The future holds countless opportunities for business. And the constant advancements in technology are fueling these prospects—one breakthrough at a time. Since we’re already witnessing this revolution in real-time, imagine what’s in store for us in, let’s say, in 2040.
It’s safe to say that anyone who harnesses this technological revolution has a lot to gain. What’s best is that we’re talking about the future, which means you get to have a head start. To get you in the mood, we’ve put together a list of the best future business ideas that can transform entire industries.
Emerging Technologies That Will Help Shape the Future Business Landscape
AI and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are two cutting edge technologies that are reshaping the world as we know it. AI algorithms identify patterns and make predictions by analyzing vast datasets.
In the business landscape, AI and ML serve a variety of purposes, including everything from advanced chatbots to predictive analytics for demand forecasting. These technologies not only optimize and simplify operations but also enhance customer experience by offering personalized solutions.
5G Technology
The release of 5G technology is a huge step forward, offering faster and more reliable data transmission. It paves the way for the seamless integration of technologies like VR (virtual reality), AR (augmented reality), and IoT (Internet of Things).
Businesses that leverage 5G can benefit from minimal latency, allowing for real-time communication and improved mobile experiences. In the healthcare industry, for example, 5G enables remote surgeries and patient monitoring, completely reimagining the delivery of medical services.
Edge Computing
In a nutshell, edge computing refers to the processing of data closer to the source of generation, minimizing latency and boosting real-time capabilities. This is especially useful for applications that require prompt decision-making, like smart grids and self-driving cars.
In the manufacturing sector, edge computing analyzes data at the source to optimize production processes, allowing for faster response times and better results on the spot. It also reduces reliance on centralized cloud servers. Needless to say, edge computing is certainly opening new avenues for future business ideas.
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing essentially uses quantum mechanics to carry out computations at speeds that ordinary computers can’t reach. Although it’s still in its experimental phase, the potential impact it has on solving complex issues—like cryptography—is on another level.
In genomics, for instance, quantum computing can accelerate the identification of genetic factors associated with diseases, leading to breakthroughs in genetic research and changing how we understand health and disease.
Biotechnology and CRISPR
Advancements in biotechnology, CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) gene-editing technology in particular, are transforming fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
CRISPR makes it possible to modify genetic material, allowing for, let’s say, the development of genetically modified crops or perhaps the treatment of genetic disorders. In the example of agriculture, CRISPR technology can enhance crop traits like pest resistance and drought tolerance.
19 Promising Future Business Ideas
1. Holographic Theater
3D was all the rage once. But now, it’s pretty much like an old toy—and is passing the spotlight on to holograms. There are several ways you can turn holography into a future business. One idea involves offering a product that uses holograms for people to be “telepresent” in real time during business meetings.
Holographic technology can also transform the entertainment industry. This can include movies, video games, and live performances. For example, you can create a product that lets people play sports or action games with holograms. And although the capacity exists now, it’s bound to become more commonplace down the line.
Opportunity: You can capitalize on the demand for immersive entertainment experiences and more engaging modes of communication.
Tech Focus: This business uses advanced holographic technology as well as augmented reality and high-quality projection systems.
Revenue Model: Your revenue can come from various sources including ticket sales, partnerships with content creators, and ads within holographic shows.
Scalability: The concept has a potential for global adoption as the technology advances.
Challenges: Expect high initial costs of implementation and creation of diverse and compelling holographic content.
2. Asteroid Mining
The concept of asteroid mining is still something out of a sci-fi movie. But the idea is to explore space and extract resources like rare metals and minerals. Since we’re seeing advancements in space exploration, an asteroid mining business might very much be possible sooner than you think.
Considering how rare and valuable resources on Earth are actually beyond abundant in space, you’re looking at one of the most profitable businesses in the future. One might argue that deep-sea drilling might be more practical, but it requires billions of dollars in investments—perhaps more than asteroid mining. Plus, why destroy the Earth more when there are other options?
Opportunity: Asteroids are known to have a vast amount of resources that you can tap into.
Tech Focus: You’ll need robotics, advanced space exploration technologies, and mining equipment built for space. You can partner up with space agencies like NASA or SpaceX for access to their technologies.
Revenue Model: Your source of revenue can include the sale of extracted materials and partnerships with tech companies for research.
Scalability: The scalability of asteroid mining depends on various factors like tech advancements, possible regulations, and space infrastructure development.
Challenges: You’ll likely face high upfront costs and logistical challenges of mining in space.
