Summary:
Emerging technologies are rapidly transforming the way industries, society, and individuals live and work.
There are several careers in emerging tech which include software engineering, software development, AI engineering, cybersecurity, and so on.
Where ethics is concerned, the consequences of emerging tech centers around misinformation, data privacy, and autonomous systems.
These futuristic tech fields offer diverse pathways and skills.
AI involves developing intelligent systems that perform tasks like humans do.
Quantum computing aims to solve complex problems faster than classical computers.
Advanced robotics incorporates AI into robots to carry out (very) complex tasks and interact/act autonomously.
VR creates immersive simulated environments for gaming, training, and events.
IoT enables our everyday devices to connect and exchange data over the internet.
Blockchain enables secure digital transactions and asset transfers without third parties.
The Landscape of Emerging Technologies in 2025
If you are pursuing a career in technology, there are various roles you can choose from. If you’re looking to work in any job championing innovation, you will find this article helpful.
It’s 2025 and emerging technology is at the forefront of innovation. The future is here and is unfolding before us in the form of emerging technologies and computers. It is staggering how cutting-edge innovations and various tech trends that exist in every space and facet of society are evolving so quickly.
Today, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and robotics are increasingly common. More daily jobs that an individual or company performs are now carried out by AI and robots. These innovations drive transformation and provide immersive digital experiences in today’s world.
Future (and present) careers are built around these emerging technologies.
Fields like AI, machine learning, spatial computing, and renewable energy are growing rapidly. As a result, there’s a lot of interest in understanding the skills required to enter these fields and the potential career pathways they offer.
This article explores several emerging technologies that are set to revolutionize industries in our world and the abundant opportunities they present.
Get ready to chart your career pathway through the (endless) possibilities today.
What are Emerging Technologies?
Emerging technologies refer to innovative advancements in various fields, often with the potential to significantly impact society, industries, and everyday life. They are innovations that continuously improve upon the development of an existing technology or technologies that are still in the early stages.
These technologies span a wide range of areas, including:
Educational Technology: These are innovations in educational tools and methods to enhance learning experiences. Educational technology refers to using computer hardware, software, technological tools, educational theory and practice, and inventions to accelerate learning processes.
Information Technology: It is the professional category that includes anything and everything computing and communications. It involves ongoing developments in IT infrastructure, software, and networking.
Nanotechnology: The manipulation of materials and devices at the near-atomic scale or nanoscale to produce new structures and materials. It has led to novel applications in medicine, electronics, and materials science. Nanotechnology holds much promise in sectors such as medicine, energy, manufacturing, and consumer products.
Biotechnology: A multidisciplinary field that combines biology (natural science) and engineering to develop organisms, methods, cells, and products to improve health products and services. Biotech refers to the advancements in genetic engineering, biopharmaceuticals, and bioinformatics for healthcare and agriculture.
Robotics: A branch of engineering and computer science, and an interdisciplinary field of practice involving the conception, construction, design, manufacture, operation, and use of robots. It is the progress in automation and robotics, with applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and autonomous vehicles
Emerging technologies are still largely unrealized in their development and practical applications. Generally, these technologies are new, but (as mentioned earlier) they also include older technologies finding new applications. Ergo, they are the continuing development of an existing technology with a slightly different meaning.
These emerging technology trends are capable of optimizing and redefining processes and procedures. Some might argue that they can change the status quo.
The application of emerging technologies offers substantial benefits for various industries like medicine, communication, and so on. They increase efficiency, improve healthcare, enhance communication, and offer new business opportunities.
Therefore, staying informed about emerging technologies is crucial for businesses and individuals alike, as it enables them to adapt, harness the potential benefits of these innovations, and stay ahead of the game.
Emerging Technology Trends in 2025
Although these technologies are in preliminary stages and have different maturity levels, they are all essential for businesses and organizations to make informed decisions. Most business processes almost certainly use (at least) a few or all of these new technologies currently.
As a business leader, you should be looking to invest in these emerging technologies so as not to be limited. Amerikano outlines 20 emerging technologies that will change our world in this video;
The list below gives a better understanding of technology trends in 2024.
Artificial Intelligence
Hollywood and science fiction have done a great job of familiarizing us with artificial intelligence and its hyper-realism. But outside the world of Hollywood, what is artificial intelligence?
Well for starters, artificial intelligence is a broad branch of computer science. It is the science of creating computers and robots with the ability and capacity to perform human-like tasks.
Imagine a machine that could organize your desk just as you like it or serve you a customized cup of coffee. Although the functions of AI aren’t as obvious as in these (aforementioned) examples, it is built to do things commonly associated with intelligent or smart beings.
