2023 Technology Review: The Top 10 Emerging Technologies of the Year

The year 2023 was a remarkable one for technology, as we witnessed breakthroughs in various fields, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, climate change, computing, cybersecurity, space science, and more. These advances have the potential to transform our lives and the world for the better, as well as pose new challenges and risks.

To highlight the most important and impactful technologies of the year, we have compiled a list of the top 10 emerging technologies of 2023, based on the reports from MIT Technology Review and the World Economic Forum, as well as other sources. These are the technologies that we think will have a significant influence on society, economy, and environment in the near future.

Here are the top 10 emerging technologies of 2023, in no particular order:

1. Quantum Internet

Quantum internet is a network that uses quantum physics to enable secure and fast communication between quantum devices, such as quantum computers, sensors, and encryption systems. Quantum internet can offer unprecedented advantages over classical internet, such as ultra-high security, enhanced performance, and novel applications.

In 2023, several milestones were achieved in the development of quantum internet, such as the first quantum network across three countries, the first quantum repeater, and the first quantum satellite link. These achievements pave the way for the realization of a global quantum internet, which could revolutionize fields such as cryptography, computing, sensing, and metrology.

2. Bioprinting

Bioprinting is a technology that uses 3D printing to create living tissues and organs from biological materials, such as cells, biomolecules, and scaffolds. Bioprinting can offer a solution to the shortage of donor organs, as well as enable personalized medicine, drug testing, and tissue engineering.

In 2023, bioprinting made significant progress in creating functional and complex tissues and organs, such as skin, bone, cartilage, liver, kidney, heart, and even brain . These bioprinted tissues and organs have the potential to improve the quality of life and health of millions of people who suffer from organ failure, injury, or disease.

3. Neuralink

Neuralink is a brain-computer interface (BCI) that uses tiny electrodes implanted in the brain to record and stimulate neural activity, and wirelessly transmit data to and from external devices, such as computers, smartphones, or robots. Neuralink can enable direct communication between the brain and machines, as well as enhance cognitive and sensory abilities.

In 2023, Neuralink demonstrated its capabilities and applications in various domains, such as gaming, music, art, education, and health. For example, Neuralink enabled a paralyzed person to play a video game using only their mind, a musician to compose a song by imagining it, and a blind person to see through a camera. Neuralink also showed promising results in treating neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, depression, and Alzheimer’s.

4. Metaverse

Metaverse is a virtual reality (VR) platform that simulates a shared and immersive 3D environment, where users can interact with each other and digital content, such as games, movies, art, and education. Metaverse can offer a new way of socializing, entertaining, and learning, as well as create new economic opportunities and markets.

In 2023, metaverse became more accessible and popular, thanks to the development of VR hardware, software, and content. Several companies, such as Facebook, Microsoft, and Epic Games, launched their own versions of metaverse, with different features and functionalities. Millions of users joined the metaverse, creating and exploring various virtual worlds, experiences, and communities.

5. Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is a clean and renewable energy source that is produced by splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, or hydro. Green hydrogen can be used as a fuel for various applications, such as transportation, industry, and power generation, as well as a storage medium for excess renewable energy.

In 2023, green hydrogen gained momentum as a key solution to decarbonize the global economy and combat climate change. Several countries, such as China, Germany, and Australia, announced ambitious plans and projects to scale up the production and consumption of green hydrogen. Several innovations and breakthroughs were also made in the technology and infrastructure of green hydrogen, such as electrolyzers, fuel cells, and pipelines.

6. CRISPR-Cas9

CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing tool that uses a bacterial enzyme and a guide RNA to precisely cut and modify the DNA of living cells. CRISPR-Cas9 can enable the manipulation of genes for various purposes, such as curing diseases, enhancing traits, and creating new organisms.

In 2023, CRISPR-Cas9 achieved remarkable results and applications in various fields, such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. For example, CRISPR-Cas9 was used to treat genetic diseases, such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and muscular dystrophy, to create novel crops, such as drought-resistant rice, vitamin-enriched tomatoes, and herbicide-tolerant wheat , and to engineer new life forms, such as glow-in-the-dark plants, anti-malaria mosquitoes, and woolly mammoths.

7. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that enables machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, decision making, and creativity. AI can offer various benefits and applications, such as improving productivity, efficiency, and quality, as well as enabling new products, services, and discoveries.

In 2023, AI continued to advance and improve in various domains, such as natural language processing, computer vision, speech recognition, and machine learning. AI also demonstrated its capabilities and achievements in various fields, such as education, health, entertainment, and science. For example, AI was used to create personalized learning platforms, diagnose diseases, generate realistic images and videos, and discover new drugs and materials .

8. Starlink

Starlink is a satellite internet service that uses a constellation of thousands of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency, and affordable broadband access to anywhere on the planet. Starlink can offer a solution to the digital divide, as well as enable new applications and opportunities, such as telemedicine, online education, and remote work.

In 2023, Starlink became fully operational, reaching its target of 12,000 satellites in orbit and covering the entire globe with internet connectivity. Starlink also expanded its customer base and service offerings, reaching over 10 million users and providing various plans and packages. Starlink also faced some challenges and controversies, such as regulatory issues, space debris, and astronomical interference .

9. Nanobots

Nanobots are microscopic robots that can perform various tasks at the nanoscale, such as sensing, manipulating, and assembling molecules and atoms. Nanobots can offer various applications and benefits, such as enhancing medicine, manufacturing, and materials.

In 2023, nanobots made significant progress and breakthroughs in various domains, such as biomedicine, nanoelectronics, and nanomaterials. For example, nanobots were used to deliver drugs, monitor health, and repair tissues , to create nanoscale circuits, devices, and sensors , and to synthesize novel nanomaterials, such as graphene, nanotubes, and nanodiamonds .

10.

 

Hyperloop is a transportation system that uses pods or capsules that travel at high speeds through low-pressure tubes, using magnetic levitation and propulsion. Hyperloop can offer a fast, safe, and sustainable mode of transport, as well as connect cities and regions.

In 2023, hyperloop became closer to reality, as several projects and tests were conducted around the world. For example, Virgin Hyperloop completed its first passenger test in Nevada, reaching speeds of over 100 mph, Hyperloop TT unveiled its first full-scale passenger capsule in Spain, capable of carrying 28 to 40 people, and Hardt Hyperloop announced its plans to build a European network of hyperloop routes, connecting 10 countries and 83 million people.