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SXSW 2025: MIT’s vision for the next era of innovation

Niall Firth at the 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2025 session, SXSW 2025, photography by Chris Saucedo, US

Zoe, US

Mosa Meat, The Netherlands

US – SXSW has evolved from a music and film festival into a global stage for technology and media innovation. With that transformation, it’s only fitting that one of the world’s leading technology institutes, MIT, took the stage for one of the week’s most prestigious talks: MIT Technology Review’s Top 10 Breakthrough Technologies for 2025. This session offered insights into the advancements set to shape the future.

Unsurprisingly, AI was a dominant theme. Generative AI search and small language models are revolutionising the way we process information, while AI-powered robotaxis are already in operation across the US, Singapore and the Middle East. China remains ahead in this space – one company has completed 9 million driverless rides, demonstrating the scale of adoption. Meanwhile, fast-learning robots, equipped with new datasets and training techniques, could soon transform automation, much like Neo-Gamma.

Climate innovation was another key focus. Green steel is tackling one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries, while cleaner jet fuel – like LanzaJet’s sustainable aviation fuel – is gaining momentum, driven by new European policies requiring 2% usage by 2025 and 70% by 2050. In agriculture, climate-friendly meat solutions are emerging, including supplements designed to reduce methane emissions from cattle belching – one of the largest sources of agricultural emissions.

Healthcare breakthroughs also featured prominently. Gilead Sciences’ long-acting HIV prevention drug promises to improve accessibility with a six-month injectable that boasts 100% effectiveness – a rare claim in the medical field. Meanwhile, stem cell advancements are evolving beyond embryonic sources, unlocking potential treatments for conditions like type 1 diabetes and epilepsy.

Beyond the top 10, the audience was invited to consider an 11th breakthrough, with several emerging technologies in contention. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), championed by companies like Neuralink and Synchron, are advancing human-machine integration, a concept we explore heavily in The Synthocene Era, while continuous glucose monitors – already commercialised by brands like Zoe – are driving personalised health tracking.

For more on SXSW 2025, look out for our upcoming Event Debrief.

Strategic opportunity

Consider how to leverage small language models for industry-specific insights. Can you develop or adopt custom AI models trained on your own industry data to enhance decision-making, customer interactions, and operational efficiency – without the cost and complexity of large-scale generative AI?

1X unveils soft-touch humanoid robot Neo Gamma for home chores

Neo Gamma by 1X, Norway and US

Norway – Norwegian robotics firm 1X has unveiled Neo Gamma, a humanoid robot designed for home use, wrapped in beige knitwear to blend seamlessly into living spaces.

An evolution of the company’s Neo Beta model, Neo Gamma features a softer, more minimalist design to enhance its approachability. Built to handle household tasks such as tidying, vacuuming and laundry, the robot is equipped with an AI system that enables human-like speech and movement.

‘There is a not-so-distant future where we all have our own robot helper at home, like Rosey the Robot or Baymax,’ Bernt Børnich, CEO of 1X, told Dezeen.

The knitwear casing not only provides a gentle aesthetic but also reduces operating noise, while flexible hands mimic human tendon movement for greater dexterity. Following investment from OpenAI, Neo Gamma is powered by an in-house large language model, enabling natural interactions.

With plans to test the prototype in real homes, 1X aims to bring humanoid robots into everyday life. ‘With Neo Gamma, every engineering and design decision was made with one goal in mind: getting Neo into customers’ homes as quickly as possible,’ added Børnich. ‘We're close.’

For more insights on the future of robotics and AI, read our The Synthocene Era: Merging Human and Machine Intelligence macrotrend report.

Strategic opportunity

Integrating humanoid robots with existing smart home networks – such as Internet of Things appliances and security systems – could create fully autonomous home environments, where AI predicts and manages household tasks. How can you ensure your products are interoperable?

Stat: Supermarkets are bringing luxury dining into the home

Photography by Nadin Sh

UK – As rising costs force high-end restaurants to close, including Le Gavroche and Pollen Street Social in London, British consumers are turning to supermarkets to recreate fine dining at home. The shift is evident in sales figures – Waitrose has seen a 42% increase in fillet steak purchases year on year, with lobster and venison sales up 24%, The Times reports.

Eating out is becoming less accessible: Gymkhana, for example, has introduced a £100 ($129, €119) minimum spend. Retailers are stepping in by supplying premium ingredients once reserved for restaurant menus. From wagyu beef in Aldi to lobster tails in Sainsbury’s, supermarket shelves are now stocked with luxury food at more affordable prices.

Our Homely Hospitality report explored the shift towards dinner parties and more intimate at-home social events in response to rising costs and nightlife fatigue. By capitalising on the demand for staying-in indulgence – referred to as ‘little treat mindset’ in Functional Feasting – and enabling consumers to elevate everyday meals without restaurant price tags, supermarkets are appealing to the New Codes of Value.

Strategic opportunity

Brands operating within the food and beverage sector should introduce limited-edition luxury dining ingredients or indulgent meal kits alongside engaging content to elevate home cooking and appeal to the demand for at-home fine dining