Emerging Technologies that Will Generate Substantial Wealth Over the Next Decade
By Michael Megarit
1. Quantum Computing. Quantum computers utilize the unique properties of quantum physics to solve insurmountable problems for classical computers, providing solutions that were unimaginable before. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, finance and energy will experience great disruption as quantum computing gives rise to simulation of complex molecular structures or optimization of trading strategies in far less time than was ever previously possible.
2. CRISPR and Advanced Gene Editing. Precision gene manipulation holds great potential to transform medicine. Customized treatments, elimination of genetic disorders, and even enhancements of human bodies become viable – giving biotechnology companies investing in this space tremendous opportunities to make immense financial returns.
3. Neural Interfaces. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) offer direct communication channels between human minds and external devices, with potential uses ranging from helping paralyzed people walk again to increasing cognition enhancement – companies who master this tech could reap immense rewards from doing so.
4. Renewable Energy Storage. With global transition towards greener energies accelerating, demand for efficient, scalable and cost-effective energy storage solutions increases dramatically. Breakthroughs in battery technology such as solid state batteries and flow batteries could facilitate this shift further and become hugely lucrative business ventures themselves.
5. AI-Driven Drug Discovery. Artificial intelligence has the potential to dramatically speed up drug discovery processes. By scanning vast amounts of data quickly and identifying promising candidates at incredible speed, AI can identify potential drug candidates at speeds unfathomable to humans – providing pharmaceutical companies with a unique opportunity for cutting R&D costs and speeding time-to-market.
6. Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR). Not limited to gaming, AR and VR technologies have significant applications across a variety of fields including healthcare, education and real estate. Their immersive experiences create new ways of learning, working and interacting that open opportunities for businesses and wealth creation.
7. Synthetic Biology. Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field combining biology and engineering, which allows for the design and creation of new biological parts, devices, and systems. From custom organisms tailored specifically for specific tasks to bio-based materials with superior properties – synthetic biology has revolutionized sectors like agriculture, healthcare and manufacturing leading to significant financial benefits.
8. 5G and Subsequent Generations of Wireless Tech. Improved connectivity is the foundation for numerous other technologies to thrive, from the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles and seamless AR/VR experiences to financial benefits accruing to telecom companies and associated hardware providers.
9. Innovative Materials. Innovative materials like graphene, metamaterials and bio-based polymers are opening up exciting new vistas across industries. Boasting properties like extreme strength, flexibility and conductivity – their applications range from electronics to construction industries – promising significant returns to pioneers of these groundbreaking innovations.
10. Autonomous Transportation. Autonomous transportation encompasses more than just cars – from drones and ships to urban air mobility solutions – it will radically reshape global logistics as well as personal transport systems, providing immense value-add opportunities to companies leading these innovations.
11. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. These technologies are expanding at an impressive rate, impacting every industry imaginable. From automating tasks and streamlining processes to making predictions and extracting insights from vast datasets, AI/ML are driving digital transformation across industries at unprecedented speeds – leading to the next economic boom for firms that excel in AI research and application.
This list is an expansive landscape of technological innovations set to come into their own during the next decade and provide significant economic growth, along with unparalleled business and entrepreneurial opportunities.