On the horizon Engineering biology is at a transformative inflection point, driven by a convergence of technological breakthroughs that extend its impact well beyond traditional healthcare. The synergy between AI and the explosion of biological data is reshaping the speed, cost and possibilities of biological engineering, shortening discovery timelines, broadening access to advanced techniques and enabling the precise manipulation of increasingly complex biological systems. In the near term, bio-manufacturing is poised to become the standard production method for an expanding range of products – from pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals to novel materials and consumer goods. As bioinspired materials and advanced biomechanics merge with automation technologies, manufacturing processes that uses biological systems will become economically competitive with traditional methods while offering superior sustainability profiles. Companies across sectors are already incorporating enzymatic processes, cell-free systems and microbial bioreactors, driven by both cost benefits and regulatory pressure for sustainable practices. Simultaneously, emerging combinations like organoids and brain-on-chip technologies are creating sophisticated testing platforms that better predict biological responses and accelerate innovation cycles while reducing dependence on animal testing. Looking further ahead, large-scale engineered biological systems are expected to play a key role in environmental management and resource generation. Though synthetic ecosystem technologies remain largely at the genesis stage, they show tremendous promise for applications ranging from carbon capture and bioremediation to sustainable agriculture and resource extraction. The maturation of supporting technologies – particularly in monitoring, modelling and control systems – is laying the essential foundation for these more ambitious applications. Realizing the full potential of engineering biology will require coordinated efforts across industry, academia, regulatory bodies and public stakeholders to overcome technical hurdles, establish oversight frameworks and ensure equitable access. Organizations that successfully navigate this complex landscape will find opportunities to expand into entirely new markets, create sustainable competitive advantages and contribute to solving some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. 2.4 Spatial intelligence domain Spatial intelligence represents a fundamental shift in how physical environments are perceived, analysed and interacted with. It is transforming the understanding of and interaction with physical space, enabling collaboration, simulation, operation and ultimately not only monitoring but also simulating physical assets from virtual environments. At the cutting edge of innovation, custom-built technologies such as physical-digital integration, mixed reality platforms and digital twin technology are driving advancements in immersive space, spatial simulation and interaction. At the same time, technologies such as computer vision, LiDAR and spatial analytics provide 3D data and spatial environment context required for interoperability and large-scale applications. As these technologies continue to evolve and intertwine, they are opening substantial opportunities in novel business models and customer engagement and creating value across industries. Technology Convergence Report 30

Technology Convergence Report 2025