What will 2025 be like? What to expect and prepare for in 2025

Today, nearly every facet of human activity is experiencing transformative changes. Technologies are advancing rapidly, and innovations are emerging at lightning speed.

Keeping up with these developments, staying current with trends, and acquiring relevant skills are becoming increasingly challenging. As we approach the New Year, global experts have come to our aid by sharing their predictions for 2025. These forecasts span a wide range of fields—from medicine and banking to artificial intelligence and space travel. Let's take a glimpse into the future to discover what awaits us in the coming year, what these changes will entail, and whether we are prepared for them.

Prediction #1. Scientists are set to develop an artificial human heart that can be used for transplants

This prediction was made by the Danish investment bank Saxo Bank. Each year, the company's representatives release forecasts for the upcoming year, featuring leading experts in finance and various fields who share their hypotheses and speculations about significant global events that are anticipated in the near future. This time, one of the most credible and plausible predictions was about the artificial recreation of the human heart.

Experts predict that next year, the debut of the first heart printed on a particular bioprinter will be seen, and it will be suitable for transplantation in patients with heart disease. This breakthrough could address one of the most pressing issues in transplantology—the shortage of donor organs—while also unlocking new opportunities and options for scientists. The integration of cutting-edge advancements in bioengineering and medicine promises to enhance the lives of millions in the coming years. Currently, remarkable progress is being made in organ bioprinting, which is driving increased interest, attracting talented experts, and securing significant investments. Consequently, this trend contributes to improving living standards, enhancing medical care, and modernising the entire healthcare industry. We eagerly welcome such forecasts!

Prediction #2. New AI-developed drugs will soon emerge

Creating a new drug typically takes decades and requires substantial investments—amounting to several billion dollars. The risks are equally high, as less than 10% of all medicines receive production approval, even after successful clinical trials. For instance, the FDA in the United States approves an average of only 53 drugs annually. This is why many researchers are increasingly focusing on the potential of artificial intelligence. Some scientists believe that neural networks can accelerate the drug development process and reduce costs, making medications more accessible to a wider population.

As early as 2025, artificial intelligence may fully engage in developing unique drugs. AI could prove particularly valuable during the preclinical stage when scientists identify a protein or gene linked to an identifiable disease. Typically, about a million different compounds are tested during this period, initially on computer models and then on animals, which consumes much of the drug development time. AI can accelerate the identification of promising molecules to fight a particular disease, thereby increasing the chances of success. This has been demonstrated by the AI-based model AlphaFold 2 from DeepMind, which accurately identified the structure of all proteins in the human body. With the arrival of the improved AlphaFold 3, it is likely that next year, we will see a drug developed through the combined efforts of scientists and artificial intelligence.

In 2025, we can anticipate a breakthrough in vaccines that stimulate the immune system to combat cancer. Advances in mRNA technology and the expanded use of artificial intelligence for identifying molecular markers and identifiable genetic traits could significantly streamline the vaccine development process. From conducting a biopsy and identifying mutations to producing the vaccine itself, this process may only take a few months.

Prediction #3. An electrification boom is on the horizon

The popularity of electric cars continues to soar each year. With increased production capacity, they are set to become even more affordable and available in the near future.

Unlike petrol or diesel vehicles, electric cars are an eco-friendly form of transportation. They don't require any fuel, which means owners of these 'green' cars skip the lines at gas stations and enjoy a more comfortable driving experience. Electric cars boast smooth dynamics and fast acceleration, often come with four-wheel drive systems, and produce minimal noise and vibration. According to the Boston Consulting Group, hybrid and electric vehicles are projected to make up half of all global car sales by 2030.

However, the widespread adoption of electric cars could lead to negative consequences, such as job losses. As electric vehicles become more established, many specialists in the auto industry may face lay-offs. Suppliers of auto components, particularly those focusing on engines and transmissions, will be the hardest hit because electric cars have fewer parts. For example, while an internal combustion engine contains 2,000 to 3,000 metal components, an electric motor requires only about 200. Likewise, robots can easily replace humans in battery production.

