These Are The Top 10 Emerging Technologies Of 2025

The World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Dubai Future Foundation, has released its Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025 report, which spotlights scientific and technological breakthroughs expected to shape the global economy and society in the years ahead. 

For more than 10 years, the World Economic Forum’s Top 10 Emerging Technologies report has provided insight into how early-stage innovations move from initial research to practical use.  

An example of the technologies it has showcased in the past is the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique, which was featured in the report’s 2015 edition. At the time, it was an emerging concept; since then, it has been applied in areas such as vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as in facilitating xenotransplantation in 2024. 

This year’s edition of the report, which has been shaped by more than 300 experts from the Global Future Council network, reflects a global push to anticipate future needs and equip society to adapt at scale.  

In a statement, HE Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation, said, “The Top 10 Emerging Technologies report aims to equip governments, businesses, and entrepreneurs with foresight on the most impactful scientific and technological breakthroughs expected to scale in the coming years.” 

Selected for their novelty, scalability, and societal relevance, this year’s top 10 emerging technologies address global core challenges such as sustainability, health, energy, and digital integrity. Here’s a look at each of them: 

1. Green Nitrogen Fixation 

Nitrogen fixation is essential for producing ammonia, a key ingredient in fertilizer that supports much of the world’s food supply. Traditional methods, such as the Haber-Bosch process, require high energy input and rely on fossil fuels, contributing to global emissions. 

Green nitrogen fixation seeks to reduce this impact by using renewable energy and alternative processes, including bio-based methods with engineered microbes, electrochemical techniques using lithium, and systems that mimic natural enzymes. While still under development, some of these approaches are progressing toward commercial use. 

2. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists For Neurodegenerative Diseases 

GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally used for type 2 diabetes and obesity, are now being studied for their possible role in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Early research indicates they may reduce inflammation, help clear harmful proteins in the brain, and support brain cell function. 

These drugs can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect brain cells, with newer versions being developed for better delivery. Initial studies and observational data suggest potential benefits, but results are still mixed. Larger clinical trials are in progress to better understand their effectiveness and safety. 

3. Osmotic Power Systems 

Osmotic power systems produce energy from the difference in salt concentration between two water sources, such as freshwater and seawater. Unlike solar or wind power, they can offer a more stable energy output. Though proposed in the 1970s, early versions faced technical challenges, especially with membrane efficiency and energy yield. 

Recent improvements in materials and system design have addressed some of these limitations. Two main methods are used: pressure retarded osmosis (PRO), which uses pressure generated by water movement to drive turbines, and reverse electrodialysis (RED), which creates electricity through ion movement across membranes. 

4. Collaborative Sensing 

Collaborative sensing involves linking distributed sensors—such as those in vehicles, infrastructure, or natural environments—to share data and improve decision-making. Applications include traffic management, environmental monitoring, mining, and agriculture. These systems rely on reliable connectivity and localized data processing to function efficiently. 

Originally developed for defense, the technology is now being adapted for civilian use, such as enabling vehicles to respond to nearby infrastructure signals. Regulatory support is growing, with steps taken in the U.S., Europe, and China to enable related technologies. 

5. Nanozymes 

Nanozymes are synthetic nanomaterials that imitate the functions of natural enzymes but are generally more stable and simpler to produce. Made from materials like metals and carbon, they act as catalysts in various chemical reactions and can function in a wider range of conditions than biological enzymes. 

They are being studied for medical uses, such as targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment and reducing inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Research is also exploring their role in cardiovascular care, infection control, and wound healing. Outside healthcare, potential applications include water treatment, food safety, and industrial catalysis. 

Image courtesy World Economic Forum/Dubai Future Foundation.

6. Autonomous Biochemical Sensing 

Autonomous biochemical sensors are devices that continuously monitor specific biological or chemical markers without human input. They are used in areas like health tracking and environmental monitoring, detecting substances such as disease indicators or soil chemicals. These sensors often include wireless communication and self-powered systems for use in remote locations. 

The most developed example is the wearable glucose monitor, used in managing diabetes. Other applications under development include hormone tracking and inflammation monitoring; some newer designs use engineered microbes to detect target substances. 

7. Advanced Nuclear Technologies 

Energy demand is increasing due to the growth of electric transport, digital technologies, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. To meet this demand, nuclear energy is being revisited through newer reactor designs and small modular reactors (SMRs), which offer simpler construction and potential cost savings. 

Generation III and IV reactors feature updated safety systems and alternative coolants like molten salts or gases. Some countries, including Russia, China, South Korea, and the UAE, are actively developing nuclear projects, while others are working on SMR deployment supported by public funding and regulatory updates. 

8. Generative Watermarking 

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) watermarking embeds subtle, invisible markers into AI-generated content—such as text, images, or video—to help identify its origin and support content verification. These techniques are being developed to address issues like misinformation, copyright concerns, and content transparency. 

Text-based methods use specific word patterns, while visual media rely on pixel-level changes or hidden signals detectable by machines. Major tech companies, including Google and Meta, have started integrating watermarking into their platforms and tools. 

9. Engineered Living Therapeutics 

Engineered living therapeutics are modified biological systems—such as microbes or cells—designed to produce therapeutic substances like enzymes or hormones directly within the body. This approach aims to reduce the need for traditional manufacturing and frequent drug administration, potentially improving treatment consistency and reducing costs. 

These systems can be programmed to respond to specific disease signals or patient-controlled triggers, allowing for targeted delivery. Research is ongoing in regions including the US, Europe, and China, with several companies conducting clinical trials for conditions like diabetic ulcers and cancer. 

10. Structural Battery Composites 

Structural battery composites (SBCs) are materials that combine energy storage with structural support, allowing components like vehicle panels to serve both functions. Made from lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and epoxy resin, SBCs aim to reduce the need for separate battery enclosures and lower overall system weight. 

This technology has emerged from advances in materials science, but it remains at an early stage of development. Current research is exploring applications in electric vehicles, drones, and aircraft, with companies and academic institutions testing various designs.