World Economic Forum Unveils Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025

World Economic Forum's Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025

The World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Frontiers, has released its annual report on the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025. This year's selection showcases breakthrough technologies poised to make a significant real-world impact within the next three to five years, addressing urgent global challenges and reflecting advances in both innovation and resilience 1

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Selection Process and Criteria

The technologies were chosen through a rigorous methodology, starting with an initial list of 250 entries. The selection process involved evaluations using Frontiers' AI Trend Analyzer, the World Economic Forum Resilience Consortium's framework, and an "ecosystem readiness assessment" 2

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1. Novelty
2. Potential for meaningful societal benefits
3. Maturity level (expected real-world impact within 3-5 years)

Key Trends and Technologies

The report highlights four major trends emerging from this year's cohort of technologies:

1. Trust and safety in a connected world

   • Collaborative Sensing: Networks of connected sensors improving urban safety and efficiency 3

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   • Generative AI watermarking: Embedding invisible markers in AI-generated content to verify authenticity and combat misinformation 1

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2. Next-generation biotechnologies for health

   • Engineered living therapeutics: Using probiotic systems as tiny medicine factories inside the body 1

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   • GLP-1s for neurodegenerative diseases: Repurposing diabetes and obesity drugs for treating conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's 1

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   • Autonomous biochemical sensing: Small, smart sensors for continuous health and environmental monitoring 3

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3. Redesigning industrial sustainability

   • Green nitrogen fixation: Developing sustainable methods for fertilizer production using electricity instead of fossil fuels 3

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   • Nanozymes: Lab-made materials mimicking natural enzymes for various applications in medicine and manufacturing 3

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4. Integrating energy and materials

   • Structural battery composites: Materials that both store energy and support weight, improving efficiency in electric vehicles and aircraft 1

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   • Osmotic power systems: Generating clean electricity from the difference in saltiness between two water sources 1

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   • Advanced nuclear technologies: New designs offering safer, lower-cost clean energy solutions 3

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Technological Convergence and Impact

A notable trend in this year's report is the growing convergence of different technologies, leading to more integrated, systems-based solutions. This convergence is evident in examples like structural battery composites combining energy storage with material design, and engineered living therapeutics merging synthetic biology with precision medicine 2

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Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, emphasized the rapid advancement of scientific and technological breakthroughs, stating, "The research provides top global leaders with a clear view of which technologies are approaching readiness, how they could solve the world's pressing problems and what's required to bring them to scale responsibly" 3

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Challenges and Future Outlook

While these technologies show great promise, the report also highlights the need for responsible development and deployment. This includes addressing challenges such as infrastructure readiness, regulatory frameworks, and ethical considerations. The World Economic Forum calls for collaboration among business, government, and the scientific community to ensure these technologies serve the public good 2

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As these emerging technologies approach their tipping point, they have the potential to address significant global risks, from misinformation to pollution and climate stress. Their development and implementation will play a crucial role in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and technologically advanced future 1

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