According to AI, What Happens Next?

While most normal people have been at the beach, we've been playing in the sandbox.

Our latest project involved building a new batch of digital tools using LLM's (large language models). In theory, these enable us to:

• Streamline the due diligence process for companies by leveraging the investment framework from my book.
• Analyze recent headlines to spot potential winners and losers.
• Discover asymmetric investment opportunities—those with significantly higher upside potential than downside risk.
• Pinpoint the most impactful trends shaping the next five to ten years.

The results of this last prompt were just too interesting to not share. Here's the response, as written by Perplexity.AI

50 Emerging Trends for the Next Five Years

The years 2025 to 2030 mark a period of remarkable technological, social, and economic transformation. Drawing on expert analysis and market observations, these 50 trends will fundamentally shape how we live, work, and interact in the near future.
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Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

1. Agentic AI Systems

Autonomous AI agents will progress beyond chatbots into sophisticated virtual workforces, independently planning and executing complex tasks. Organizations will need to create strong governance frameworks to ensure proper oversight.

2. Multi-Agent AI Ecosystems

AI will transition from isolated agents to collaborative, networked systems solving industry challenges that single agents cannot handle alone.

3.AI Reasoning and Custom Silicon

Advanced AI will employ human-like logical reasoning, spurring demand for custom silicon chips optimized for specialized workloads.

4. Neuromorphic Computing

Human brain-inspired architectures will enable revolutionary leaps in performance and energy efficiency by processing data in parallel.

5. AI-Powered Healthcare Diagnostics

AI will revolutionize diagnostics by interpreting medical images and health data with accuracy that often surpasses human ability, providing earlier detection and more tailored treatments.

Technology Infrastructure

6. Quantum Computing Applications

Quantum computers will begin to solve complex, real-world problems in cryptography, materials science, and drug discovery. They will enable molecular-level simulations and new financial modeling methods.

7. Post-Quantum Cryptography

The rise of quantum computing will drive adoption of new encryption protocols to safeguard data from quantum-enabled breaches.

8. 5G-Advanced and Connectivity

Enhanced 5G (5.5G) will usher in higher speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections, supporting immersive reality and autonomous systems.

 9. Edge Computing Evolution

Distributed processing closer to data sources will dramatically cut latency, allowing real-time decisions for IoT and autonomous applications.

10. Spatial Computing Integration

Real-time spatial simulations will reshape sectors like healthcare and entertainment through immersive digital-physical experiences.

Workplace & Employment

11. Hybrid Work Standardization

Hybrid and remote work models will become permanent, with organizations adapting to retain top talent. The four-day workweek will gain increased support.

12. Skills-Based Hiring Revolution

Employers will favor practical skills and adaptability over degrees, reshaping recruitment and career advancement paths.

13. AI-Enhanced Human Resources

AI will automate HR tasks and provide actionable insights, driving more personalized employee experiences and informed decision-making.

14. Reskilling and Upskilling Imperative

Ongoing learning will be essential, with robust training programs attracting ambitious workers and equipping them for evolving roles.

15. Gig Economy 2.0

The gig economy will expand into high-skill freelance work through specialized platforms, offering new career models beyond traditional employment.

Healthcare & Biotechnology

16. CRISPR Advanced Gene Editing

Next-generation CRISPR tools will offer higher precision for treating diseases and modifying crops, expanding the reach of gene editing.

17. AI-Integrated Drug Discovery

Machine learning will predict drug efficacy and personalize treatments, accelerating the development of new therapies.

18. Precision Fermentation

Microbial fermentation will manufacture precise proteins and fats for sustainable food production without conventional agriculture.

19. 5G-Enabled Medical Devices

High-speed connectivity will support real-time robotic surgeries, remote patient monitoring, and instant data sharing across facilities.

20. Digital Mental Health Solutions

AI-powered apps, virtual coaches, and digital therapeutics will become mainstream, providing immediate, data-driven mental health support.

Sustainability & Climate Technology

21. Carbon Capture and Utilization

Advanced carbon capture will convert CO2 into valuable materials and products, making carbon a key resource rather than a waste product.

22. Green Hydrogen Economy

Clean hydrogen production will expand, enabling the decarbonization of heavy industry and large-scale transportation.

