Top tech trends for 2025

2024 was the year of AI with the market size for artificial intelligence growing to USD 184 billion this year and projections for a USD 876.40 billion growth by 2030. With the constant influx of new technologies, what are some of the top tech trends we can expect in 2025?

Is Quantum computing moving from theory to practical applications? Will organisations need to enhance their defences against AI-facilitated fraud?

We reached out to some of our SMEs (subject matter experts) across FDM for their insights on the top tech trends to look out for in 2025. Here’s what the pundits have predicted:

What are the most popular tech trends for 2025?

• Quantum computing
• AI advancement for risk and regulatory compliance

• Green coding
• Chatbots
• Growth in tech hiring

Early applications of quantum computing

Gartner predicts that by 2025, quantum computing will shift from science fiction to reality, with short-term business gains already underway and expected to grow over the next three years.

According to Klaudio Marashi, Skills Lab IT Operations – Global Head Coach, early applications have already started.  Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and XtalPi are using advanced molecular modelling to accelerate drug discovery, while in finance, quantum technology is being used for portfolio optimisation, risk assessment, and fraud detection.

‘Google’s Quantum AI Lab is pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence by using quantum algorithms to enhance machine learning capabilities. Now, even more so after utilising its newest chip, Willow to solve a benchmark computation that would take a supercomputer 10^25 years (10 with 25 zeroes) in under five minutes. The possibilities are endless!’ – Marashi says.

Impact on cybersecurity

Quantum computing has profound implications for cybersecurity as well. State-sponsored actors and advanced persistent threats (APTs) are investing heavily in quantum capabilities, putting traditional encryption methods at critical risk.

Research has already shown that quantum computers can crack up to 50 bits from RSA encryption, although there is still a long way to go to reach 2048 bits or more. This looming threat has accelerated the need for post-quantum cryptography, prompting NIST to publish three standards: FIPS 203, 204, and 205. These standards feature the algorithms ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA.

The standards are designed to be backwards compatible with classical computing algorithms, ensuring a smooth transition to quantum-resistant encryption without disrupting existing systems.

Risk and regulatory compliance

With AI impacting almost all sectors and functionalities, what is its impact on regulatory compliance?

Pierre-Antoine Boulat, North America Delivery Lead, Risk, Regulation & Compliance Consulting Services believes – ‘AI is advancing regulatory compliance through smart automation that streamlines prevention, risk identification, monitoring, and reporting. Machine learning algorithms now enable near-real-time analysis of vast datasets, detecting suspicious occurrences and identifying patterns with improved speed and accuracy. Natural language processing tools facilitate faster analysis of complex documentation to drive interpretation and actionable insights.

He maintains that – ‘Over-ambitious data privacy regulations aimed at transforming compliance and data usage landscapes, will result in increased stakeholder explanation and documentation of business activities, increased costs to operate and hopefully, better societal outcomes.

Staying ahead of AI fraudsters

To combat AI-facilitated fraud, organisations must:

• Deploy sophisticated AI-powered fraud detection systems.
• Continuously adapt to new social engineering tactics and deepfake technologies.
• Engage in multilateral cooperation with business partners, regulators, and law enforcement communities.

By leveraging both AI and human expertise, companies can stay one step ahead of increasingly sophisticated fraudsters, says Boulat.

Green coding

Gangotri Bhatt, our Director Skills Lab, UK & EMEA believes that embracing green initiatives and sustainability is essential for the future, particularly in reducing our carbon footprint. She highlights the importance of a transformative approach to coding, advocating for a focus on green coding. This practice involves environmentally sustainable computing aimed at minimising the energy consumption associated with processing lines of code. Bhatt asserts that mastering green coding will become a vital skill for future professionals, significantly contributing to a sustainable environment.

Beyond chatbots in 2025

According to David Harvey, Senior Delivery Consultant, FDM Consulting Services – ‘As the AI journey continues at a rapid pace, several emerging AI applications and technologies are expected to rise into the mainstream. A trend anticipated to have a significant impact is Predictive Maintenance. This approach has use cases across industries; thus, we expect it to become mainstream. It offers benefits both to suppliers (through more efficient maintenance activities) and end-users (by increasing service continuity).’

He foresees this capability as a key component of organisations’ roadmaps for 2025 and beyond.

Tech hiring growth in 2025

From tech to the people powering tech.

Garth Newboult, Delivery Director, FDM Consulting Services anticipates a growth in tech hiring with demand for talent that blends technical expertise with business acumen.

He believes that in 2025, leaders who can navigate both technical challenges and human complexities will be highly sought after. Delivery Managers will need to act as “translators” between technology and business while fostering cross-functional collaboration. Skills such as stakeholder management, strategic thinking, and conflict resolution will be as critical as mastering digital tools.

He further stresses that, by embracing AI as a collaborator, project managers can transition from simply tracking timelines to driving innovation. Proficiency in AI tools will be essential for thriving in an increasingly dynamic digital era.’

Emerging and niche technologies

Trends like AI-driven development, green coding practices, advanced cloud computing, and generative AI are becoming integral to the way businesses operate. At FDM’s Skills Lab, we are not just keeping up with these trends – we are empowering consultants to lead in this rapidly changing landscape, while also maintaining expertise in critical legacy technologies.

Rim Almaliki, Director Skills Lab, North America believes – ‘Alongside emerging technologies, it is important to support critical niche technologies like Mainframe and COBOL, which continue to underpin key industries such as finance and retail. This dual focus ensures our consultants are equipped to innovate in cutting-edge fields while maintaining the expertise required for legacy systems critical to business operations.’

She further says that, ‘As technology trends evolve, so do client needs. Our flexible sprint model allows consultants to bypass irrelevant learning and focus on role-specific skills, such as mastering AI tools or leveraging generative AI models for business applications or managing legacy systems like Mainframe. This ensures they are ready to address both future-facing technologies and the enduring needs of the industries they serve.’

Balancing technical and soft skills

Organisations often struggle to find talent with both technical expertise and the soft skills necessary for successful transformation.

Garth Newboult maintains, ‘As tech hiring accelerates in 2025, organisations will prioritise skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, and AI integration. However, technical skills alone will not suffice. Change and transformation initiatives will demand professionals who blend technical expertise with a transformation mindset. Those excelling in cross-functional leadership, process reengineering, and user-centric design will stand out.

How FDM can support

FDM provides consultants at all experience levels- graduates, career changers, and seasoned professionals, customised to client needs and ready to contribute from day one. Through our five practices and Skills Lab, we ensure consultants excel not only in technology but also in communication, collaboration, and leadership.

Our model of upskilling and continuous professional development ensures consultants stay relevant and engaged, providing long-term value to clients.

Summary

Key technology trends such as quantum computing and predictive maintenance are set to transform industries. Quantum computing is moving from theory to practical applications, posing challenges for cybersecurity that call for the adoption of post-quantum cryptography standards. Additionally, new data privacy laws will enhance consumer rights while organisations must combat AI-facilitated fraud through advanced detection systems. The demand for tech talent is expected to grow, highlighting the need for professionals who can integrate technical skills with business acumen.

Find out how our consultants can help bridge your tech skills gap and turbo charge your transformation projects. Read more about Our Services.