3. Lab-Grown Meat
The growing demand for vegan and vegetarian alternatives to meat is driving innovation in the food industry. One particular product that is raising a lot of eyebrows is lab-grown meat. It essentially involves placing stem cells on scaffolding and soaking them in nutrients till they grow. Another alternative is making plant-based meat from jackfruit.
This futuristic business idea is a great way to address the ethical and sustainability issues of traditional livestock farming. And not only does it reduce the environmental impact but also provides a solution to the growing demand of protein.
Opportunity: You’ll be addressing the increasing demand for ethical and sustainable food production.
Tech Focus: Growing meat in a lab involves the use of bioreactor technology, cellular agriculture, tissue engineering.
Revenue Model: Your main source of revenue will be from selling lab-grown meat products in addition to partnerships with foods retailers and licensing of technology.
Scalability: This business idea can be scalable as the technology advances, with the potential to transform the entire meat industry.
Challenges: Your challenges will include the initial investment, production costs, customer acceptance, and regulatory approval.
4. Nanosatellites
Nanosatellites, also known as CubeSats, prove that the best things come in small packages. The smaller the satellite, the less they’ll cost to launch. And who said only organizations like NASA and SpaceX can build them?
Expect small teams, businesses, and universities to manufacture microsatellites that are more robust, making it one of the most promising businesses of the future.
This is a great opportunity for companies to take part in space-based ventures like Earth observation, scientific research, and communication networks—and a perfect way to democratize space technology.
Opportunity: Nanosatellites offer a cost-effective way to do space exploration, Earth observation, and communication.
Tech Focus: You’ll be using advanced communication systems, miniaturized satellite technology, and high-tech sensors.
Revenue Model: Your revenue can come from providing satellite-based services and partnerships with space agencies or private entities.
Scalability: A nanosatellite business can be very scalable, considering the high demand for satellite services and applications.
Challenges: You’ll be dealing with challenges like avoiding space debris, competition from conventional satellite providers, and regulatory compliance.
5. Vertical Farming
As the global population rises, so does the need for more efficient farming methods. This means maximizing how much food you can grow in a small area. The solution is to think upwards. And by that, we mean vertical farming. Rather than growing crops on the ground, you plant them above each other on racks or tubes to make the most of the space.
Imagine the amount of water you’ll save while boosting productivity. You can also use hydroponics to save even more water.
Considering the growing demand for food and the global push for sustainable solutions, vertical farming is definitely one of the future business ideas worth considering.
Opportunity: There are plenty of opportunities when it comes to optimizing space for sustainable agriculture in urban environments.
Tech Focus: From the tech side, you’ll be leveraging automation, controlled environment agriculture, and possibly hydroponic systems.
Revenue Model: Your sources of income will be from the sale of produce and partnerships with grocery chains. You can even license your vertical farming systems.
Scalability: There’s a lot of potential for scalability as urban populations grow and technology continues to advance.
Challenges: Your initial setup costs will be high. Energy efficiency can also be a concern.
6. Drones
There are so many ways drones can come in handy. In medicine, drones can carry first-aid kits and other vital supplies to hard-to-reach areas. In agriculture, they can drop seeds over a field. They can also be a cost-efficient way to deliver small packages. And of course, let’s not forget the most common use: photography.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s safe to say that the drone business is a viable idea to think about.
Drones come in various models, including single-rotor and multi-rotor, which means you can offer a stockpile of products for different uses. Multi-rotor drones, for example, are ideal for photography, whereas single-rotor ones can carry heavier objects and can even travel longer distances.
Opportunity: Drones serve a variety of purposes including agriculture, delivery, surveillance, and photography.
Tech Focus: The drone business focuses on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology as well as advanced sensors and GPS navigation systems.
Revenue Model: You’ll be selling or renting drones, providing drone services, and maybe even partnering up with industries that use drone technology.
Scalability: The drone business can be highly scalable as use cases increase across various industries.
Challenges: One of the main challenges of using drones—particularly for surveillance and photography—is privacy concerns and regulatory restrictions.
7. Fitness Tech
Whether it’s smart bottles, high tech earbuds, or state-of-the-art exercise apps, athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike are always on the lookout for the latest workout gear. And with the constant advancement in fitness tech, they’re in for a treat.
We’re talking about the integration of cutting-edge technologies like biometrics and artificial intelligence in apps and devices. Interactive training, personalized exercise routines, and fitness monitoring through wearable gadgets—just to name a few—can offer plenty of room for innovation in this constantly evolving industry.
