Contents
Introduction
A few years back, we talked about 15 industries that had the potential to take off. Now as we’re getting closer to 2025, it turns out we were definitely onto something. Many of those industries have grown faster than we imagined, while others are still on their way up. With what we’ve learned, let’s dive into some new industries that are set to explode—and, of course, the market gaps that are waiting to be filled.
1. Generative AI
Ok, it’s no shocker that AI is on this list. Generative AI is more than just flashy images or auto-generated text—it’s changing the game for how entire industries work.
The demand for generative AI is skyrocketing, with a projected CAGR of 37.6% from 2025-2030, driven by tech like super-resolution, text-to-image, and text-to-video conversion, along with the push to make workflows faster and more efficient. The media and entertainment industry is leading the way, using AI for content creation, personal recommendations, and audience engagement. Plus, there’s a growing focus on keeping AI ethical and responsible, which is influencing how it’s being adopted.
Potential Gaps:
- Keeping Content Consistent: Even though generative AI is growing fast, it still struggles when it comes to keeping content consistent across different formats and channels. Businesses often end up using different tools for text, images, and videos, which messes with brand tone and messaging. There’s a big opportunity for an AI tool that keeps things consistent across the board—taking care of branding without needing all those manual adjustments.
- Privacy for Smaller Businesses: Generative AI depends a lot on data, and while big companies have the resources to handle privacy and compliance, smaller businesses don’t. There’s a clear need for AI tools that are designed with privacy in mind—something that works well with less data but still delivers great results. This way, smaller companies can get in on the action without worrying about security risks or breaking the bank.
- Adapting in Real Time: Generative AI is great for planned content, but there’s still a gap when it comes to real-time use. Imagine having AI that can adjust on the spot—whether it’s creating personalized messages during live events or instantly summarizing what’s happening for the audience. Tools like that could totally change live streaming, events, or webinars, and keep people hooked in the moment.
2. Smart Agriculture
Smart agriculture is really on the rise, and it’s worth talking about. Tech is making its way into farming, helping farmers grow more with fewer resources and making the whole process smoother and more efficient.
The market is set to grow at a CAGR of 13.7% from 2024 to 2030, driven by greenhouse automation and controlled environment agriculture (CEA).
Partnerships are a big deal in this space. Companies are teaming up to expand their offerings and reach new areas. But with innovation comes more regulatory scrutiny—governments are watching closely to ensure sustainability, protect data, and manage environmental impacts.
Another “change-driver” is water scarcity, as well. Consumers are more conscious about conserving natural resources, and farmers need smarter ways to use water.
Potential Gaps:
- Affordable Tech for Small Farmers: Much of the current tech is too pricey or complex for small farmers. There’s a need for affordable, simple tools—like a basic precision irrigation app that’s easy to use.
- Clear Data Ownership: All the tech gathers a lot of data, but who owns it? There’s a need for solutions that make data ownership clear and put control back in farmers’ hands.
- Simplified Compliance: As regulations grow, farmers need help staying compliant. Simple tools that track farm activity and generate reports could help farmers stay focused on their fields, not paperwork.
3. Cryptocurrency
Crypto is having its moment—whether you’re into it or not, it’s impossible to ignore the buzz. The market is growing, and things are getting even bigger.
The global cryptocurrency market hit USD 5.70 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a 13.1% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The drive comes from the adoption of distributed ledger tech and growing use for cross-border payments that save on fees.
Recent AI developments are shaking things up too. In November 2024, VanEck launched an ETN on the Sui blockchain, giving European investors access to the SUI token without holding it directly—addressing scalability issues that Bitcoin and older blockchains still struggle with. Nd at the time of writing this blog, the total crypto market cap hit a record USD $3.53 trillion, thanks to institutional backing and the rapid rise of DeFi.
The software segment is also booming, with more demand for crypto wallets and exchange tools—essential for handling the growing volume of trades and transactions.
Potential gaps:
- Simplified Access for New Users: Crypto remains intimidating for a lot of new users. The processes for buying, trading, and storing cryptocurrencies are still not as straightforward as traditional banking. There’s a chance here to make entry points clearer, provide better education, and reduce the barriers that prevent potential users from diving in.
- Bridging Traditional Finance and Blockchain Innovations: There’s clear interest from institutions in integrating crypto with traditional finance, but the process is still complicated. Blockchain-based innovations like stablecoins and decentralized finance (DeFi) services could help. Still, there needs to be better infrastructure to make it easy for traditional players to bring crypto into their offerings without overwhelming complexity.
4. E-learning
E-learning is booming, and for good reason. With more people looking for flexible, remote ways to learn—whether for school, work, or personal growth—the industry is expanding fast.
The global e-learning services market was valued at USD 299.67 billion in 2024, with an expected growth rate of 19.0% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. This surge is driven by increasing adoption across educational institutions and corporations as people look for ways to upskill remotely. Advancements like AI, virtual classrooms, and gamification are also making online learning more engaging.
Potential Gaps:
- Accessible Personalized Learning: AI-powered customization is incredible, but many platforms still don’t offer accessible and affordable personalized learning. There’s a gap in making tailored learning experiences available to more users, particularly in developing regions or among those without strong tech backgrounds.
- Employee-Centric Learning: Corporations are investing in e-learning, but many existing platforms don’t focus enough on employee needs. There’s an opportunity to create e-learning experiences that are specifically built to adapt to the workplace—offering flexibility in time, skill levels, and relevance to current job roles.
- Interactive Learning Beyond the Classroom: While virtual classrooms are gaining popularity, there’s still a lot of potential for expanding interactive learning beyond standard courses. The use of AI, VR, and gamified content could be further leveraged to create immersive and engaging experiences, not just for students but also for professionals looking to advance in their careers.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—just a few of the industries poised to take off as we head further into 2025, along with some of the gaps that present real opportunities for growth. From making generative AI more accessible to creating smarter solutions for agriculture, there’s plenty of space for innovation.
But this is just the beginning. This is only the first part of our 2025 market gap watchlist, and we’ll be diving into more industries with significant potential in the coming posts. We hope these insights inspire you to think about where you can make an impact.
If you’re interested in exploring market gaps more, check out our previous blogs on the topic. There’s no shortage of opportunities for those ready to innovate—and we’re excited to share more with you soon.
