Cryptocurrency, sometimes called crypto-currency or crypto, is any form of currency that exists digitally or virtually and uses cryptography to secure transactions. Cryptocurrency received its name because it uses encryption to verify transactions. This means advanced coding is involved in storing and transmitting cryptocurrency data between wallets and to public ledgers. The aim of encryption is to provide security and safety.

A blockchain is a distributed database or ledger shared among a computer network's nodes. Blockchains can be used to make data in any industry immutable - the term used to describe the inability to be altered. Because there is no way to change a block, the only trust needed is on the technology, but not on regulators like banks or people. Since Bitcoin's introduction in 2009, blockchain uses have exploded via the creation of various cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and smart contracts.

3D printing or additive manufacturing is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or a digital 3D model. 3D printing is used to create components, parts and accessories, build prototypes, production tools and expand customisation options. The fields of application growth from regular industrial production over artifical production of organs or customized printing of food. Non-buildable object from the "old industry" can now be printed and manufactured through this layer-by-layer process and the use of different materials or colors.

Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. Artificial intelligence is a constellation of many different technologies working together to enable machines to sense, comprehend, act, and learn with human-like levels of intelligence. Maybe that’s why it seems as though everyone’s definition of artificial intelligence is different: AI isn’t just one thing.

Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that involves the integration of natural sciences and engineering sciences with the goal to improve the live quality of the humans. Biotechnology is mainly used in agriculture, food science, and medicine and can be defined as the utilization of biological processes for industrial or commercial purposes.  In reality, there are many different types of biotechnology including bioinformatics, blue, green, red and white biotechnology. The term dark biotechnology refers to the use of biotechnology for bioterrorism or biochemical weapons. 

The competition between the USA, China and Russia will accelerate the new space race and will have consequences for all of us here on Earth. In recent years, rare metals and water have been found on the Moon while private companies have massively lowered the cost of breaking through the atmosphere. Elon Musk’s SpaceX and its reusable rockets are part of this story, as is the miniaturisation of satellites.

Robotics is the field of technology focused on designing, building, and operating robots—machines capable of carrying out tasks either autonomously or with human guidance. These robots can be mechanical devices programmed to perform repetitive tasks in industries or sophisticated machines that mimic human abilities, like walking, talking, or interacting with the environment. Robotics combines various disciplines, including engineering, computer science, and AI, and has applications in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, space exploration, and everyday life.

Fun fact: The word “robot” was first introduced in a 1920 play by Czech writer Karel Čapek, deriving from "robota," meaning forced labor!