12 exciting tech to watch in 2025: Drones, eVTOL, AI, 6G, gene editing

What happens when technologies converge – such as when the phone and the computer, or when AI and drones come together? 

Something greater than the sum of its parts emerges. 

The internet, smartphones and AI are a few examples of innovations created by tech fusion.

Now, a single device combines calling, photography, video recording, publishing, internet browsing, navigation (GPS), gaming, and more.

Old industries die, and new ones emerge, creating value and trillion-dollar entities, i.e. Apple (market capitalisation: $3.79 trillion), Google ($2.34 trillion) and Nvidia ($3.29 trillion). 

Following are tech convergences to watch in 2025:

#1. Drones

Drones continue to evolve and improve, kicking up excitement as well as concern. For one, drones are becoming smarter with AI-driven capabilities, such as enhanced object recognition, predictive analytics, and autonomous navigation in complex environments.

Swarm technology is an exciting new (and concerning) field: Drones operating in coordinated swarms for military, emergency response, or entertainment purposes are likely to become more sophisticated and widely deployed. Governments and international bodies will continue to work on standardising drone regulations, focusing on integration into airspace, privacy concerns, and safety protocols.

#2. Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)

AR/VR is moving beyond gaming and entertainment, with applications in education, healthcare, and remote work. Expect more immersive experiences and seamless integration with everyday tech.

#3. Self-driving cars

Autonomous vehicles are becoming mainstream, with advancements in AI and sensor technology. Expect ride-hailing services and logistics to adopt self-driving tech at scale.

#4. Generative AI

Tools like ChatGPT and DALL·E are evolving, enabling creative professionals to design, write, and innovate faster. In 2025, these tools will penetrate more industries, automating complex tasks.

#5. eVTOL air taxis

Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles are also poised to transform urban mobility. Companies like Joby and Archer are gearing up for commercial launches, promising faster, eco-friendly commutes.

#6. Biotechnology innovations

Gene editing (CRISPR), personalised medicine, and synthetic biology are reshaping healthcare and agriculture, addressing global challenges like food security and disease eradication.

#7. Green hydrogen

As a clean energy carrier, green hydrogen is gaining traction for decarbonising industries like steel, shipping, and aviation, with significant investments worldwide.

#8. Solid-state batteries

These batteries promise higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety, revolutionising electric vehicles (EVs) and consumer electronics.

#9. Space exploration technologies

Commercial space travel and lunar exploration are advancing, with missions from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and NASA pushing boundaries. Expect developments in asteroid mining and space habitats.

#10. Quantum computing

Quantum breakthroughs are set to revolutionise fields like cryptography, logistics, and drug discovery. Companies like IBM, Google, and Rigetti are making quantum computing more accessible.

#11. Blockchain beyond cryptocurrency

Blockchain applications are diversifying. Because they are decentralised, cryptocurrencies cut the need for intermediaries, empowers users, and provides access to financial systems for the un-banked and under-banked populations, enabling economic participation for millions worldwide. Moreover, blockchain tech ensures secure, immutable transactions that are transparent and publicly verifiable, reducing fraud and enhancing trust. As a result, and with increasingly regulatory oversight, the major cryptos have gone up in value over the years.

#12. Next-Generation Wireless (6G)

Building on 5G, 6G promises ultra-low latency, terahertz speeds, and advanced connectivity, enabling new possibilities in AR/VR, IoT, and AI-driven systems.

2025: The year of integration

In the middle of the current decade, these technologies will continue to evolve, improve, converge. They are not developing in isolation. Their convergence will redefine industries and how we live, work, and interact.

Innovations will extend the human consciousness, boost production efficiencies and improve lives (at least that's the thrill of hope that excites us this New Year).