2023 has been a wild ride on the technology front, with ChatGPT, Midjourney, and other forms of AI making waves in almost every industry. With all eyes on AI, however, many other emerging tech trends are slipping under the public’s radar.

If you’re keen to get ahead of the latest trends before they emerge, you’re in the right place. We spoke to IT experts from some of the top managed service providers in Australia to get the inside scoop on the new developments they have their eyes on in 2023. 

1. Quantum computing

Quantum computing will continue to move forward in 2023, with an increasing amount of research and development being dedicated to this field. This rapidly-emerging technology works with the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that traditional computers can’t handle.

Quantum computing leverages the behaviour of matter at the most minute scales using specialised hardware. Multidimensional quantum algorithms are capable of performing certain calculations exponentially faster than even the most optimised modern computer. This technology has world-changing potential, opening up new possibilities in the realm of physics, finance, healthcare, and education. 

2. Hyperconnectivity

The Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G technology have been around for a while now, and we can expect these and other technologies to lead to an increasingly connected world in 2023 and beyond. Hyperconnectivity is the word of the year according to our IT insiders.

While many are excited about the possibilities this will open up, all pointed to the potential pitfalls and challenges that will arise when every aspect of our lives is, in some way, online. The more devices you have linked to the IoT, the more opportunities you present for cybercriminals. For this reason, cyber-resilience and cybersecurity will be even more important than they are now. 

3. Gene editing

Gene editing technology could go mainstream before the end of 2023, with more and more applications being discovered and activated as we speak. Through gene editing, scientists are able to make precise alterations to DNA, manipulating specific sections to correct genetic defects, treat diseases, and possibly even enhance the capabilities of living organisms.

You’ve probably heard of CRISPR, which is one of a number of technologies supporting gene editing. Though CRISPR and other technologies like it have the potential to revolutionize medicine, they do also present a number of ethical concerns that need to be addressed before gene editing becomes mainstream. Given the enormous breadth of benefits this technology can offer, however, our IT experts predict that 2023 may be its year.

4. AI expansion

AI already feels like it’s springing up everywhere, and over the next six months, it’s expected to become even more ubiquitous. The IT experts we spoke with were particularly interested in the emergence of AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS) and no-code AI solutions, which aim to put the power of AI squarely in the hands of business owners. 

5. Green technology

Nuclear fusion and other green technologies are developing rapidly in 2023. The world is transitioning away from carbon, new developments like transparent solar panels and fusion power breakthroughs are leading the charge. Scientists are working on novel sources of wave energy, with a focus on finding sustainable energy sources.

One fascinating example provided by an interviewee was the development of transparent solar panels. Once available, you’ll be able to apply these panels to windows and other surfaces to harvest energy. 

By staying abreast of these and other emerging trends, you can take action to ensure you’re not blindsided in your career or business.