What’s Next? 50 Emerging Technologies for 2040

Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, has released a fascinating report titled “Innovate UK’s 50 Emerging Technologies, which offers a glimpse into the technologies that could shape our lives, economy, and society by 2040 and beyond”. Developed with input from over 300 experts, including academics, government bodies, and industry leaders, this report isn’t just about futuristic gadgets or scientific breakthroughs — it’s about how these innovations could touch our everyday lives, solve pressing challenges, and create new opportunities for people across the UK and beyond.

The report is organized into seven categories, each focusing on a different area of innovation. Let’s take a closer look at these 50 emerging technologies and how they might impact us in ways that feel personal, practical, and profound.

AI, Digital, and Computing Technologies

1. AI Emotion and Expression Recognition — AI that interprets human emotions via facial expressions, voice patterns, and physiological signals, impacting mental health, customer service, and social robotics.

2. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) — AI capable of reasoning, learning, and problem-solving at human cognitive levels, with potential applications in automation, creativity, and strategic decision-making.

3. Biologically Inspired AI — AI systems modeled on biological processes, improving adaptability in robotics, medical diagnostics, and natural language processing.

4. Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) Technologies — Direct communication between brains and computers, enhancing medical treatments, prosthetics, and augmented cognition.

5. Quantum Algorithms — Computational advancements leveraging quantum mechanics for superior problem-solving in encryption, logistics, and materials science.

6. DNA Data Storage — Using DNA molecules for high-density, long-term data storage, with potential applications in archival storage and bioinformatics.

7. New Computing Models — Neuromorphic, photonic, and biological computing paradigms providing faster, energy-efficient processing solutions for AI and simulations.

8. Novel Immersive Interfaces — AR, VR, and sensory-enhanced digital experiences transforming gaming, remote work, and medical training.

Advanced Materials and Manufacturing

9. 4D Printing — Materials that change shape over time in response to external stimuli, revolutionizing aerospace, medicine, and construction.

10. Biomimetic Materials — Synthetic materials mimicking biological properties for sustainability, including self-cleaning surfaces and impact-resistant structures.

11. Nanoparticle Manufacturing — Precision-engineered nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, advanced catalysts, and durable coatings.

12. Metamaterials — Engineered materials with novel electromagnetic properties, enabling applications in optics, stealth technology, and medical imaging.

Electronics, Photonics, and Quantum Technologies

13. Alternative and Novel Semiconductor Systems — Next-gen semiconductors beyond silicon, such as compound semiconductors for faster, energy-efficient electronics.

14. Emerging Microscopy Techniques — High-resolution imaging for breakthroughs in materials science, biology, and nanoengineering.

15. Hyperspectral Imaging — Enhanced imaging technology used in environmental monitoring, agriculture, and medical diagnostics.

16. Millimeter Wave and Terahertz Technologies — High-frequency communication systems for 6G networks, security screening, and biomedical imaging.

17. Photon Generators — Quantum light sources for secure communication, advanced computing, and ultra-sensitive sensors.

18. Plasmonics — Manipulating light at the nanoscale for optical computing, sensing, and medical diagnostics.

19. Post-Quantum Cryptography — Encryption techniques resistant to quantum computing attacks, ensuring cybersecurity resilience.

20. Room Temperature Superconductors — Materials enabling lossless electricity transmission, revolutionizing power grids and electronics.

Energy and Environmental Technologies

21. Cross-Linked Polymer Recycling — Novel recycling techniques making durable plastics more sustainable and reusable.

22. Gridscale Wireless Energy Transmission and Charging — Large-scale wireless power transfer, transforming energy distribution.

23. Hypersonics — Ultra-fast transport technologies reshaping aviation, defense, and space travel.

24. Novel Propulsion or Ion-Based Propulsion — Advanced propulsion systems increasing the efficiency of space exploration.

25. Novel Hydrogen Production and Storage Technologies — Breakthroughs in hydrogen energy, improving storage, transport, and use.

26. Novel Negative Emissions Technologies — Carbon capture and sequestration solutions to combat climate change.

27. Nuclear Fusion — Safe, limitless clean energy replicating the sun’s processes.

28. Space-Based Solar Power — Continuous, renewable energy harnessed from space.

Biotechnology

29. Artificial Cells and Artificial Life — Engineered biological systems with applications in medicine, biomanufacturing, and environmental cleanup.

30. Bacteria and Microbe Manufacturing — Using microbes to produce sustainable chemicals, biofuels, and food ingredients.

31. Biocatalytic Membranes — Filtration technologies improving industrial efficiency and pollution control.

32. Bioelectronics and Electroceuticals — Implantable medical devices using electrical signals to treat diseases like epilepsy and Parkinson’s.

33. Hybrid Microbe Biotechnology — Combining synthetic and natural microbes to enhance bio-manufacturing processes.

34. Programmable Cells — Genetically engineered cells capable of sensing and responding to environmental conditions.

35. Biofabrication in Tissue Engineering — 3D-printed human tissues and organs for transplantation and research.

Health and Medical Technology

36. Adult Stem Cell Generation — Advanced stem cell therapies enabling regenerative medicine.

37. Fluxomics — Studying metabolic pathways to enhance personalized medicine.

38. Anti-Ageing Drugs — Pharmaceuticals targeting cellular aging and longevity.

39. Antibiotic Replacements — Alternatives to traditional antibiotics addressing antimicrobial resistance.

40. Microbiome Therapeutics — Treatments harnessing gut bacteria to improve health outcomes.

41. Personalised RNA Therapeutics — RNA-based medicines tailored to individual genetic profiles.

42. Phased Genome Assembly Tools — Genomic sequencing innovations improving disease diagnosis and research.

43. Sensation Detection Implants — Neural implants restoring lost sensory functions, including hearing and touch.

44. Whole Body-on-a-Chip Device — Miniaturized human physiology models for drug testing and disease research.

Robotics and Space Technologies

45. Fully Autonomous Vehicles — AI-driven transport systems improving safety and efficiency.

46. Nanoscale Robotics — Microscopic robots for precision medicine, environmental monitoring, and materials manufacturing.

47. Robotic Off-World Manufacture — Space-based manufacturing technologies supporting extraterrestrial colonization.

48. Soft Robotics — Flexible, organic-like robots used in medicine, logistics, and human-assistive technology.

49. Space Nuclear Power and Novel Space Propulsion Systems — Nuclear energy solutions enabling deep-space missions.

50. Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) Satellites — High-resolution satellite systems improving global monitoring and communication.

The Road Ahead

Innovate UK’s 50 Emerging Technologies report isn’t just a list of futuristic ideas — it’s a roadmap for how innovation could improve our lives, protect our planet, and create new opportunities for growth and prosperity. These technologies touch on almost every aspect of our lives, from the energy we use and the food we eat to the way we work, travel, and even age.

But the report also reminds us that technology alone isn’t enough. It’s the people behind these innovations — the scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers — who will determine how these technologies are developed and used. By fostering collaboration, investment, and ethical considerations, the UK can lead the way in shaping a future that’s not only technologically advanced but also inclusive, sustainable, and human-centered.

So, as we look ahead to 2040 and beyond, one thing is clear: the future isn’t something that happens to us — it’s something we create together. And with these 50 emerging technologies, we have the tools to make that future brighter for everyone.

To read more about these groundbreaking technologies, click here.