Author: M. Leshchiner

In an era defined by unprecedented creativity and productivity, technological innovation plays a crucial role in addressing pressing global challenges and improving quality of life. From advancements in healthcare and energy to transformative developments in artificial intelligence and biotechnology, these breakthroughs reshape industries, improve lives, and drive changes on a global scale.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technological innovation, each passing year brings to life countless groundbreaking advancements. The year 2023 was no exception, and it keeps us wondering what will 2024 be remembered for. But let’s pause and go back in time.

Every year MIT Technology Review picks the 10 technologies that matter the most at the moment. In the beginning of 2023, they published an article “10 Breakthrough Technologies 2023” and outlined the following 11 advances that will have a big impact in our lives:

1. CRISPR for high cholesterol
2. AI that makes images
3. A chip design that changes everything, based on a new open standard RISC-V
4. Mass-market military drones
5. Abortion pills via telemedicine
6. Organs on demand
7. The inevitable electric vehicles
8. James Webb Space Telescope
9. Ancient DNA analysis
10. Battery recycling
11. Hydrogen planes (bonus pick voted by subscribers)

You can read more details here: https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/01/09/1066394/10-breakthrough-technologies-2023/

The 10 Breakthrough Technologies 2024 is not out yet and until it is we can keep guessing what will make the list this year. However, it is abundantly clear that the most impactful technology innovations will have to address the most pressing challenges of today, which in author’s opinion are:

1. Climate change and environmental challenges
2. Clean energy
3. Food security and hunger
4. Clean water and sanitation
5. Geopolitical instability and military conflicts
6. Healthcare and deadly diseases
7. Displacement and migration

In addition to global challenges, we can add the following categories, where technological innovation can improve quality of life, productivity, or lead to economic benefits:

8. Advances in biotechnology
9. Artificial Intelligence
10. Quantum computing
11. Advanced transportation
12. Digital transformation
13. Space exploration

These categories represent just a glimpse of the transformative advancements that the world is eagerly awaiting. As researchers, scientists, engineers, and innovators continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the promise of a brighter future fueled by technological innovation remains within reach.

As a summary, below is the list of advancements that in author’s opinion represent the most important areas for development in 2024.

1. Cost-effective long and medium duration energy storage.
2. Advancements in solar and wind.
3. Energy efficient building technologies, like novel air conditioning methods, heat pumps, geothermal, etc., coupled with smart controls.
4. Progress in fusion, nuclear.
5. Cost effective water desalination technologies.
6. Alternative food production and sources of protein.
7. Unmanned military technologies.
8. Advances in biotech/pharma, more effective targeted treatments.
9. Advances in AI.
10. Progress in quantum computing.