5 trailblazing technologies primed to supercharge humankind by 2035

Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

Significant progress is being made on extending human lifespan and some scientists believe we could see age reversal therapies by the end of these decade. Other promising projects include:

1. CRISPR-Based Gene Therapies: Advances in CRISPR-Cas9, particularly improved delivery systems like lipid nanoparticles, are enabling precise treatments for genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and rare conditions like Rett syndrome. Projects like those from Anavex Life Sciences, with their drug blarcamesine for Alzheimer’s and Rett syndrome, show promise in clinical trials, with submissions for regulatory approval later this.
2. mRNA Technology Expansion: Beyond vaccines, mRNA platforms are being developed for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders. Self-amplifying RNA, which requires smaller doses for therapeutic effects, is a key focus for 2025, with applications in personalized medicine and oncology.
3. Synthetic Biology for Sustainable Production: Synthetic biology projects, like those from LenioBio’s ALiCE kit for cell-free protein expression, are creating sustainable alternatives for pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and lab-grown meat. These efforts aim to standardize and scale production, with the synthetic biology market projected to reach $100 billion by 2030.
4. Bioremediation and Environmental Biotech: Microbial engineering projects are using genetically modified bacteria and fungi to address pollution. For instance, engineered microbial populations are degrading plastics, cleaning oil spills, and detoxifying heavy metals, offering scalable solutions for environmental sustainability.
5. Bioprinting for Organ Transplants: Multi-material bioprinting is advancing toward creating hybrid tissues and, eventually, functional organs like hearts and kidneys. These projects aim to reduce transplant waiting lists, with significant progress expected in the next decade.

Quantum Computing

While quantum computers can, in theory, pose a threat to some traditional digital security and cryptography systems, the benefits of the exponential processing power jump for science far outweighs the security-related conundrums. The most notable projects in this field include:

1. Google’s Willow Chip and Error Correction Breakthrough: Google’s Quantum AI team has developed the Willow chip, achieving a milestone in quantum error correction (QEC) by breaking the QEC threshold. This project demonstrates reduced error rates with increased physical qubits, paving the way for scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers by 2029, with applications in chemistry and materials science.
2. Microsoft’s Majorana 1 Chip and Quantum Ready Initiative: The Majorana 1 chip, utilizing topological qubits, aims to scale to a million qubits on a single chip. Their Quantum Ready Initiative, in collaboration with DARPA’s US2QC program, focuses on fault-tolerant prototypes for enterprise applications, targeting commercialization within several years.
3. IonQ’s Quantum Networking and Commercial Deployments: IonQ is advancing quantum networking and has deployed its Forte Enterprise system via Amazon Braket. Their acquisition of Oxford Ionics and partnerships with DARPA and AstraZeneca are accelerating practical applications in cybersecurity and drug discovery.
4. Quantinuum’s Randomness Generation for Cybersecurity: Quantinuum, in collaboration with JPMorganChase and research institutions, has developed a project generating true verifiable randomness using quantum computers, critical for cryptography. This builds on their qubit virtualization techniques, enhancing cybersecurity applications.
5. Atom Computing’s Neutral Atom Platform: Atom Computing’s platform, surpassing 1,000 qubita uses neutral atoms for scalable, noise-resilient quantum computing. Their collaboration with Microsoft demonstrated error correction with 28 logical qubits, advancing commercial quantum machines for materials science and beyond.

Clean Energy and Climate Tech

1. Advanced Energy Storage Solutions: Projects like Tesla’s Megapack and next-generation solid-state batteries are addressing intermittent renewable energy supply. These grid-scale storage systems balance supply and demand, with lithium-ion battery costs dropping 40% in 2024 alone, enabling widespread adoption for solar and wind integration.
2. Green Hydrogen Production: Initiatives like H2Pro’s E-TAC method, which splits water with over 95% efficiency, and Sweden’s Hybrit project, using fossil-free hydrogen for steel production, are scaling clean hydrogen for industrial and transport applications, offering long-term energy storage and decarbonization.
3. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS): Companies like Climeworks, Carbon Clean, and Global Thermostat are advancing direct air capture (DAC) technologies. Shell and Chevron’s commercial-scale CCUS projects for industrial processes are also gaining traction, supported by a growing carbon credit market and an 88 million metric ton CO2 capture pipeline.
4. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Nuclear Fusion: Advanced nuclear projects, including SMRs from companies like NuScale and fusion research from startups like Commonwealth Fusion Systems, are progressing toward commercialization. These aim to provide reliable, low-carbon energy, with a nuclear renaissance driven by AI-driven energy demand.
5. Decentralized Energy Systems and Microgrids: Projects like Green Project Technologies’ ESG data platforms and AI-driven energy management tools (e.g., AutoGrid, Grid.io) allow communities to generate and distribute renewable power. These systems enhance grid resilience and optimize solar and wind energy use, particularly in underserved regions.

Robotics and Automation

This field is starting to gain significant traction, with big companies like Nvidia and Tesla already focusing more on it. Other notable projects include:

1. Humanoid Robots for Industrial and Service Applications: Projects like Apptronik’s Apollo, 1X Technologies’ NEO Gamma, and Figure AI’s BotQ focus on humanoid robots for tasks in manufacturing, warehousing, and service sectors. These robots integrate AI for dynamic motion control and adaptability, with Apptronik raising $350M to scale production for automotive and logistics applications.
2. Collaborative Robots (Cobots) with Enhanced AI: Companies like Robotnik are advancing cobots with AI and machine learning for real-time adaptability and simplified programming, making them accessible to SMEs. These robots excel in precision tasks like assembly and packaging, with increased safety features for human-robot collaboration in dynamic environments.
3. Autonomous Mobile Manipulators: Mobile manipulators, such as Robotnik’s RB-KAIROS+ and RB-VOGUI, combine mobile platforms with robotic arms for tasks like material handling and inspection in industries like logistics and nuclear plants. These systems enhance operational efficiency by navigating complex environments autonomously.
4. Robotics in Construction and Agriculture: Canvas is revolutionizing construction with AI-driven robotic tools for drywall installation, improving speed and precision, with $43M in funding. In agriculture, CNH Industrial’s acquisition of Advanced Farm’s robotic apple and strawberry pickers is scaling automated harvesting.
5. Open-Source Robotics Platforms: Evezor’s Tobor and SCARA robot arms, built on open-source frameworks like ROS, democratize automation with affordable, modular designs and drag-and-drop programming. Similarly, NVIDIA’s Isaac Sim and GR00T N1 foundation model support generalist robotics development, enabling broader innovation across industries.

Compiled with Grok 3