What does next year have in store for us? Let's make some technology predictions.
The last twelve months have not just seen the beginning of a bad war, the tail of a bad pandemic and a general period of uncertainty: they have been a merry-go-round of beautiful discoveries. In the field of aviation, for example, we have seen the first successful test flights of electric aircraft, hydrogen or powered by sustainable fuel. In the world of energy storage, crucial for the transition towards renewable sources, it was the year of experimentation: sand batteries large, “water” batteries, many other projects for the capture of CO2. And then a breakthrough in the field of nuclear fusion (but relax, its use is still a long way off).
And in 2023? You will read many technological forecasts here: they will arrive one by one, then we will take stock before 2024. In this post, five trends that could influence the world of innovation.
Watch out for protein
They are much more than just nutrients for our body. Proteins, I mean. They are fundamental elements for life on earth and among technological predictions, they are perhaps the easiest. Proteins will be increasingly used in more and more applications, such as creating vaccines and drug discovery. This year DeepMind, backed by Google, has announced that its program Alpha Fold discovered the structure of about 200 million proteins, practically all those known to science. A discovery that will accelerate the development of protein-based innovations in the coming years, with consequences for many sectors, from food safety to plastic recycling.
What if we stick to "simple" food? Well: a feasibility study is underway for a plant in Qatar which transforms methane into proteins for feeding fish and animals, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023. In addition, the molecular agriculture startup Miruk could begin working with growers, formulators and brands to produce milk proteins from plant cells by the end of 2023.
Satellites for the planet
Satellites, as you know, have a huge impact on our daily lives, from maps to connectivity. But scientists haven't stopped there: they are increasingly using them to monitor vital ecosystems. An excellent idea for increasing the scope of environmental solutions such as reforestation and the fight against climate change. An example is CTrees, a US company that uses high-resolution satellite imagery, artificial intelligence and LiDAR to map trees around the world.
In 2023 we will read the first, large reports from satellite observation of our forests. And that's not all: the German startup constellr works to send micro-satellites into orbit to monitor the availability of water around the world: the launch of the first "constellation" is scheduled for next year.
The war to decarbonise buildings
Anyone who reads FP already knows: our homes represent 39% of global carbon dioxide emissions. This is why there is an ever-increasing need to find solutions to make buildings more sustainable, both through the construction of “cleaner” buildings and through renovations. And this effort could intensify further next year, even if in some countries (such as Italy) reductions in state aid are announced that go in this direction.
At the beginning of 2023 we will see the conclusion of the tests of the former 3D printed houses with biological materials. A University of Maine project that we will tell you about. What about renovations? The creation of is announced on the pitch Audette, an artificial intelligence platform that analyzes the most efficient way to decarbonise buildings: maybe it will come in handy.
Finally green will be in fashion
Greener, less washing: the fashion industry, often chastised for its lack of sustainability in the past, will strive to create a better way of doing things. In the last two years, new, more sustainable materials have appeared and entire markets dedicated to unused fabrics. 2023 will likely bring even greater advancements in sustainable fashion!
Two very small examples that can show the trend reversal: the startup Sizekick will feature a new AI-based system to find the perfect size of clothes that we buy online. A way, says the company, to reduce the polluting emissions of the many returns that today concern the purchase of fashion online. Rothy's, for its part, announces that it will become the first fully sustainable and circular fashion brand on the planet, by the end of 2023. It's worth a look.
Thousand creativity
Creativity knows no boundaries and its impact on culture is constantly evolving. With the advent of digital technologies, art has undergone a radical transformation and in 2023 there will be some truly amazing developments, not only related to ubiquitous artificial intelligence. Next year will give rise to experiences that could influence museums and cultural centers across the planet.
Art Explore, an innovative initiative that makes contemporary art accessible to all, will transform one of the largest catamarans in the world in a floating digital art museum. Starting in September 2023, this museum on the sea will set sail from Marseille and sail along the coasts of the Mediterranean. Stupendous. In the Netherlands, however, the startup metaseum is opening the doors of culture to an even wider audience by creating one space for museums in the metaverse. The project is expected to start by April: maybe it will also give a boost to the development of virtual experiences?
Don't take notes on these technological predictions: there is no time to follow them, they come all the time. And then we will follow them for you, just read us.
