20 top technologies that will change our lives

5G networks claim the top spot in the ‘20 for 20’ report, 12 spots over 2019’s iteration. In fact, 11 of the 20 technologies on this list did not even appear on the previous year’s list, and six of the nine returning technologies moved up in ranking.  

“One of the most exciting trends this list highlights is how rapidly the tech innovation landscape is evolving,” said Michael Holman, Ph.D., Vice President of Research at Lux. “The number of newcomers on the list, along with progress in returning technologies, shows how rapidly innovation is progressing, creating compelling new growth opportunities as well as disruptive threats to incumbents.”

Below are this year’s Top 5.

5G Networks

From robotic surgery to self-driving cars, 5G will be critical to advances in the internet of things. 5G has officially left the realm of research and entered reality, with more than 2,200 patents being filed this year.

Shared Mobility

With more than $10bn in funding every year for the past three years, shared mobility – like car-sharing services – are reinventing urban transportation.

Advanced Plastic Recycling

Mission-critical for companies from CPGs to chemicals, China has invested in recycling technology in a big way, with 55% of all patents coming from that country.

Solid-State Batteries

Incumbent Li-ion batteries are hitting a performance plateau, and with more than 500 patents filed last year, solid-state battery production is quickly becoming less theoretical.

Protein Production

Next-generation protein are needed to feed a population of almost 10 billion and received five times the investment of the previous year, landing at more than $200m.