Hence the term ‘artificial intelligence.’
AI systems are built using complex algorithms and mathematical functions. Therefore they have the potential to automate tasks, streamline processes, create content, solve challenges, and provide personalized experiences in a wide range of domains.
In 2025, we can say that AI reached a tipping point. AI isn’t exclusive to data scientists, software engineers, and tech geniuses anymore. It is so powerful yet easy to use that even traditional knowledge workers (and users) can use it just by inputting simple human text-based prompts.
The development of this cutting-edge technology has made a significant impact on other technologies as well. AI can be found in smartphones, cars, social media feeds, video games, banking surveillance, and many other aspects of our daily lives.
For example, Siri can have a conversation with you or tell you when it’s going to rain. Other types of AI like ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft’s Copilot, and so on are being used (responsibly) on a large scale across businesses and organizations.
You can see the AI technology in action from creating content to productivity improvement, virtual assistants, data processing, and cybersecurity. With how AI is leading the way in efficiency, it is bound to scale up quickly and transform how jobs are done.
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is a new technology trend that is greatly inspired by quantum physics, a study of the behavior of atoms and particles. It is a multidisciplinary field that has roots in physics, computer science, and mathematics.
So, what is quantum computing?
Quantum computing is an aspect of computer science that uses the principles of quantum theory and quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster (and better) than classical computers. It uses specialized technology which includes computer hardware research, algorithms, and application development.
Quantum computers are advanced machines that use qubits or quantum bits, which are represented as a simultaneous superposition of one and zero until it can be measured. This is unlike classical computers that use bits representing either one or zero. Therefore, quantum computers process data very differently from classical computers.
They are advanced machines that operate by studying and controlling the behavior (specifically superposition and entanglement) of atoms and particles in a completely different way from regular or supercomputers.
Quantum computing is bound to radically revolutionize classical computing. These computers are not exactly the next generation computers, but rather upgraded and powerful versions of classical computers.
An ideal quantum computer should be able to break the encryption standards we use today by finding prime factors of a large integer in just minutes. Unfortunately, the real quantum hardware we have today is not quite powerful enough to do that just yet.
However, the development of technologies is advancing faster than ever. This emerging technology is capable of conducting much more complex operations faster than classical computing. It can optimize other applications to produce better and more reliable data.
Quantum computing is making technology and computer-based applications exceedingly relevant to various industries. It holds the potential to revolutionize various fields, from cryptography to drug discovery.
With its increasing compatibility (and reliability) with classical computing, there is so much that we can expect from this trending technology.
Machine Vision
Machine Vision is a (relatively) new technology that has become common in the digital world. But, what is machine vision and how can businesses use this technology to gain a competitive advantage?
Machine vision is exactly what it sounds like –a machine with eyes that can actually see. Simply put, machine vision is the ability of a machine or computer to see. It employs video cameras, analog-to-digital conversion, hardware and software algorithms, integrated systems, and digital signal processing to automate visual tasks.
The process begins with a sensor such as a camera that captures the digital input. The software algorithm analyzes and categorizes the input on a hardware platform. The MV system results classify what’s been “seen” or initiate an action.
Businesses use these systems in various ways to improve accuracy, throughput, production, and quality. The common uses of MV systems you’ll find today include imaging-based automatic inspection (and analysis), defect detection, process control, identifying, measuring, sorting, tracking products, robot guidance, and so on.
Blockchain technology
Blockchain is among the many advanced technologies that are rapidly revolutionizing our world. Imagine making transactions without cash and without going through third-party applications or banks.
Blockchain is an advanced database system or mechanism that allows users to exchange data transparently within a business network. It is a (distributed) ledger that distributes, records, and stores information or transactions (between people) in a set of blocks that are linked together in a chain. Hence, ‘blockchain.’
Blockchain uses digital cryptocurrencies – that cannot be manipulated by anyone – to provide a safe and secure mode of transactions. It distributes trades in the form of a digital ledger across the entire network of computers participating in the blockchain, making it more secure and impossible to change, hack, or cheat the system.
In recent years, blockchain has seamlessly integrated with many business systems and processes. Its efficiency in providing trusted transactions and interactions helps organizations and businesses to be flexible, efficient and trusted with stakeholders and customers.
This revolutionary and trending technology is set to radically change how transactions work in the near future. Its transparent, cost-effective, and secure ways of monitoring, storing, and transferring assets (and information) will contribute to an economy and enable revenue opportunities and digital business models. A good example of blockchain in action is global payments and asset tokenization.
One day, everything might be tokenized and connected by a blockchain.
