1. Composite Structural Batteries
Combining structural elements and energy storage into a single component, known as structural battery composites (SBCs), reduces vehicle weight and increases the driving range of electric vehicles without sacrificing structural integrity . According to the WEF, implementing SBCs in the automotive industry could cut weight by 10% and boost range by 6–8%.
2. Osmotic Energy Systems
Proton-exchange and reverse electrodialysis technologies (PRO and RED) harvest energy from the salinity gradient between seawater and freshwater. New semipermeable membranes and optimized system designs provide not only clean energy generation but also desalination capabilities—particularly valuable for coastal regions.
3. Advanced Nuclear Technologies
Small modular reactors (SMRs) and Generation IV reactors using alternative coolants (molten salts, liquid metals) deliver flexible, low-carbon energy for remote locations and industrial zones. High-temperature reactors (600–950 °C) can supply process heat to metallurgical and chemical plants, aiding in the decarbonization of heavy industry.
4. Engineered “Living” Therapeutics
Synthetic biology enables the creation of microorganisms programmed to produce therapeutic molecules directly within the patient’s body. Integrating these living therapeutics with AI-driven monitoring and wearable devices unlocks a new paradigm of personalized medicine, reducing logistical costs and improving treatment efficacy.
5. GLP-1 for Neurodegenerative Diseases
GLP-1 agonists, traditionally used to treat diabetes and obesity, have demonstrated neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. This opens the door to novel drug candidates and could expand the market for neuro-modulatory therapies to an estimated $55.7 billion by 2031.
6. Autonomous Biochemical Sensing
Self-powering biochemical sensors for continuous monitoring of biomarkers—in the human body or the environment—can provide early warnings of disease outbreaks and ecological contamination. Wireless data transmission and biofuel-cell power sources make these networks autonomous and reliable even in remote areas.
7. “Green” Nitrogen Synthesis
Electrochemical and biocatalytic methods for ambient-condition ammonia synthesis using only air, water, and renewable energy can reduce CO₂ emissions by over 90% compared to the Haber–Bosch process. Decentralized “green” ammonia production offers farmers and shipping operators new opportunities for cost savings and supply-chain resilience.
8. Nanozymes
Nanomaterials with enzyme-like catalytic activity operate under extreme conditions—high temperatures, aggressive chemicals, wide pH ranges—and are more cost-effective and stable than natural enzymes. Applications span diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment, where durability and catalytic efficiency are critical.
9. Collaborative Sensing
Networks of interconnected sensors in smart buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure integrate local data into a unified analytics platform. Standardized communication protocols and AI-driven analytics optimize energy use, security, and logistics in real time.
10. Generative Watermarking
Invisible “watermarks” for AI-generated content—texts, images, and videos—are becoming the cornerstone of digital trust. Solutions such as Google’s SynthID and Meta’s VideoSeal have demonstrated high effectiveness, though they require further standardization and robustness against tampering.