AI, Biotech, and Nanotech Set to Transform Healthcare Within Five Years, Says WEF Report

AI, Biotech, and Nanotech Set to Transform Healthcare by 2025, WEF Reports

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and nanotechnology are converging to create significant breakthroughs in healthcare over the next three to five years. A recent report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlights these developments as key drivers for solving pressing global health challenges.

The WEF's report, Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025, was released at the Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China. It identifies ten technologies that are expected to deliver tangible results within five years, with four directly impacting healthcare.

Key Technologies Impacting Healthcare

• Nanozymes: These are lab-engineered nanomaterials with enzyme-like properties. Nanozymes have promising applications in targeted drug delivery for cancer treatment, enhancing chemotherapy effectiveness while minimizing side effects. They also show potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by reducing brain inflammation and oxidative stress, which may slow disease progression. Research is ongoing into their use for cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, and wound healing.
• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Widely used today to manage diabetes and aid weight loss, GLP-1 drugs are now being explored for their potential to alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Given the growing number of dementia patients worldwide—more than 55 million—the market for these drugs could surpass USD 55.7 billion by 2031. However, regulatory approval depends on long-term clinical trial data demonstrating effectiveness.
• Engineered Living Therapeutics: These involve using specially designed beneficial bacteria to carry out treatment processes inside the body, offering a new approach to precision medicine.
• Autonomous Biochemical Sensing: This technology is expected to advance disease diagnosis and improve long-term management of chronic conditions through continuous and precise biochemical monitoring.

Technology Convergence Signals a Shift

WEF Managing Director Jeremy Jurgens emphasizes that the trend of combining technologies—for example, merging synthetic biology with precision medicine in engineered living therapeutics—marks a shift from isolated innovations to integrated, systems-based solutions. This approach expands what’s possible in healthcare and beyond.

The report encourages collaboration across business, politics, and science to support these emerging technologies. This includes investment, infrastructure development, standardization, and governance to ensure these innovations benefit society as a whole.

Healthcare professionals looking to stay informed on the latest AI applications and biotech innovations can explore relevant training and resources, such as those offered by Complete AI Training.