The concept of smartphones and electric cars seemed like a pipe dream 20 years ago, but today, nearly 6.92 billion people, or 86.4% of the global population, have personal smartphones. Governments worldwide are moving toward a green future by encouraging the use of electric cars instead of vehicles with combustible engines.
Investing in burgeoning technologies could increase your wealth within the next two decades. Take a look at some of the most promising technologies poised to become a more common part of everyday life.
Generative Artificial Intelligence
In recent months, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has taken a much larger role in daily life than normal. ChatGPT is rewriting curriculums and being used at publications like Buzzfeed Inc. But that’s just the beginning. While ChatGPT has been growing in prominence, other aspects of the field have been under-reported.
For example, RAD AI is a startup using generative AI to increase the efficiency of marketing campaigns with the world’s first AI marketing platform built to understand emotion. The startup is raising on startup investing platform Wefunder and has raised over $2.5 million from everyday investors.
Generative AI is being used to generate images, paintings, drawings, text-to-speech and full videos using nothing but AI. ChatGPT is rolling out an internet-based plugin, meaning ChatGPT will have features similar to that of a search engine to compete with Alphabet Inc’s Google and operate similarly to Microsoft Corp’s new Bing.
ChatGPT’s plugin page notes companies like Expedia Group Inc and Instacart are already working on solutions in this regard.
Further, with startups like GenesisAI creating a marketplace that helps integrate AI into any existing business AI is poised to become an increasingly prominent part of our everyday lives.
To stay updated with top startup news & investments, sign up for Benzinga’s Startup Investing & Equity Crowdfunding Newsletter
Commercial Space Exploration
2021 was a pivotal year for commercial space exploration, with startups such as Jeff Bezos-backed Blue Origin LLC and Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) successfully kickstarting commercial space travel. Virgin Galactic, backed by billionaire Richard Branson, also launched the first fully crewed flight to the edge of space in July 2021.
These startups are gearing up to begin commercial space travel by 2024. But given recession concerns and supply chain issues, no concrete plans have been made. Many companies delayed their schedules by at least a year as the macroeconomic headwinds piled on.
With tickets priced at nearly $500,000 each, commercial space travel is currently only accessible to high-net-worth individuals. But you can expect prices to drop over the next two decades, as companies invest heavily to develop sustainable space stations and other infrastructure. China Business Knowledge predicts space travel to become more affordable over the next 15 to 20 years, stating, “Many people alive today will have a real chance of traveling to space in their lifetimes.”
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) & Brain Enhancements
Most have heard of Meta Platforms Inc's multi-billion dollar investments into the metaverse. While much of that revolves around building augmented reality and virtual reality systems, but this also consists of massive amounts of research into how the brain works as it looks to expand the capabilities of its headsets. In some instances, it’s been reported the company wants to expand its technology to be able to read your brain activity.
3D Printed Infrastructure
3D printing has quietly been growing in the background and slowly becoming a more common part of people’s everyday lives. But many people right now realize the impact it’s having. While everything from shoes to electronics are being 3D printed, it’s becoming significantly more advanced. There is now even technology to 3D print houses.
But potentially one of the most expansive ways this is being actively used is 3D printing houses. For example, Apis Cor uses giant 3D printers utilizing their patented concrete blend to print full-size houses. The company holds the world record for the largest 3D-printed building on earth.
See more on startup investing from Benzinga.
© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.