Every September, as part of its annual technology forecast, **IEEE Spectrum** identifies promising projects set to transform industries or tackle challenging problems. The publication prioritizes innovations that often do not receive coverage from mainstream technology press focused on personalities rather than the technology itself. This year, the spotlight is on several groundbreaking projects that could have far-reaching implications.
Innovative Energy Solutions
One of the standout technologies featured this year is the **“bubble battery”** from **Energy Dome**, based in Milan. The innovative system can store up to **200 megawatt-hours** of energy by compressing and decompressing pure carbon dioxide within an inflatable dome. This modular and easily deployable energy storage solution could be particularly beneficial for **AI data centers**, as highlighted by Senior Editor **Samuel K. Moore**. He has previously reported on gravity energy storage and emphasizes the potential of these bubble-based systems to outperform traditional batteries.
As Moore explains, “When we think about energy storage, our minds usually go to grid-scale batteries. Yet these bubbles, which are in many ways more capable than batteries, will be sprouting up all over the place, often in association with computing infrastructure.” The versatility of these bubble systems could revolutionize how energy is stored and utilized across various sectors.
Advancements in Medical Technology
In the realm of healthcare, **HistoSonics** is pioneering a non-invasive ultrasound treatment for pancreatic cancer, a disease that claims nearly **500,000 lives** annually worldwide. The company uses focused ultrasound to create cavitation bubbles that can destroy tumors without damaging surrounding tissue. This year, HistoSonics is concluding kidney trials and launching trials specifically for pancreatic cancer, marking a significant step forward in cancer treatment.
Moreover, the application of technology extends to the fight against wildfires. Journalist **Robb Mandelbaum** reports on the **Wildfire XPrize**, which aims to develop innovative solutions for detecting and suppressing wildfires before they escalate. The competition draws inspiration from the success of **Zipline**, a startup that has revolutionized medical supply delivery using autonomous drones. Since its inception, Zipline has expanded its operations to several countries, including the United States, and has completed nearly **2 million drone deliveries**.
These advancements reflect a broader trend within technology, focusing not only on entertainment and convenience but also on solving critical global issues.
Exploring Further Innovations
This year’s issue also highlights numerous other technologies poised for impact. These range from **Porsche’s** wireless home charger for electric vehicles to the world’s first electric air taxi service. Additionally, developments in **neutral-atom quantum computers**, interoperable mesh networks, and even robotic baseball umpires are included, showcasing the diverse landscape of innovation.
As the tech industry continues to evolve, the **IEEE Spectrum** aims to bring attention to these “hidden gems” that advance technology for the benefit of humanity. The upcoming January issue promises to deliver insights into which of these innovations will make a substantial impact in 2026 and beyond.
