars, explore the field, establish a point of view, experiment with it, with a view to implementing it, and forecast out the potential implications of the technology. 15 SECOND SUMMARY Accessibility Affordability Competition Demonstration Desirability Investment Regulation Viability 9 7 7 8 9 9 7 9 1818 1821 1839 1954 2026 STATUS PRIMARY GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS IMPACT PHOTOVOLTAICS STARBURST APPEARANCES: ‘17, ‘18, ‘19, ‘20, ‘21, ‘22, ‘23, ‘24 EXPLORE MORE. Click or scan me to learn more about this emerging tech. 286311institute.com MRL5 /9 2 /10 9 TRL /9 P IEZOELECTRIC ENERGY SYSTEMS, which are in the Prototype Stage, is the field of research concerned with finding new convenient ways to tap into the natural electrical charges present in all materials when they go under mechanical stress, something that’s very convenient if the devices we need to power can’t use conventional battery systems. Recently researchers have managed to find new ways to easily, and safely, tap into these energy sources to power sensors and wearables, and reduce the power consumption of traditional home appliances, such as washer dryers, by up to 70 percent in the effort to thwart climate change. DEFINITION Piezoelectricity Energy Systems harness the electrical charges that accumulate in solid materials in response to applied mechanical stress. EXAMPLE USE CASES Today we are using Piezoelectric Energy Systems to re-invent the humble washer dryer, create ultrasound patches that help democratise access to primary healthcare services, and nerve zapping Bio-Electrical medical implants that can help heal wounds faster, and reverse neurological disorders such as paralysis. In the future the primary uses cases of this technology will be to power small devices, implants, sensors and wearables that perform a myriad of functions. FUTURE TRAJECTORY AND REPLACABILITY Over the next decade interest in the field will continue to accelerate, and interest and investment will continue to grow at an accelerating rate, primarily led by organisations in the Consumer Electronics and Healthcare sector, with support from government funding and university grants. While Pezoelectric Energy Systems are in the Prototype Stage, over the long term it will be enhanced by advances in Bio- Batteries, Nano-Generators, Nano-Manufacturing, Prinatble Batteries, Triboelectric Energy Systems, and Wireless Energy, but not replaced. MATTHEW’S RECOMMENDATION In the short to medium term I suggest companies put the technology on their radars, explore the field, establish a point of view, experiment with it, and forecast out the potential implications of the technology. 15 SECOND SUMMARY Accessibility Affordability Competition Demonstration Desirability Investment Regulation Viability 7 6 6 7 7 6 4 8 1982 2002 2005 2010 2028 STATUS PRIMARY GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS IMPACT STARBURST APPEARANCES: ‘17, ‘19 PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY SYSTEMS EXPLORE MORE. Click or scan me to learn more about this emerging tech. 287311institute.com MRL3 /9 2 /10 5 TRL /9 P LASMA DRIVES, which are in the Concept Stage and Prototype Stage, is the field of research concerned with finding new ways to propel spacecraft through space and inter-stellar space at speeds of up to 123,000 mph, or more, without having to rely on fossil fuel or traditional energy propulsion systems, and at a fraction of the cost. Recently breakthroughs in the space mean researchers are now at the point of moving the prototypes in the labs out into the field to conduct real world trials, and if they are successful and if the research can be productised, which looks increasingly likely, then we will be able to open up a new frontier in space exploration and travel. DEFINITION Plasma Drives excite and compress gas to create high temperature plasma then contain it in a magnetic field to generate propulsion. EXAMPLE USE CASES Today we are using the first Plasma Drive prototypes to refine the technology before their eventual productisation. In the future the primary use cases for the technology will be to lower the cost of access to space, and subsequent exploration and travel. FUTURE TRAJECTORY AND REPLACABILITY Over the next decade interest in the field will continue to accelerate, and interest and investment will continue to grow at an accelerating rate, albeit from a low base, primarily led by organisations in the Aerospace and Defence sectors, with support from government funding and university grants. While Plasma Drives are in the Concept Stage and Prototype Stage, over the long term they will be enhanced by advances in EM Drives, but at this point in time it is not clear what will replace them. MATTHEW’S RECOMMENDATION In the short to medium term I suggest companies put the technology on their radars, and re-visit it every few years until progress in the space accelerates. 15 SECOND SUMMARY Accessibility Affordability Competition Demonstration Desirability Investment Regulation Viability 3 1 2 1 6 4 7 7 1979 1981 1989 2030 2046 STATUS PRIMARY GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS IMPACT PLASMA DRIVES STARBURST APPEARANCES: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 EXPLORE MORE. Click or scan me to learn more about this emerging tech. 288311institute.com MRL3 /9 2 /10 6 TRL /9 P OLYMER BATTERIES, which are in the Prototype Stage, is the field of research concerned with developing new ways to develop battery systems that rely on polymer based electrolytes, which are easier and cheaper to produce than traditional Lithium based battery systems, rather than liquid electrolytes and bulk metals. Recent breakthroughs in the space include the development of several Polymer Batteries that have been shown to have very high specific energy densities and ultra fast charging times. DEFINITION Polymer Batteries are rechargeable batteries that use organic polymer electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes and bulk metals to form a battery. EXAMPLE USE CASES Today we are using prototype Polymer Batteries to prove the theory behind the technology and refine it. In the future the primary use cases of the technology will involve any product of almost any scale or size that has any reliance on batteries to function or run. FUTURE TRAJECTORY AND REPLACABILITY Over the next decade interest in the field will continue to accelerate, and interest and investment will continue to grow, primarily led by organisations in the Energy sector, with support from univesity grants. In time polymer batteries will become ubiquitous as the field develops primarily because of how cheap they will be to produce, the ubiquity of raw materials, and their superior functional properties. While Polymer Batteries are in the Prototype Stage, over the long term they will be enhanced by advances in 3D Printing and Polymers, and in the longer term they could be replaced by a broad range of battery and energy technologies including but not limited to Bio-Batteries, Fuel Cells, Photovoltaics, Solid State Batteries, Structural Batteries, and many others. MATTHEW’S RECOMMENDATION In the short to medium term I suggest companies put the technology on their radars, explore the field, establish a point of view, experiment with it, and forecast out the potential implications of the technology. 15 SECOND SUMMARY Accessibility Affordability Competition Demonstration Desirability Investment Regulation Viability 4 6 8 6 7 2 1 8 1993 2003 2017 2031 2034 STATUS PRIMARY GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS IMPACT POLYMER BATTERIES STARBURST APPEARANCES: ‘20, ‘21, ‘22, ’23, ‘24 EXPLORE MORE. Click or scan me to learn more about this emerging tech. 289311institute.com MRLNext >