During our deliberations, we collectively identified three applied sciences that were initially considered for inclusion on the 2025 list but ultimately deemed unnecessary for further exploration at this time. While these nominees may not have made the cut last year, they’re still worth acknowledging. We definitely will likely be.
Digital energy crops are innovative programs that integrate multiple alternative technologies to both generate and store energy. Utilities are allowed to connect solar panels and wind turbines with grid-scale battery storage and electric vehicles, enabling more effective management of energy flow across the grid.
During periods of peak electrical energy consumption, software tied to smart meters may automatically identify opportunities to offset demand by harnessing excess power stored in a neighbor’s fully charged electric vehicle (EV) parked in their garage, reducing strain on the grid. The software program could potentially calculate and determine a suitable compensation mechanism for electric vehicle owners.
Within the United States, approximately 50% of solar power currently installed equals the total capacity of the US grid this year. Programs of this nature have already been successfully implemented in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Before they can impact the grid as a whole, numerous additional digital energy sources would need to be integrated in advance.
AI-powered brokers are currently all the rage. These intelligent systems will supposedly schedule our conferences, guide our journeys, and perform every kind of duty online on our behalf. Brokerages leverage generative models to master navigating websites and desktop applications, including securing sensitive information such as passwords and credit card details. They may collaborate and synchronize efforts with various stakeholders’ representatives to achieve the optimal outcome.
“And potentially, there’s actual growth energy driving these innovations – Salesforce empowers companies to build their own customer service agents, granting them the ability to navigate a computer using a mouse and keyboard, much like individuals do.”
Despite efforts to streamline interactions with brokers, numerous hurdles remain in effectively communicating specific requirements and ensuring they take the necessary actions consistently. Despite the significant challenges, we forecast that it may take less time for them to become genuinely useful. AI-powered brokers may soon emerge, but they won’t arrive overnight.
Although the acronym’s name might be cumbersome, you’ll find that it effectively refers to a type of miniature electric helicopters. While various modes of transportation are not intended as personal vehicles, many would serve a crucial function, ferrying passengers into city centers from suburban areas or transporting visitors from airports to downtown hubs. Someday, autonomous air taxis may revolutionize urban transportation.