Advanced Robotics
Before we get into what advanced robotics is, let’s take a sneak peek at robotics itself.
Robotics is simply where science, engineering, and technology intersect to produce machines called robots. These robots replicate or substitute for human actions. They are machines that are programmed to assist humans or mimic human actions.
Robots were originally developed to handle monotonous tasks, for example, carrying luggage at warehouses, building cars on an assembly line, or arranging packages at a store. In recent years, their services have expanded well beyond their initial design.
Nowadays, you will find robots cleaning homes, processing goods, fighting fires, and attending live events.
They can even interact with people (on a personal level) and can act in a complex or dynamic environment. As technology improves so too does the scope of what is considered robotics.
So, what is advanced robotics?
Advanced robotics is an emerging technology that features a combination of powerful hardware and software (and sensitization), making robots capable of thinking intelligently as opposed to traditional machines.
Advanced robotics is the integration of artificial intelligence into robots so that they can perform complex tasks, interact autonomously with their environment, and respond to the complexities of the real world.
Its sophisticated programming uses smart (or enhanced) sensor technology (like light, ultrasonic, and touch) to help robots perceive better. Advanced robotics enables robots to leverage deep learning and neural networks to process or analyze large amounts of data and make real-time decisions.
Advanced robotics is a technology trend that incorporates modern human robots into human and business processes for a seamless workflow. This technology trend comes into play in reliability, enhancing productivity, revolutionizing labor-intensive jobs, creating workplace safety, and labor support.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) is a new technological innovation that has become increasingly popular. It is a three-dimensional environment generated by a computer with objects and scenes that seem very real to the user. VR immerses you in an artificial 3D simulated world that looks (and feels) real. It takes away the limitations of the real world to allow you to explore and interact with the virtual surroundings.
You can perceive this virtual space, go wherever you want, and find what you’re interested in through a VR headset or helmet. These devices are completely untethered from computers and completely block out the real world. When using VR devices, our brains are tricked into believing that what we see and hear is real.
For a better sense of realism, the virtual setting is shown in 360 degrees. This means you can look around to see the place around you. For example, when you take a step, the scenery will move as if you were actually walking through a real place.
Also, sounds are part of the virtual experience. If you are in a VR chat room, for example, you would be able to hear someone walking up behind you. If the person is coming from your right, you’ll hear it on your right.
Virtual reality is increasingly being used for commercial applications like gaming, entertainment, and education. VR devices play an interesting role in training the police and the military, for example, to navigate very complex environments that can’t easily be created in the real world.
The VR system can create a digital environment where businesses can host meetings and events. It could transform customer services, stakeholder confidence, employee experiences/ interactions, and upskill workforce collaboration.
The metaverse is a great example of the power of VR. People can access different tools, data, and a whole new level of connectivity with this technology trend.
Through the integration of AI and eye and facial tracking, VR may soon blur the (thin) line between the virtual and physical worlds in nearly every industry.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Among the new technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to gain significant momentum in modern times.
The Internet of Things is the network of interconnected physical devices, vehicles, and other appliances with sensors, software, processing ability, and network connectivity. It can also connect with other technologies that collect and exchange data with other devices and systems across the Internet.
It is a collective network of connected devices and technology like wearables and sensors that expedite communication between devices and the cloud over a wireless network (without human intervention) to provide more optimal results.
IoT can be found in thermostats, smoke detectors, AC, water heaters, doorbells, security alarms, and more.
In retrospect, access to the internet was limited to only devices like tablets, smartphones, or desktops. However in our world today, nearly every appliance (in digital spaces) can connect to the IoT and be monitored remotely.
In the coming years, IoT can be the bedrock technology for such futuristic scenes as robot-driven agriculture, smart energy, self-driving highway systems, and smart cities. So, it’s no surprise that IoT is the most prolific emerging technology in terms of market size.
In the business world, this technology will continue recent technology trends and help them innovate processes and improve operations that will power them to the next level. The expansion of IoT devices is rapid in almost every industry. Some might argue that it is as important to business as electricity.
Career Pathways in Emerging Technologies
As emerging technologies continue to develop, there are many exciting and new career opportunities that you can explore. The adoption of emerging technology trends has led to a growing demand for skilled professionals to drive innovation.
So if you’re interested in a tech career and looking to chart a career in these futuristic sectors, there are different areas and diverse pathways you can pursue. Career pathways in these sectors tend to have steep learning curves, but you can still build your expertise and experience.
Exploring the positions and professional routes available in any emerging technology trend will help you find a career that fits.
