Whilst on work experience, Edward Conti (Year 11 student) from Bishop’s Stortford College explored the oil and gas industry and the new technologies that are being used in the sector. 

Whilst on Work experience (Year 11) Luca Alfieri from Bishop’s Stortford College, explored the technological advancements in football over several years, and how this technology improves the quality of football and fan perspectives on the game.

Government policies are attempting to increase investment and innovation within the technology sector. While on work experience Ava Gaule (Yr12 student) from Aylesbury High School explored what policies the UK, China and USA have implemented to drive innovation.  

Artificial intelligence is a technology that has stirred the art industry. Whilst on work experience, Shael Kumar (Yr 11 student) explored the implications of code meeting canvas, as AI continues to redefine artistry.  

Formula 1 racing started in 1950. Since then, motorsport has changed greatly with F1 often being referred to as a breeding ground for new technologies. Each year the continual technological advancements mean that the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are driving in faster, safer, and more efficient cars. Whilst on work experience J.P. Dunphy (Yr 11 student) from the Bishop's Stortford College explored the growing developments of F1 technology.

GM or Genetically Modified crops are widely used around the world to aid agriculture, but not in the UK. Whilst on work experience Carl Ijeoma (Yr 11 student) from Bishop's Stortford College explored the UK's agricultural predicament and the possible benefits of implementing GM crops in the UK. 

AI composers have been used in recent years to produce music. Whilst on work experience Anqi Huang (Year 11 student) from Bishop's Stortford College explored how AI composers are used in classical music and opinions regarding this topic.

The internet can have many benefits and disadvantages, some affecting the financial world in a variety of different ways. Whilst on work experience, Nyasha Nhanga (Year 10 student) from the Herts and Essex High School explored this topic and the impact technology has on the world.

The number of female founders has increased immensely in the recent years, however female entrepreneurs still suffer from a gender bias. During her work experience Jennifer Forey (Yr10 student) from the Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College explored the different obstacles to success experienced by female entrepreneurs.

It’s fascinating reading the commentary on social media about the Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos court case. (There is still Sunny Balwani’s court case to come).

Each year we research prominent areas of advancement in technology, some of which are continually ongoing (and have been previously referenced). Being a big proponent of personalised medicine and the use of new technologies in healthcare already we have not included this on-going trend.

Here we share Delta2020's tech annual themes for 2022:

1. Generative artificial intelligence (GAN) – 'whatever you can do AI ‘GAN’ do better!'

GAN uses unsupervised learning algorithms to generate creative content such as audio, video, and digital images in addition to text and code. Analysts predict rapid adoption with less than 1% of the target audience being met. Furthermore, Gartner believe generative AI will be used for fraud, forgery, scams, and political disinformation, expecting it to account for 10% of all data produced by 2025 (as referenced in the Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies – see opening image).

2. Total Experience (TX) and interconnectivity – 'a seamless connection'

Total experience combines superior shared experiences by bringing together four disciplines:

• Multi Experience (MX)

• Customer Experience (CX)

• Employee Experience (EX)

• User Experience (UX)

By 2024, Gartner predict that organizations providing a total experience will outperform competitors by 25% in satisfaction metrics for both CX and EX.

Fundamental technologies such as multi-core (two or more CPUs working together on the same chip) will provide higher performances at lower energy consumption rates improving interconnectivity quality along with Silicon photonics that will address bandwidth, latency, and energy challenges in the fabric of high-end systems.

Angel deal analysis

Bookended by Covid-19 restrictions, I invested in seven angel rounds this year (2 new deals and 5 follow-ons) in comparison with 2020 comprising of eight rounds (5 new and 3 follow-ons). 

Of this year’s investment rounds, three were in software, three in healthcare and one in sustainable materials. Five of these deals were led by Angels, and two by VCs. One of my portfolio companies completed a Series B, another a Series A, one exited and another became a ‘Soonicorn’.