Opportunity: You can take advantage of the growing interest in fitness by using advanced technology to come up with cutting-edge solutions.
Tech Focus: The advanced technologies can include AI, biometrics, and augmented reality.
Revenue Model: You can create revenue streams from the sale of fitness devices and offering subscription-based services.
Scalability: Considering the rising trend in fitness awareness, your fitness tech product or service can be scalable globally.
Challenges: You’ll need to stay ahead of data privacy concerns and evolving consumer preferences. Expect some competition in the market, too.
8. Cloud Migration as a Service
Migration as a Service, or MaaS, is a business concept that allows companies to move their digital assets from one platform to another. It essentially guarantees a safe and seamless transition of data workloads, IT resources, and other information.
A similar concept is Cloud Migration as a Service (CMaaS). As a growing number of companies rely on cloud technology, developing a specialized service for secure and efficient migration can generate a lot of demand. You can offer bespoke solutions that allow for scalability, automation, remote collaboration, and other capabilities.
Opportunity: This future business idea allows you to address the rising need for businesses to transition to efficient and scalable cloud-based infrastructures.
Tech Focus: CMaaS technology revolves around cloud computing, AI tools, and cybersecurity.
Revenue Model: You’ll be earning your income from subscription-based services, consulting fees, and possible partnerships with cloud service providers.
Scalability: With businesses across industries adopting cloud solutions, CMaaS can be highly scalable.
Challenges: You’ll have to manage security concerns and adapt to evolving cloud technologies.
9. Bottled Air
This may sound weird, but hear us out. If you can sell bottled water, why not bottled air? The irreversible pollution in many areas is preventing access to fresh air to breath. The solution involves compressing clean air from the mountains and filling it in special bottles.
Note that the concept of selling clean air in a bottle isn’t something new. Companies like Vitality Air are already in the game. And it’s only a matter of time until bottled air becomes as common as bottled water, especially if we don’t adopt a more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle. You can also offer bottled oxygen for high endurance sports like hiking, skiing, and mountaineering.
Opportunity: A bottled air business involves addressing the increasing air pollution in many cities.
Tech Focus: To capture air in containers, you’ll need something called clean compression technology.
Revenue Model: Besides selling bottled air or oxygen, you can also make your money by collaborating with outdoor brands or environmental organizations.
Scalability: This unique business idea can be especially scalable in areas with severe air quality problems.
Challenges: Your main challenge will be to establish credibility, since the idea of bottled air sounds odd to many people. To ensure a successful launch and overcome any challenges, you can validate your product through platforms like Prelaunch.
10. 3D Printing Services
There’s a growing hype behind 3D printing but the machines are still too expensive to be a household appliance. And since not many businesses provide 3D printing services, the market for it is quite fresh at the moment. All you need is a few 3D printers and you got yourself a future business.
Let’s say someone needs a new lens cap for their camera or perhaps an architectural scale model for a project. You simply print it for them.
From spare parts to prototypes to home decor items, the use cases for 3D printing are endless. That being said, you don’t have to worry about demand because it’s higher than you can imagine—especially considering the unsaturated market.
Opportunity: You’ll have the opportunity to transform manufacturing and customization processes across multiple sectors.
Tech Focus: This business idea primarily involves using 3D printing technology and design software.
Revenue Model: Needless to say, your money will be coming from providing on-demand 3D printing services.
Scalability: 3D printing can be extremely scalable with use cases spanning various industries.
Challenges: You can expect to deal with occasional maintenance and material limitations.
11. Biofuel Production
Biofuels come in various forms and from different sources that don’t break the bank. It is inexpensive and doesn’t emit smoke like its traditional counterparts such as petrol and kerosene.
You can manufacture your biofuel from organic matter including food and agricultural waste. This makes it a sustainable source of energy to power various types of machinery like generators and motor vehicles.
The increasing demand for renewable and eco-friendly energy makes biofuel production one of the most profitable future business opportunities.
Opportunity: Biofuel production provides a solution to the need for sustainable and renewable sources of energy.
Tech Focus: To produce biofuels, you’ll be using biotechnology and biochemical engineering.
Revenue Model: Your revenue can come from selling biofuels and its by-products as well as collaborations with energy companies.
Scalability: The rising demand for renewables and advances in technology can make biofuel production very scalable.