Below are the top roles in emerging tech. You can be:
A Software Engineer
Software engineers develop, test, and update software applications and computer programs. They employ the principles (and resources) of engineering, mathematics, and computer science to create software programs and mobile applications.
Software engineers build software by writing codes. That is, they take a programming language like Python or Java and they put tiny building blocks together to create a bigger piece of software.
Primarily, software engineers determine software specifications, document systems or applications for operating instructions, and upgrade or add fixes to existing applications or software.
To be a software engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in computer programming, software development, mathematics, or a similar field.
A Web Developer
Web developers create (and maintain) websites and mobile applications using coding languages. Web developers can either be front-end developers, back-end developers, or both (full-stack developer).
Front-end developers create the visuals or front-facing interfaces that users see. Back-end developers create the behind-the-scenes mechanics like the database, server, and application.
Other duties of a web developer include:
Developing the technicalities, speed, and appearance of a site
Collaboration with designers
Analyzing user feedback to apply updates and fix errors
Implementing testing tools to monitor website performance
To work as a web developer, you must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and expertise in several coding languages.
An Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Artificial intelligence (AI) engineers combine AI and machine learning techniques to create complex systems with human-like intelligence. Their main duty involves creating, manufacturing processes, developing, programming, and training complex algorithm networks that constitute AI—for example, generative AI like ChatGPT, Gemini, and so on.
AI engineers work on the plans mapped out by AI specialists to develop systems and tools with the ability (and power) to operate like humans, e.g. Robotic process automation.
AI engineering requires knowledge and expertise in programming, software development, data science, and data engineering.
A Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity specialists protect or maintain the safety of computer network systems, software, sensitive data, and data security from unauthorized access, data breaches, and malware.
These professionals develop technological security and defenses for IT equipment. They provide better protection by developing, testing, and applying various security measures. Cybersecurity specialists recommend threat intervention and prevention to keep sensitive information secure.
To work as a cybersecurity specialist, you need a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, IT, or computer science. Additionally, having relevant work experience in cybersecurity risk assessments, and creating and monitoring cybersecurity policies will strengthen your chances of getting hired by most companies.
A Data Scientist
Many organizations rely on data to optimize operations, make predictions, and solve problems. Data scientists collect and compile large sets of raw data and convert them into easy-to-understand information and facts.
They extract data from either a company database or through cloud computing and identify the most useful information (or data). Then, they use their analytic skills to interpret the data in a way that makes sense. Through this, data scientists can help organizations make informed decisions for efficient outcomes.
Some of their many functions involve programming, data processing, and using business logic and statistics to make comprehensive data conclusions, make predictions or projections, and improve business efficiencies.
Due to the nature of their work, data scientists work in any industry or sector like sales or Robotic process automation creation
A Video Game Designer/Developer
A video game designer/developer designs video games using programming and coding languages and game creation platforms. The games we play on our mobile phones and laptops are developed by these specialists.
Their duties involve the creation of every aspect of a video game. These include the storyline, characters, rules, settings, and props. Their tasks range from visual appearance and gameplay quality to debugging.
They test the early versions of a game and pitch new ideas for (new) games to their management or teams.
To work as a video game designer/developer, you need a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer engineering, game design, computer science, or a related field.
However, employers will be more interested in your talent, creativity, and ability to work with a team.
A Blockchain Engineer
A Blockchain engineer is highly skilled in building decentralized applications like blockchain. Blockchain engineers have an in-depth knowledge of blockchain operations and work out contracts for data consulting firms or crypto lending platforms.
A blockchain engineer builds upon existing frameworks to improve their efficiency or create new ones when necessary.
To be a blockchain engineer, you need a solid bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, or a related field. You must also be proficient in programming languages like Java, Solidity, C++, and Golang.
A Machine Learning Engineer
A machine learning engineer researches, designs, and builds AI systems or self-running software that automates predictive models for machine learning.
Let’s put that in English.
Machine learning engineers work with large data to create complex algorithms designed for programming machines, like self-driving cars, and economic and weather forecasting. Image recognition, a customized newsfeed, or voice assistants are the others.
Because machine learning engineers analyze and organize big data resources, they are very valuable to the data science team. They are responsible for the manufacturing and generation of AI and other technology that need little human intervention to be efficiently optimized.
They also test and optimize ML systems and algorithms, maintain, and improve upon existing AI systems.
To be a machine learner engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field. To stand out more during your job search, you need a handy experience in computer science fundamentals like data science, data structures, software development, algorithms, and computer architecture.
A Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineers work with robotics, different prototypes, machines, and integrated software. They design these technological components and robotic systems to carry out human and nonhuman tasks.
