Deep Tech Fluency: Foundations
Understand deep tech, judge breakthroughs on evidence and find your role in it
Chips, quantum, robotics, fusion, advanced materials, biotech and space increasingly shape jobs, supply chains and regional economies. They're also full of bold claims. This free course from the Enterprise Technology Association (ETA) gives you a clear, honest foundation in deep tech: what it is, how to tell how mature a technology really is, how to judge breakthroughs and how organizations and regions can engage. You'll leave with ETA's PROOF check.
What you'll learn
- What deep tech is, the main fields and why it matters for jobs, security and regions
- Technology readiness levels (TRLs) and the valley of death between lab and product
- ETA's PROOF check, applied to a real milestone: fusion ignition at the National Ignition Facility
- Who funds deep tech at each stage, including CHIPS and Science Act programs and NSF Regional Innovation Engines
- How to build a deep tech watch list and a 90-day plan
Who it's for
Professionals, leaders, students and curious learners in any field, especially economic development, workforce, education, manufacturing, energy, investment and government. No science or engineering background is needed.
How it works
Two modules with a short Try it exercise in every lesson, a knowledge check at the end of each module and a final assessment. Score 80% or higher on the final assessment to complete the course (1 credit hour). Go deeper with Semiconductors and Chips: Foundations, Robotics Fluency: Foundations and the ETA Quantum courses.
Deep tech and public programs change quickly. Facts in this course are current as of late 2026; check the sources for the latest.