TED Talks Daily Why good ideas get trapped in the valley of death -- and how to rescue them | TED-Ed
Apr 17, 2021
Innovative ideas often stumble in the 'valley of death' before reaching the market. This is especially true for zero-carbon technologies, which face significant financial hurdles and low demand. The discussion emphasizes the importance of government support to foster innovation and ensure successful adoption. It suggests methods to bridge the funding gap and encourage the implementation of effective climate solutions. Strategies inspired by Bill Gates also highlight how existing solutions can be deployed more effectively to combat climate change.
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Valley of Death
- New products face a "valley of death" before reaching the market, where funding dries up before profitability.
- This is especially risky for complex physical products and highly regulated industries.
Zero-Carbon Tech Vulnerability
- Zero-carbon technologies are crucial for addressing climate change but are vulnerable in the valley of death.
- Their development is costly, timelines are long, and demand is initially low.
Solar Success Story
- Germany's government loans and purchase obligations for solar panel companies significantly reduced solar energy costs.
- The US and China followed suit, further accelerating cost reductions.
