Why good ideas get trapped in the valley of death -- and how to rescue them | TED-Ed

The video discusses the 'Valley of Death,' a critical phase where new products often fail to reach the market due to funding challenges. This is particularly true for zero carbon technologies, which face high costs and long timelines. Government intervention, as seen in the solar and wind energy sectors, can help bridge funding gaps and promote the adoption of these technologies. The video emphasizes the need for policies and markets to support promising innovations to address global issues like climate change.

What is the 'Valley of Death' in the context of new product development?

• A phase where products are highly profitable

• A time when products are heavily regulated

• A stage where many new products fail to reach the market

• A period of high consumer demand

Why are zero carbon technologies particularly vulnerable in the Valley of Death?

• They face high costs and long development timelines

• They require minimal changes in infrastructure

• They have low initial costs

• They are already widely adopted

What is one of the main reasons zero carbon technologies struggle to attract investors?

• They require significant changes in consumer behavior

• They are not essential for reducing emissions

• They are already profitable

• They have a short development phase

How did Germany help increase the adoption of solar panels in the 1990s?

• By offering government loans and mandating renewable energy use

• By increasing the cost of solar panels

• By reducing taxes on fossil fuels

• By banning non-renewable energy sources

What role can governments play in supporting zero carbon technologies?

• Discouraging renewable energy use

• Providing tax incentives and loans

• Eliminating regulations for all technologies

• Reducing research and development spending