---

title: '🧑🏼‍🔬 40 years in tech: A conversation w. GPT4' publishedAt: '2023-04-11' summary: 'Looking at the biggest innovations in tech in the past 20 years and predicting the biggest ones in the coming 20...' category: '#Technology'

Where we are coming from?

2003 - 2007: Web 2.0, Social Media, and Online Video Streaming

During this period, the internet evolved into a more interactive and social platform, with companies leveraging user-generated content, collaboration, and social networking. Key players that emerged during this time include:

• Facebook (2004): Founded by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook rapidly became the leading social media platform.
• YouTube (2005): Created by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim, YouTube revolutionized online video sharing and streaming.
• Twitter (2006): Founded by Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams, Twitter quickly gained popularity as a microblogging and social networking platform.

2007 - 2011: Mobile Revolution, Cloud Computing, and the Sharing Economy

During these years, smartphones and mobile apps surged in popularity, transforming how we interact with technology. Key trends and companies during this period include:

• Mobile Revolution: The release of the iPhone in 2007 sparked a massive shift towards mobile computing, with companies like Apple and Android dominating the smartphone market.
• Cloud Computing: Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched in 2006, leading the way for a shift to cloud-based computing and storage. Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform also emerged during this period.
• Facebook (2004), Airbnb (2008), and Uber (2009): These companies gained prominence as the sharing economy emerged, connecting users through peer-to-peer platforms.

2011 - 2015: Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

This period saw the rise of data-driven technologies and the increasing integration of the internet into everyday devices. Key trends and companies include:

• Big Data: Companies like Cloudera (2008) and Splunk (2003) helped organizations harness the power of big data and analytics.
• IoT: Companies like Nest Labs (2010) and Fitbit (2007) began incorporating internet connectivity into everyday devices and wearables.
• AI: Advances in AI led to the founding of companies like DeepMind (2010), which was later acquired by Google, and OpenAI (2015).

2015 - 2019: Automation, Blockchain, and Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR)

During these years, we saw a rise in automation technologies, blockchain applications, and immersive experiences. Key trends and companies include:

• Automation: Robotic Process Automation (RPA) companies like UiPath (2005) and Automation Anywhere (2003) gained prominence in this period.
• Blockchain: The rise of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology led to the growth of companies like Ripple (2012) and Coinbase (2012).
• AR/VR: Magic Leap (2010) and Oculus VR (2012) emerged as key players in developing augmented and virtual reality technologies.

2019 - 2023: Edge Computing, 5G, and Biotechnology

In recent years, we've seen advancements in edge computing, 5G networks, and biotechnology. Key trends and companies include:

• Edge Computing: Companies like Fastly (2011) and Cloudflare (2009) have pushed the boundaries of edge computing to enable faster processing and data analysis.
• 5G: Telecommunication companies like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have been working on the rollout of 5G networks to enable faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
• Biotechnology: Companies like CRISPR Therapeutics (2013) and Moderna (2010) have been at the forefront of innovations in gene editing and mRNA-based therapies, respectively.

Where we are headed?

2023 - 2027: Quantum Computing, Metaverse, and Green Technologies

• Quantum Computing: Companies like Google, IBM, and startups like Rigetti Computing and IonQ may become leaders in the race to develop practical quantum computing applications.
• Metaverse: As the concept of a virtual universe gains traction, companies like Epic Games, Facebook (Meta), and Roblox Corporation could play significant roles in shaping this new digital world.
• Green Technologies: With the increasing focus on sustainable energy, companies like Tesla, Rivian, and Proterra could lead the way in electric transportation. Other players like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods may contribute to the shift towards more sustainable food sources.

2027 - 2031: Advanced Robotics, Brain-Computer Interfaces, and Space Exploration

• Advanced Robotics: Companies such as Boston Dynamics, SoftBank Robotics, and OpenAI may pave the way for more advanced robotics that can interact with humans and perform complex tasks.
• Brain-Computer Interfaces: With Neuralink and Kernel leading the charge, brain-computer interfaces could transform how we interact with technology and treat neurological conditions.
• Space Exploration: SpaceX, Blue Origin, and other private space exploration companies might drive innovations in commercial space travel, space tourism, and space resource utilization.

2031 - 2035: Nanotechnology, Advanced AI, and Personalized Medicine

• Nanotechnology: As nanotechnology progresses, companies like Nanosys and Zyvex Labs could develop breakthroughs in materials science, electronics, and medicine.
• Advanced AI: As AI continues to evolve, companies like OpenAI, Google's DeepMind, and Microsoft may develop more sophisticated AI systems that can autonomously solve complex problems.
• Personalized Medicine: Companies such as 23andMe, Foundation Medicine, and Tempus could help revolutionize healthcare through genomic data analysis and personalized medical treatments.

2035 - 2039: Bio-AI Integration, Fusion Energy, and Advanced Materials

• Bio-AI Integration: Companies that specialize in integrating AI with biological systems may emerge, leading to breakthroughs in biotechnology, medicine, and human augmentation.
• Fusion Energy: As we pursue clean and abundant energy sources, companies like Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Helion Energy, and Tri Alpha Energy could make significant advancements in fusion energy.
• Advanced Materials: Novel materials and manufacturing processes could be developed by companies like Carbon, Desktop Metal, and Nanocomp Technologies, impacting industries like aerospace, construction, and electronics.

2039 - 2043: Autonomous Systems, Human Augmentation, and Environmental Solutions

• Autonomous Systems: With advancements in AI and robotics, companies developing fully autonomous systems could emerge, transforming industries such as transportation, logistics, and agriculture. Key players might include Waymo, Cruise, and other startups yet to be founded.
• Human Augmentation: As biotechnology, AI, and material sciences converge, companies focusing on human augmentation could rise to prominence, offering solutions for enhanced cognitive and physical capabilities. Potential leaders in this field could include Neuralink, Kernel, and other innovative startups.
• Environmental Solutions: As climate change and environmental challenges become more pressing, companies developing innovative solutions to mitigate these issues could become increasingly important. This might include breakthroughs in carbon capture, sustainable agriculture, and advanced recycling techniques. Companies like CarbonCure, Bowery Farming, and Bioelektra Group could play significant roles in these areas.