Trends
Nadel Phelan continuously curates insightful industry trends. To receive our monthly trend report, click here.
AI and Quantum • February 2025
Tech Trends 2025 Report
The promised potential of AI and quantum technologies has been touted for decades, but the actualization of those promises has never been closer than it is now.
Exponential AI: AI will accelerate into more aspects of the organization’s operations.
Trend #1 Expert Models: Create advantage with specialized AI training
Trend #2 AI Sovereignty: Maintain control while harnessing AI
Pre-Quantum Foundations: Quantum computing promises great opportunities but brings a clear new threat.
Trend #3 Quantum Advantage: From quantum utility in the cloud to true advantage
Trend #4 Post-Quantum Cryptography: Migrate to quantum-resistant encryption
Digital Humans: Digital simulations will mimic humans in text, audio, and visual channels.
Trend #5 AI Avatars: Simulate human interaction across channels
Trend #6 Deepfake Defense: Counter AI-powered attacks
AI and Health Technology • February 2025
AI Trends Transforming Health Technology in 2025: A Roadmap for Medical Technology Executives
As we enter 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the medical technology landscape, promising to revolutionize patient care. Clinical excellence will be emphasized through benefits that offer whole-person support, clinical guidance, and end-to-end integrated care models and solutions. With the global AI market in healthcare projected to reach $45.2 billion by 2026, medtech executives must stay ahead of emerging trends. This article explores key AI advancements and their implications, offering practical guidance for leaders navigating this transformative era.
Robotics and AI • February 2025
Prediction Consensus: What the Experts See Coming in 2025
Advancements in artificial intelligence innovation and infrastructure show no sign of slowing down in 2025.
President Trump announced the Stargate Project, a $500 billion AI infrastructure venture led by OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and MGX, aimed at building data centers across the United States to secure American leadership in AI technology, with an initial $100 billion deployment starting in Texas.
Robotics and autonomous driving technology are also expected to continue to advance as AI systems become more sophisticated, with experts forecasting autonomous driving to become “safe and reliable” by 2025 and relatively mainstream across major cities in the United States.
Cybersecurity • February 2025
Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025
In a complex cyberspace characterized by geopolitical uncertainties, widening cyber inequity and sophisticated cyberthreats, leaders must adopt a security-first mindset.
While the 2024 edition of the Global Cybersecurity Outlook highlighted the growing inequity in cyberspace, this year’s report shines a light on the increasing complexity of the cyber landscape, which has profound and far-reaching implications for organizations and nations.
This complexity is driven by a series of compounding factors:
Escalating geopolitical tensions, increased integration of and dependence on more complex supply chains, rapid adoption of emerging technologies all challenges exacerbated by a widening skills gap, making it extremely challenging to manage cyber risks effectively.
AI • February 2025
DeepSeek Locked Down Public Database Access That Exposed Chat History
Wiz Research announced it responsibly disclosed a DeepSeek database previously open to the public, exposing chat logs and other sensitive information. DeepSeek locked down the database, but the discovery highlights possible risks with generative AI models, particularly international projects.
In a blog post disclosing Wiz Research’s work, cloud security researcher Gal Nagli detailed how the team found a publicly accessible ClickHouse database belonging to DeepSeek. The database opened up potential paths for control of the database and privilege escalation attacks. Inside the database, Wiz Research could read chat history, backend data, log streams, API Secrets, and operational details.
AI and HR • February 2025
HR Toolkit: 9 Future of Work Trends for 2025
2025 presents fresh opportunities and challenges for the future of work. CHROs face unprecedented challenges, including preparing their workforces to meet ambitious growth targets, looming retirement risks and less-than-expected generative AI (GenAI) productivity gains. Despite these challenges, CHROs have an exciting opportunity to lead talent into the future to achieve better talent outcomes and position their organizations as employers of choice.
The 2025 Future of Work Trends Toolkit provides HR leaders with actionable insights to strategically navigate 2025’s nine trends and achieve superior talent outcomes.
Just for Fun
Puzzle
Artificial Intelligence
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Reflections on 2024 and Bold Visions for 2025
As we close the chapter on 2024, I’ve been reflecting on how transformative this year has been for the tech industry and the businesses driving it forward. Artificial intelligence has been at the heart of this transformation, reshaping everything from how companies operate to the investments that fuel their growth.
AI is no longer just a buzzword; it’s the engine driving innovation across industries. In 2024, we saw record-breaking funding rounds for AI companies. According to recent data, over 2,000 AI-focused startups received venture funding this year, marking a 30% increase compared to non-AI startups. This surge underscores how critical AI has become to competitive advantage and operational efficiency.
Having worked closely with companies like CYPHER Learning, Intelligent Relations, Ambient, and several portfolio companies from top venture firms, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with adopting AI at scale. These organizations are navigating uncharted waters, exploring solutions in areas like predictive modeling, natural language processing, and intelligent automation. It’s exhilarating to witness their progress and to contribute to strategies that will shape the future of industries ranging from healthcare to cybersecurity.
The New Frontier of AI in Business
One of the most compelling shifts I’ve observed is how AI is transforming workflows and decision-making processes. For example, Intelligent Relations has redefined how PR strategies are developed, leveraging AI to identify trends and predict media opportunities with unparalleled precision. CYPHER is tackling complex problems in data analysis, and Ambient is leading the charge in creating seamless AI-powered customer experiences. These innovations are not just theoretical; they’re driving measurable results and setting new benchmarks for success.
On an enterprise level, the integration of AI feels similar to the early days of computing in the workplace. Companies are investing heavily in custom solutions, and there’s a growing demand for expertise in implementing AI responsibly. It’s clear that the coming years will see significant shifts in how businesses approach everything from supply chains to customer engagement.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we stand at the edge of 2025, it feels like the start of a new era. The AI landscape is evolving rapidly, with new applications emerging every week. This pace of change is both thrilling and daunting. For businesses, the challenge lies in staying ahead of the curve while navigating the inevitable learning curves and disruptions.
For me, 2025 represents a year to push boundaries and ask big questions. What’s next for AI in the enterprise? How can we address the ethical considerations that come with such powerful tools? And how do we ensure that this technology remains a force for good?
The future will undoubtedly bring its share of challenges, but it also holds immense potential. As someone who has ushered in major technology shifts over the past five decades, I’m as excited now as I was at the dawn of the internet. The parallels are striking: a Wild West of innovation, rapid adoption, and an ecosystem poised for transformation.
A New Year, A New Vision
To my clients, colleagues, and industry peers, my message for 2025 is simple: Embrace the possibilities. Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or scaling existing solutions, now is the time to take bold steps. The businesses that succeed will be those that adapt quickly, think creatively, and remain resilient in the face of change.
Wishing you a prosperous, forward-thinking, and innovative New Year.
—Paula