As a robotics engineer, your duties include designing, building, analyzing, reevaluating, configuring, testing, maintaining, and repairing robots. Also, you will be responsible for developing and implementing new applications for existing robot systems and technologies.
To be a robotics engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in robotics and engineering such as mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering.
A Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable energy engineers develop solutions to maintain the quality of life and create greater sustainability practices to help the environment recover. They research and design new ways of collecting and using (green) energy. Think of them as innovators in renewable energy.
These engineers use engineering principles, mathematics, and research to design new methods of energy usage and generation that won’t harm the planet. Essentially, they focus on using solar, wind, and biotechnologies to build sustainable, and renewable sources of energy conversion.
To become a renewable energy engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree (or master’s degree) in engineering or related fields like electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering.
Earth science, renewable or sustainable energy, and environmental science are the others. You must also gain experience through entry-level positions or internships.
A Cloud Engineer/Architect
Cloud engineers/architects research, plan, design, create, monitor, implement, and manage the technical and security infrastructure that cloud-based systems need to function.
They solve or troubleshoot issues with cloud-based processes through the implementation of cloud solutions.
Cloud engineers/architects analyze the technical and security infrastructures of companies and move specific functions and processes to a cloud system.
They also work with technical teams to plan and design cloud-based applications, software, and web services.
For this role, you need a bachelor’s degree in cloud computing, software engineering, information technology, computer science, or a relevant field.
You also need experience working with Google Cloud Platform, Azure, AWS, and other emerging cloud technologies like DevSecOps, APIs, and serverless.
Problems and moral questions that come with new tech trends
Emerging technology trends have spurred ground-breaking innovations and changed how we work and operate in our world. It is transforming industries and digital spaces as we know it.
The way we access and use information is rapidly evolving. Emerging technologies have given companies (and individuals) competitive strategy, power, enhanced productivity, and convenience.
However, while these technologies have potential use cases, their production and development should be limited where ethics is concerned. When put into proper perspectives, these techs may pose an existential threat to our civilization.
Their potential consequences and justifiable privileges are all connected. From data security issues and misinformation to its impact on several jobs across the globe.
Ethics is essential in every business and making decisions based on ethical practices will create more security in our digital world.
Therefore, the government and various sectors should acknowledge the ethical implications of these technologies and ensure that they are used ethically. Below are some potential ethical implications of technology;
Misinformation
Thanks to the internet, we can constantly access information/news in real-time. Unfortunately, there are very high chances of coming across fake news due to misinterpretation or lack of fact-checking.
So, more and more inaccurate or distorted information reaches us every minute of every day.
One technology trend that perpetrates this atrocity is “deep fakes”. Deep fake technology makes it possible for a video to look accurate and real by simply manipulating digital images. This raises a lot of concerns about misuse of personal information and identity, identity theft, and privacy invasion.
Misuse of personal data
Various internet sites like social media collect and store huge amounts of personal data. Such data are extracted by companies to personalize user experience and understand their preferences.
However, the rapid increase in the gathering of personal data raises concerns about privacy like cyber-attacks.
We have grown so dependent on digital infrastructures for daily living that the possibility of personal information being shared with third-party partners is high.
Misuse of personal information is now a primary ethical concern because of the difficulty of preserving the confidentiality of private information. Nowadays, privacy is considered a very rare privilege.
The Risk of and Liability for Autonomous AI & Technology Systems
Innovations like self-driving cars or unmanned delivery drones are great indicators of the use cases of AI and other technology systems.
While this holds promise for a remarkable (and beautiful) future, allowing programmed technology to act solely of its own volition without human intervention is a cause for ethical concerns.
If these technology and AI systems become too autonomous, there is a high propensity for them to make decisions that compromise and harm human values. If they are not limited or guided by us humans, it can lead to uncontrollable consequences in the years ahead.
Therefore, AI and other technology systems must be guided by frameworks and some level of human intervention for ethical purposes.
The Endless Possibilities in Emerging Techs:
(Get Ready To Chart Your Path)
Emerging technologies offer so many opportunities. We do not know what to expect and so, it may seem intimidating at first what we want or ought to do.
However, if you are ready to shape the future, know that you’re on the right track and you’re in the right place to do that.
The emerging technologies and their diverse career pathways mentioned in this article will give you valuable insight into the amazing breakthroughs you can attain. From harnessing the sun’s rays to manipulating matter atom by atom, you will be amazed by how much potential you have.
So, buckle your shoes and get ready to boldly chart your career path. Be a part of a brighter and safer future.
Remember to create your job application documents at CVJury.
Cheers!