Navigating the Uncharted Waters Where Present and Future Collide

In times of economic downturn, the tech industry presents unique opportunities for investment and company creation. While traditional sectors may suffer during uncertain times, innovative and emerging tech industries can thrive. I find myself constantly immersed in conversations where fellow entrepreneurs are talking passionately about new paths they want to explore or pivots they want to carry out. After all, we are all trying to make a difference and why not leverage the uniqueness of something new or something that is not as much in  the spotlight as other areas. 

The future prosperity of our country relies on us being able to innovate in new fields, not in supporting only old industries, such as real estate, or popular sectors where value propositions change by millimeters, such as  happens with neo-banks or fintechs; nor is offering more incentives to small businesses the only answer. Small businesses with little technology imprint are not taking on a role in research and development, and they certainly are not likely to nurture new industries or create new markets with new products. My corner shop, while performing an important service, won’t create the next generative AI chat. That is relevant because we know that innovation-led growth is what pushes an economy to gain a foothold in entirely new markets, and drives and expands an economy to create more and better jobs, services and products, as macroeconomics has consistently proven over centuries. 

We are continually looking inside our own companies for innovation. Why? We must ask ourselves: What will be the new verticals in the next decade? How do we leverage our region’s capabilities and build new industries, not just products? 

I took on the task to scout what overlooked or not yet popular industries are out there and I will delve now into some examples of lesser-known but promising sectors within the tech industry that hold the potential for significant growth and impact, while also navigating future-proof careers that will be at the helm.

Sportstech: Empowering the Outdoors Against Screen Time

In today's digital age, where screens often dominate leisure time, sportstech solutions are enabling people to connect with their communities, enjoy outdoor activities, and foster a healthier lifestyle. Technology in sports is not only about enhancing athletic performance by introducing wearable devices for performance tracking or by AI-powered analytics and virtual reality applications, but also about redefining social engagement and outdoors time. 

Career paths worth the consideration: Community managers can play a pivotal role in building and nurturing online communities of sports enthusiasts, fostering connections beyond the virtual world. User experience designers will be in need as always to create intuitive mobile apps and interfaces that encourage users to step outside and be active. Additionally, data analysts skills will be required to utilize user behavior insights to optimize social engagement and design strategies for promoting healthier habits.

E-Commerce Enablers: Facilitating Digital Commerce for My Corner Shop

The rise of e-commerce has transformed how consumers shop, and many small businesses are seeking to establish an online presence. E-commerce enabler platforms offer accessible solutions to help businesses set up online stores, manage inventory, and reach a broader customer base. Investing in e-commerce enabler startups can be a viable option for those seeking accessible opportunities. These platforms often target small and medium-sized enterprises, providing them with user-friendly tools to sell their products and services online. Look for companies offering efficient payment gateways, website builders, inventory management systems, and digital marketing tools tailored for smaller businesses. 

Future-proof career paths: Careers here may include software developers specializing in e-commerce platforms and website builders. User experience designers will focus on creating intuitive interfaces for merchants and consumers alike. Digital marketing specialists will be crucial for helping businesses maximize their online visibility and reach. Customer support roles will also be in demand to assist businesses in navigating the e-commerce landscape.

Cybersecurity: Safeguarding the Digital Realm

The need for cybersecurity experts will only intensify as technology continues to advance. As companies invest in robust security measures to protect against cyber threats, careers in cybersecurity will remain future-proof: Cybersecurity analysts will be responsible for monitoring and responding to potential breaches, while ethical hackers and penetration testers will help identify vulnerabilities in systems. Additionally, cybersecurity consultants and experts in secure coding practices will be highly sought after to ensure the safety of digital products and services.

Ed-Tech for Skill Development: Empowering Lifelong Learning

Edtech, specifically focused on skill development and online education, is a rising industry that has gained significant momentum in recent years. With a growing emphasis on lifelong learning and upskilling, individuals and businesses are seeking accessible and affordable platforms to enhance their skill sets, the traditional educational pathway that never really worked anyways, might be coming to an end. Edtech platforms catering to skill development, online courses, and micro-credentials present attractive investment opportunities. Additionally, investing in AI-powered adaptive learning platforms that personalize the learning experience based on individual needs can be rewarding. Career opportunities: Instructional designers will be in demand to create engaging and effective online courses. Software developers specializing in web and mobile app development will play key roles in building user-friendly learning platforms. Data analysts and AI experts will be essential for optimizing learning algorithms and personalization, ensuring learners get the most out of their educational journey.

Future of Food: No, Vegans Won’t Reign

The Future of Food lies in the hands of innovators and technologies who seek to sustainably feed the world. Vertical farming and urban agriculture offer efficient methods of food production in urban areas, while cellular agriculture and plant-based alternatives present ethical and eco-friendly solutions to traditional meat consumption. Food traceability and blockchain enhance transparency in supply chains, fostering a safer and more accountable food system. Additionally, personalized nutrition and AI-driven dietary recommendations revolutionize the way we eat, promoting healthier and more sustainable food choices. 

Here, demand for new careers and specialization will emerge: Professionals with expertise in software development, logistics, and food science will find a range of opportunities in foodtech. Software engineers will be instrumental in creating user-friendly food delivery apps and online platforms. Supply chain specialists will work on optimizing food distribution networks. Food scientists and culinary experts will collaborate to develop innovative and nutritious food products. Sustainable agriculture specialists will Implement innovative farming practices to ensure efficient, eco-friendly food production.

And like the above-mentioned areas, there are a thousand verticals and angles that we could discuss, what the opportunities are and how demand is being driven so far. 

With all that innovation and technology interconnecting markets and creating new ones, we are witnessing the present and future colliding before our eyes. What should we, as individuals, do about it? The answer, depending on where we are at in our professional lives, should be:  to dive into future-proof career opportunities that can adapt to the dynamic landscape of these industries; to acquire lifelong learning capabilities; shift and dance in parallel with demographic adjustments and workforce expectations; don’t try to deter the evolution of artificial intelligence that eradicates jobs in the quest of a rapid transformation; adapt by developing our soft skills; and build, seizing the opportunities and walking the off the beaten tracks.