Global Scans · Technology · Weekly Summary

• [New] McKinsey estimates potential value creation of $200 billion to $500 billion by 2035 specifically from quantum computing applications in life sciences and drug discovery, driven by quantum's exceptional ability to perform first-principles calculations of molecular interactions. Persistence Market Research
• [New] From Geosynchronous Earth Orbit, the Next-Gen GEO Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) missile warning satellites will provide unmatched sensing capabilities that will detect advanced missile threats, including hypersonic weapon systems. Lockheed Martin
• [New] Global investment in space technology is projected to continue its upward trajectory into 2026, following a record-breaking year in 2025. TrustFinance
• [New] 2026 in spaceflight is anticipated to be a landmark year, featuring NASA's Artemis II mission as the first crewed flight of the Space Launch System, which will send four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon to test the Orion spacecraft's systems for future lunar landings. Grokipedia
• [New] SpaceX plans multiple Starship upper stage test flights from Starbase, Texas, with several designated as suborbital profiles to iterate on reentry and landing technologies ahead of full orbital attempts. Grokipedia
• [New] In 2026, several companies plan suborbital test flights to advance reusable space vehicle technologies, focusing on human spaceflight, propulsion validation, and payload deployment capabilities. Grokipedia
• [New] With technology budgets for AI expected to increase more than 70% over the next two years, AI agents, powered by generative AI, are poised to fundamentally transform organizations and achieve results beyond traditional automation. MIT Technology Review
• [New] In 2026, we expect to see AI-powered threat detection systems that can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, identifying anomalies and potential breaches before they escalate. DeepUseCase
• [New] Key risks include stringent global regulation of biometric data collection, failure to scale the Orb technology reliably, security vulnerabilities, competition from other digital identity projects, and a general loss of user trust or interest. CryptoRank
• [New] 11.7% of US jobs could already be automated by current AI systems. Macro Notes
• [New] Targeted prompt injection attacks on business AI systems will go up a lot in 2026. Barchart.com
• [New] Advances in quantum computing will make asymmetric cryptography unsafe by 2029 and fully breakable by 2034. AppViewX
• [New] The G7, EU, U.S, India, and Australia have all set 2030-2035 as mandatory transition windows for critical systems to migrate to quantum-resistant cryptography. AppViewX
• [New] Three of the world's largest tech companies are building AI systems that can plan travel - in parallel, in different ways, with different partners. Skift
• [New] Nine months later, Foundation Capital declared that the next trillion-dollar platforms will be built on systems of record for decisions - what they call context graphs. Forrester
• [New] Emerging preferences to reduce reliance on U.S.-based technology vendors are creating opportunities for European providers such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise and local integrators. Persistence Market Research
• [New] New £40 million of Government funding is being made available for local authorities to trial digital technologies to improve transport, reduce congestion, and ease disruption. UKAuthority
• [New] At Earth, severe solar storms can threaten astronauts, damage satellites, and disrupt power grids, radio links, and navigation systems. Mars Daily
• After 2040, the Chinese lunar base will be used to validate technology and capabilities for a manned mission to Mars. Moon Daily
• Whoever achieves functional quantum computing at scale first will have an enormous intelligence advantage - and the USA is racing against China and others to get there. LetDigitalFly
• The AR/VR retail segment is expected to grow at 28-32% CAGR through 2033, supported by improving hardware capabilities, declining hardware costs, and expanding consumer familiarity with immersive technologies. Persistence Market Research
• By 2030, electric vehicles are no longer forecast to be an emerging alternative powertrain, but rather the default direction of the global automotive industry, reshaping manufacturing, energy systems, and consumer expectations. heycar
• Fastest-growing Technology: Robotics & automation is set to be the fastest-growing technology from 2025 to 2032. Persistence Market Research

Last updated: 13 April 2026