Challenges: You’ll most likely face intense competition with traditional fuel sources.
12. Stem Cell Pharmacy
While a stem cell pharmacy is one of the most promising future startup ideas, there’s some controversy around it as it has the potential to push medical drugs aside. Experts already use stem cells for modeling diseases and testing new drugs. But as the technology keeps advancing, stem cells actually have the chance to move medicine away from drugs.
It’s worth mentioning that stem cells have the ability to regrow cells post surgery—there’s even hope for degenerative diseases. That being said, we can see pharmacies full of stem cells replacing pharmacies full of drugs.
Opportunity: Using stem cells for regenerative therapies paves the way for personalized medicine solutions.
Tech Focus: This future startup idea leverages stem cell technology, biotechnology, and genetic engineering.
Revenue Model: Your income source can include selling stem cell-based treatments, partnerships with healthcare providers, and licensing of therapies.
Scalability: Advancements in regenerative medicine can boost the scalability of stem cell pharmacy.
Challenges: Regulatory approvals and public perception of stem cell treatments will be your primary challenges.
13. Nanomedicine
Nanomedicine involves the use of nanotechnology to repair cells. As a matter of fact, nanotechnology has great potential in subatomic treatments—and therefore, nanomedicine. It was bound to provide advances in medicine ever since its inception, but the only issue standing in the way was size.
Currently, experts are creating microrobots that can place electrons into the brain’s neurons. These tiny, wireless nanobots are nearly 60 microns wide. To give you an idea of how small that is, an M&M can fit 200 microns. It’s no surprise that these robots can be useful in medicine.
Opportunity: Combining nanotechnology and medicine can create opportunities for advanced diagnostics and treatments.
Tech Focus: Nanoparticles and biotechnology are at the forefront of this future business concept.
Revenue Model: You can generate streams of income by selling nanomedical devices collaborating with healthcare institutions, and licensing nanomedical technologies.
Scalability: The scalability of nanomedicine depends on advancements in nanotechnology and increasing use cases in healthcare.
Challenges: You’ll want to account for safety concerns and regulatory approvals. Another challenge is the complexity of introducing nanomedicine to mainstream healthcare.
14. Robotics
The robot takeover we once expected has already started. In fact, the International Federation of Robotics reported that the global robot population reached 3.5 million units in 2023. They’re scrubbing floors, carrying things, and even operating machines. But the idea is to have robots that can do multiple things, from conducting repairs to performing surgeries—in other words, mass automation.
The ones who can benefit from this revolution are those who invest in AI and robotics. This includes hiring and training experts as well as conducting research in future robotics and mechanics. It is one of the greatest future technology business ideas you can venture into.
Opportunity: You’ll find opportunities to integrate robotic systems for healthcare, manufacturing, household automation, and beyond.
Tech Focus: The main technologies you’ll be using are AI, machine learning, and advanced mechanics.
Revenue Model: Selling robots, repairing robots, Robotics as a Service, and consulting for robotic system integration are some of the ways you can earn your income in this business.
Scalability: There’s great potential for scalability in robotics as the demand for automation is on the rise across various industries.
Challenges: Going into the robotics business requires a huge investment. You’ll also need to address ethical considerations in certain applications.
15. 360-Degree Photography
360-degree photography is a niche area of photography with a lot of untapped potential in fields like marketing and social media. It basically provides a panoramic view of a location, giving users a view of the surrounding scenery as if they are standing there.
This form of photography is ideal for landscape, real estate, and other businesses where location aesthetics are key. 360-degree photos take away the guesswork of the subject matter. In other words, the customer can have a better idea of what they’re looking at.
Social networks like Facebook already have a 360-degree photography option, so adopting this unique form of visual early on—and monetizing it—certainly has its benefits. All you need is a camera and your laptop and you’re good to go.
Opportunity: You’ll be catering to the rising demand for immersive visual experiences in sectors like tourism and real estate.
Tech Focus: 360-degree photography technology (two ultra-wide fisheye lenses) is at the core of this future business idea. In some cases, you’ll also use VR and AR.
Revenue Model: You can profit from providing 360-degree photography services, licensing your 360-degree content, and collaborating with content creators.
Scalability: You can scale your business by leveraging the popularity of immersive content and VR or AR use cases.
Challenges: You’ll need to keep up with photography trends to gain a competitive edge.