Despite the potential challenges, the electrification boom seems inevitable. Motorists are increasingly opting for electric cars due to their ease of maintenance, efficiency, dynamic performance, and the fact that they do not burn fuel or pollute the atmosphere with exhaust emissions.

Prediction #4. Humanity will continue to explore space

American astronauts will return to the Moon for the first time in several decades at the end of next year. They will embark on a ten-day test flight aboard the Orion spacecraft, designed for the study of interplanetary and stellar space.

In the coming year, Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans to continue testing its Starship rocket, which is designed to deliver cargo and people to near-Earth orbits, as well as to the Moon and Mars. Known as the largest and most powerful launch vehicle in the world, Starship will play a pivotal role in expanding the global Starlink satellite network. Additionally, SpaceX will launch several more robotic space missions to the Moon. One notable mission is the Venus Life Finder project, set to begin in January 2025, which marks the first automatic interplanetary station dedicated to studying the atmosphere of Venus.

Amazon, led by Jeff Bezos, plans to launch its own satellite system called Kuiper next year. Additionally, Rocket Lab, a private aerospace engineering company from the US and New Zealand, will debut its reusable Neutron rocket in 2025. This rocket is designed to service satellites and support astronauts in deep space.

Prediction #5. Even animals will have their own bank accounts

Tehanu, a technology company, has developed a groundbreaking infrastructure that facilitates the exchange of money and data not only between people but also between animals and, eventually, even trees. According to the startup, this innovation is key to economic prosperity. Tehanu launched a pilot project with 19 gorillas from Rwanda, and next year, they plan to expand the system to include gorillas from across East Africa.

The concept of interspecies money involves using special sensors and artificial intelligence to identify animals' true needs, such as providing veterinary care or removing a poacher's trap. Once an animal's need is established, a request is sent to a dedicated online platform. Local residents can then learn about the needed assistance, provide it, and earn a well-deserved reward. The developers refer to this system as a “gig economy for nature”.

Prediction #6. Climate change forecasts will become possible

For several decades, NASA satellites, along with the European and Japanese space agencies, have been collecting and analysing data on actions that impact climate conditions. However, the challenge lies in the numerous factors influencing climate sensitivity.

Scientists also incorporate historical data from recent centuries into their research. For instance, this year saw the publication of a reconstruction of our planet's temperatures over the past 480 million years. This extensive study enabled researchers to assess the impact of climate sensitivity on Earth's overall state. The global community anticipates that key findings from climate research, which will refine models and predict possible changes, will emerge this year. Additionally, in a few months, the first results from the new generation of CMIP7 climate models will be released. The goal of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project is to enhance understanding of past, present, and future climate changes arising from natural, unforced modifications. According to the UK National Meteorology and Climate Service, the average global surface temperature in 2025 is expected to range between 1.29 °C and 1.53 °C.

Prediction #7. A new form of energy will emerge

A new publicly available form of energy is expected to be discovered by the end of next year. The SPARC thermonuclear reactor, which will have a capacity of approximately 140 megawatts, will make this possible.

Commonwealth Fusion, an American company, is actively developing a reactor. The installation will feature a circular shape and have a reaction chamber surrounded by powerful electromagnets designed to contain and heat the plasma. At high temperatures, the substances within the plasma will undergo fusion, releasing helium, neutrons, and a vast amount of energy.

Leading global companies have already allocated over $7 billion for thermonuclear fusion this year. The scope of development and investment is expected to grow even further next year.

Indeed, the changes and innovations that 2025 will bring to the global landscape are now even more intriguing. Let's hope that positive forecasts will come to fruition and that any less favourable predictions will pass us by. Despite our world's unpredictability, it's crucial to stay prepared for unexpected events and their consequences. Stay updated with us about the latest news in science and technology!