Welcome to the forefront of innovation! In 2024, the tech landscape is evolving at a lightning pace, presenting us with a myriad of exciting possibilities. While the world marvelled at generative AI last year, the tech trends of 2024 promise to push the boundaries even further, offering solutions to our most pressing global challenges.

Drawing insights from a recent article by Capgemini, this blog explores five pivotal technology trends that will shape business and technology strategies in the years to come. So, buckle up as we delve into the future of technology and discover what lies ahead. Let’s dive in!

1. Quantum Technology

Quantum technology emerges as a pivotal trend for 2024, revolutionizing computing and digital defence systems.

Digital Defense Evolution:

• AI and ML play critical roles in threat detection and cybersecurity.
• The adoption of a zero-trust security model emphasizes the “never trust, always verify” principle.

Challenges and Urgency

• Quantum computing poses new threats to existing encryption standards like RSA and ECC.
• Urgent need for quantum-resistant algorithms to safeguard data privacy and security.

Government Mandates and Implications

• The U.S. plans to issue ‘Post-Quantum Cryptography’ (PQC) standards by 2024.
• Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act mandates readiness for PQC adoption within a year.
• This development sparks discussions in boardrooms globally and may overturn cybersecurity standards.

Market Projections

• The global quantum computing market is forecasted to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 28.8 per cent from 2024 to 2032.
• By 2032, the market is estimated to reach approximately US$8.2 billion, signifying its growing significance in the tech landscape.

2. Semiconductors

The backbone of digital transformation, semiconductors stand as one of the most traded goods globally. Moore’s law, which posits that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles every two years while the cost of computers halves, has long guided the industry. But is this theory reaching its limits?

Despite speculations, studies suggest otherwise. Microchips are anticipated to shrink to no more than 2 nanometers, with transistors reducing to the size of a handful of atoms.

As we approach the physical boundary of chip miniaturization, the spotlight shifts to chiplets, witnessing significant advancements in 3D chip stacking and breakthroughs in material science and lithography in 2024.

Key Developments

Advancements in Chip Miniaturization

• Microchips are expected to reach sizes of no more than 2 nanometers.
• Transistors shrink to the size of atoms, pushing the boundaries of chip technology.

Emergence of Chiplets

• Notable progress in 3D chip stacking techniques.
• Innovations in material science and lithography driving chipset advancements.

Market Projections

• Semiconductor revenue is projected to grow by 17 per cent in 2024, surpassing $624 billion.
• Driven by digitally connected devices like smartphones, e-vehicles, data centres, and telecoms, this transformation will reshape industries worldwide.

Industry Implications

New gigafactories, business models, regulations, and foundry services are expected to emerge in response to these advancements.

3. Batteries

Batteries take center stage as a key tech trend for 2024. With every nation aiming to reduce costs and enhance battery performance, the focus is on advancing energy storage and electric mobility—critical components for transitioning to renewable energy sources and accelerating smart grid adoption.

Key Insights

Global Battery Market Trends

• The global battery market is projected to soar to US$276.3 billion by 2032.
• Anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7 per cent from 2024 to 2032.

Exploring Battery Technologies

• Lithium ferro-phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) are standard choices for electric vehicle applications.
• Emerging technologies like cobalt-free (sodium-ion) or solid-state batteries are gaining traction, with an expected acceleration in 2024.

Implications and Advancements

Cobalt-Free Batteries:

• Represent a significant shift in battery technology, especially for e-vehicles.
• Offer higher storage capacities at lower costs compared to traditional batteries.
• Reduce dependency on materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and rare-earth minerals.
• Boast longer lifespans and enhanced safety features.

Sustainability and Climate Impact

• These advancements align with global efforts toward energy transition and combating climate change.
• Enable more sustainable use of materials, driving progress towards a greener future.

4. Space Technology

In 2024, the acceleration of space technology emerges as a significant trend, propelling humanity’s exploration beyond Earth’s bounds. With plans to establish a permanent presence on the moon and a renewed focus on satellite technology, space advancements are poised to revolutionize various sectors.

Key Developments

Expansion of Human Presence

• Mankind gears up to establish a permanent foothold on the moon, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.
• Satellites emerge as a critical focus area, offering insights and solutions to global challenges.

Scientific Discoveries and Climate Solutions

• Space technologies drive scientific breakthroughs and aid in addressing pressing environmental issues.
• Satellite data facilitates monitoring of air quality, ice conditions, forest cover, and ecosystems, aiding in climate risk assessment and resource management.

Applications in Agriculture and Environmental Conservation

• Satellite data enhances agricultural practices by optimizing water and energy usage for crops.
• Documents environmental damage caused by maritime activities, contributing to conservation efforts.

Global Implications

Defence, Sovereignty, and Telecommunications:

• Space tech addresses crucial global issues such as defence, sovereignty, and telecommunications.
• Driven by governments and the private sector, including startups and multinational corporations.
• Powered by technologies like 5G, advanced satellite systems, big data, and quantum computing.

Accelerated Innovation

Promising Technology Projects:

• 2024 accelerates innovation in sustainable spacecraft propulsion, including electric or nuclear options.
• Focus on new Low Earth Orbit constellations for seamless communications and quantum cryptography.

Revolutionary Impact

Catalyzing Technological Revolutions:

• The return to space heralds revolutionary innovations akin to the last space race.
• Anticipate advancements in computing, telecommunications, and Earth observation, akin to past innovations like satellites and GPS systems.

5. Generative AI

Generative AI, continuing its momentum from last year, remains a focal point in 2024, poised to shape the future of artificial intelligence. The market forecasts project remarkable growth, with a projected value of US$66.62 billion by 2024 and a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.80 per cent from 2024 to 2030.

Key Trends

Phenomenal Growth of Large Language Models:

• Large language models witness phenomenal growth, facilitating more compact and cost-efficient models.
• Enables operation on low-footprint installations and smaller enterprise architectures, including edge computing environments.

Rise of Multimodal AI:

• Multimodal AI expands beyond single-mode data processing, incorporating text, images, and sound inputs.
• Moves towards replicating the human ability to understand and process diverse sensory information.

Introduction of Agentic AI:

• Agentic AI signifies a shift from reactive to proactive systems.
• Autonomous and proactive, these systems comprehend environments, set targets, and achieve them without direct human intervention.

Challenges and Innovations:

Cost and Computation Power:

• Developing large language models and generative AI systems entails significant costs and computation power.
• Focus on open-source AI development to mitigate costs and foster inclusivity in AI access.

Implications for the Future:

Driving Innovation and Collaboration:

• Generative AI drives innovation and collaboration, shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
• Facilitates advancements in diverse domains, from language processing to image recognition and beyond.

Conclusion

The tech trends of 2024 promise groundbreaking advancements across various domains. From the transformative potential of quantum technology and semiconductor innovations to the sustainability-driven progress in batteries and the disruptive power of space technology and generative AI, the technology landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. As we navigate these trends, embracing innovation, collaboration, and adaptability is imperative.

By staying abreast of these developments and leveraging their potential, we can harness the power of technology to address global challenges and shape a brighter future for generations to come.