23. Solid-State Battery Advancement

Next-generation batteries will deliver higher energy density, faster charging, and greater safety—accelerating electric vehicle adoption and energy storage.

24. Circular Economy Integration

Businesses will adopt product-as-a-service models, focusing on longevity, reusability, and recycling to minimize waste.

25. Nature-Based Solutions

Investments in ecosystem restoration and conservation will surge, as companies integrate natural processes into their operations.

Consumer Technology & Commerce

26. Smart Home Device Proliferation

Smart home technology will see rapid growth, with AI-enhanced devices becoming more integrated and intuitive.

27. AI-Driven Hyper-Personalization

Retailers will use AI to create experiences and recommendations tailored to each individual’s behavior and preferences.

28. Augmented Reality Shopping

AR will enable consumers to visualize products in real-world settings, merging online and offline retail and reducing returns.

29. Frictionless Payment Systems

Biometric and touchless payments will become ubiquitous, along with wider use of digital and central bank currencies.

30. Social Commerce Expansion

Social platforms will serve as dominant retail channels, with live shopping and influencers driving purchasing decisions.

Transportation & Mobility

31. Electric Vehicle Acceleration

EVs will become mainstream as battery costs drop and charging infrastructure expands, significantly lowering transportation emissions.

32. Autonomous Vehicle Deployment

Commercial self-driving vehicles will appear in logistics and public transport, improving safety and reducing congestion.

33. Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)

Unified mobility platforms will offer seamless, multimodal journeys, shrinking private car ownership in cities.

34. Smart Transportation Infrastructure

AI-managed networks and V2X communications will streamline traffic flow and optimize transportation efficiency.

35. Micro-Mobility Solutions

Electric scooters and bikes will be vital parts of urban ecosystems, boosting shared and sustainable mobility options.

Manufacturing & Industry

36. Smart Factory Integration

Digital tech and data-driven operations will make factories more responsive, efficient, and cost-effective.

37. Generative AI in Manufacturing

Generative AI will facilitate the design of lighter, stronger components, especially in aerospace and automotive sectors.

38. Digital Twins Expansion

Virtual replicas of manufacturing lines will enable scenario testing and optimization before committing to physical changes.

39. Sustainable Manufacturing Focus

A majority of manufacturers will view sustainability as a core differentiator, targeting lower emissions and environmental impact.

40. Robotics and Automation Evolution

Intelligent, adaptable robots will operate safely alongside humans, taking on a broad array of tasks, including adoption of humanoid robots.

Digital Infrastructure & Security

41. Cybersecurity Platform Consolidation

The market will consolidate around a few dominant vendors, while AI-driven cybersecurity becomes the standard.

42. Zero-Trust Security Models

Businesses will widely adopt security models that verify all users and devices, regardless of location.

43. Blockchain Enterprise Applications

Enterprise use of blockchain will soar, with a focus on interoperability, scalability, and transparent transactions.

44. Data Management Revolution

AI and ML will generate massive data management opportunities, leading to sovereign clouds and advanced protection strategies.

45. Disinformation Security

New technologies will surface to detect and combat AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes, maintaining digital trust.

Space & Advanced Technologies

46. Space Technology Integration

AI will enable autonomous operations in space systems, with advanced monitoring for climate and planetary health.

47. Proliferated Satellite Constellations

Large networks of coordinated satellites will unlock new capabilities for communication and earth monitoring.

48. Nuclear Space Propulsion

Advanced propulsion systems will power longer, deeper space missions and fuel the space economy’s growth.

49. Commercial Space Expansion

A rapidly growing commercial space sector will drive innovation in satellite services, manufacturing, and the emerging cislunar economy.

50. Quantum Communication Networks

Quantum technology will enable ultra-secure, space-based communications for governments and enterprises.

Conclusion

These emerging trends reflect the intersection of technological progress, environmental necessity, and societal change. The next five years will be defined by the realization of long-in-development technologies, the mainstreaming of sustainability, and the dramatic reshaping of work and commerce. Those who adapt, remain agile, and focus on continuous learning and human-centered tech integration will thrive in this increasingly interconnected world.

This was more fun than a day at the beach! Going through the list, I know that I learned a few new things and maybe you did, too.