The 2024 edition of Top 10 Emerging Technologies, published by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Frontiers, presents a compelling exploration of the innovations that are poised to reshape our global economy, environment, and society. This annual report has become a highly anticipated reference for leaders across sectors, and the 2024 release does not disappoint. Drawing from expert surveys and scientific insight, the authors highlight ten breakthrough technologies with the greatest potential to accelerate progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals while transforming industries at scale.
One of the standout entries in this year’s list is “AI for Scientific Discovery.” With the convergence of machine learning, natural language processing, and big data, AI systems are now helping researchers design molecules, accelerate drug discovery, and uncover hidden patterns in complex scientific datasets. This capability is not only expediting innovation across pharmaceuticals and materials science, but also redefining the research process itself by reducing trial-and-error cycles and human bias.
Another emerging technology with significant implications is “Flexible Neural Electronics.” These ultra-thin, stretchable devices can integrate with the human body more seamlessly than traditional implants, offering new hope in treating neurological disorders or restoring lost motor function. Unlike rigid electronics, these soft materials can conform to brain tissue and other biological structures without causing damage, enabling long-term therapeutic applications and real-time monitoring of neural activity.
The report also highlights the “Sustainable Aviation Fuel” revolution. As aviation contributes significantly to global carbon emissions, the development of cleaner jet fuels made from waste, algae, or captured carbon offers a promising path forward. While still limited by production capacity and cost, advancements in this field have brought net-zero aviation closer to reality, particularly as governments and major airlines increase their commitments to decarbonization.
“Metaverse for Mental Health” represents a more socially oriented innovation. Researchers and clinicians are exploring how immersive environments can offer therapy and stress relief for conditions like anxiety and PTSD. With customizable virtual settings and avatars, patients may engage more comfortably and consistently with treatment. Though the long-term psychological impact of metaverse-based therapy is still being studied, early results indicate potential benefits, especially for underserved or stigmatized populations.
Next on the list is “Wearable Plant Sensors,” which bring precision agriculture to a new level. These tiny devices can be attached directly to crops, transmitting real-time data on hydration, disease, and nutrient levels. By enabling earlier interventions and reducing the need for blanket fertilizer or pesticide use, they support both higher yields and sustainability. With climate change threatening agricultural stability, these tools could be essential in securing global food supplies.
Another transformative development is “Energy from Ocean Algae.” Biofuels derived from marine algae offer a renewable, high-yield alternative to fossil fuels. Unlike land-based crops, algae do not compete for arable land and can grow in saltwater. Recent progress in bioreactor efficiency and genetic engineering has made commercial production more viable, especially for industrial and transportation use.
The inclusion of “Digital Therapeutics for Metabolic Disorders” reflects the growing convergence of software and medicine. These app-based solutions offer clinically validated interventions for conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Personalized coaching, behavior tracking, and real-time feedback empower patients to manage their health outside of clinical settings, offering scalable solutions to global health challenges.
Equally noteworthy is the progress in “Next-Gen Prosthetics,” which now leverage AI, advanced sensors, and neuromuscular interfaces to offer near-natural movement and control. These technologies improve not only function but also user comfort and psychological well-being, enabling better integration into daily life. Some even offer sensory feedback, allowing users to feel pressure or texture through the prosthetic limb.
“Direct Air Capture for Carbon Removal” is another game-changing technology. As climate goals become more urgent, pulling carbon directly from the atmosphere and storing it underground or repurposing it into materials offers a complementary approach to emission reductions. While energy-intensive and currently costly, policy support and technical improvements are beginning to close the gap toward large-scale deployment.
Finally, the report introduces “Sustainable Computing,” which addresses the environmental cost of data centers and AI workloads. New chip architectures, energy-efficient data processing methods, and renewable-powered cloud infrastructures are part of a broader effort to make digital transformation environmentally responsible. As our reliance on computation grows, this field will become increasingly important for both corporate ESG performance and planetary health.
The Top 10 Emerging Technologies 2024 report offers not just a glimpse into the future but a call to action. Each of the technologies presented carries transformative potential and ethical responsibility. Their development and deployment will require international cooperation, inclusive design, and robust governance. The full report is available from the World Economic Forum here.