16. DNA Reading
DNA reading is a futuristic business idea that gives insights into diseases. At this point, it reveals only a number of illnesses. But that number can be much larger if there’s enough investment in this field. The idea is to take a person’s DNA when they’re very young, analyze it, and predict the likelihood of diseases in advance.
That being said, DNA reading is gaining a lot of traction, with a rising demand for experts to understand its use cases—and with the hope for breakthroughs in healthcare. There’s no doubt that this technology is going places, making it an excellent opportunity for a future business.
Keep in mind that the healthcare industry isn’t the only one to benefit from DNA reading. Ancestry testing is also a common application for the technology.
Opportunity: With DNA reading, you have the chance to unlock personalized insights into genetics for use cases like healthcare and ancestry.
Tech Focus: The technologies behind this business idea include bioinformatics, DNA sequencing, and quantum computing.
Revenue Model: To generate revenue with DNA reading, you can sell DNA testing kits, offer subscription-based services for genetic insights, and form partnerships with healthcare providers.
Scalability: Technological advancements and increasing consumer interest in genetic information make this business idea quite scalable.
Challenges: You can expect challenges like privacy issues and ethical concerns.
17. 3D Home Printing
Nothing screams “futuristic” more than 3D printing actual homes. This innovative future business idea can be a direct response to the rising housing costs, offering homes that are not only affordable but also efficient and sustainable. You can even customize the houses to meet the customers’ needs and preferences.
But first, you’ll need to come up with a prototype that’s not only sustainable to live in but can also withstand harsh weather conditions. Ultimately, you can transform the availability of affordable housing, making this concept one of the best businesses to invest in.
Opportunity: 3D home printing addresses the demand for efficient and customizable home construction, providing a lot of opportunities for a future business.
Tech Focus: This business idea makes use of technologies like 3D printing, construction robotics, and smart building materials.
Revenue Model: Besides 3D home printing services, you can also bring in revenue from partnerships with real estate developers.
Scalability: The scalability of 3D home printing largely relies on technological advancements and industry acceptance.
Challenges: Gaining regulatory approval and establishing trust in 3D-printed houses will be your main challenges.
18. Robot Deactivation Equipment
AI-based robots aren’t a thing of the future anymore. This can come with great benefits, but let’s not undermine the potential threat to humanity. If we create something that can kill people, we best get ready for worst-case scenarios. Just as research into robots advances, it’s also important to figure out ways to deactivate and control those robots.
The police and the army will be the first to need a robot deactivation weapon. These advanced pieces of equipment will also come in handy for private citizens who’d need to defend themselves against spying or robbery robots. Note that these robots can enter someone’s living spaces through ventilation pipes, open windows, the chimney, sewer pipes, or any gaps they can find.
The solution is to manufacture and sell weapons or equipment that can deactivate or incapacitate such robots.
Opportunity: You’ll have the opportunity to address the rising use of robots by offering solutions for safe deactivation.
Tech Focus: Robot deactivation equipment uses robotics, sensor technologies, and automation control systems.
Revenue Model: You’ll be selling robot deactivation products and services and maybe teaming up with industries that use robotic systems.
Scalability: As robots become increasingly common in illegal applications, this business can be scalable.
Challenges: You may find yourself trying to adapt to diverse robotic systems and stay ahead of evolving automation technologies.
19. Jetpack Dealership
While jetpacks are commercially available at the moment, they haven’t broken into the everyday consumer’s market yet. That’s what this future business is all about—jetpack manufacturing, jetpack rental, jetpack services, and so on.
The idea is to provide jetpacks for everyday uses like pruning trees, cleaning roofs, delivering items, as well as reaching nearby islands or mountaintops. And at some point down the road, people can even use them to get to work. Considering the great potential jetpacks hold in the future, this can be one of the most profitable and exciting future business ideas.
Opportunity: This business explores efficient and innovative modes of transportation through jetpack technology.
Tech Focus: You’ll be employing technologies like jetpack propulsion and navigation systems.
Revenue Model: Your money will come from offering delivery services, selling jetpack technology, and collaborating with logistics companies.
Scalability: The increase in urban congestion and the demand for fast delivery contribute to the scalability of a jetpack business.
Challenges: You’ll need regulatory approval and public acceptance. Safety concerns may also pose a challenge.
To Wrap Up
These future business ideas are a window into a decade or two from now. With some research and the right resources, it’s only a matter of time until you start reaping the benefits of investing in one of those concepts. Whether you’re going for something transformative like nanomedicine or aiming for the skies with asteroid mining, the opportunities are abundant.
