With the pace that technology is moving in 2025, we know the business world will look very different in five years from now. We can’t predict the future with certainty, but we can look at current trends, shifting demographics, and changing consumer values to make educated guesses about which types of businesses will be most likely to succeed by 2030.
1. AI integration specialists
By 2030, artificial intelligence won’t be a novelty – it will be embedded in almost every business operation and this creates demand for specialists who can help organisations integrate AI effectively into their existing systems and workflows.
These businesses will go beyond basic implementation, focusing on customising AI solutions for specific industries, training teams to work alongside AI tools, and ensuring ethical use of technology. They’ll help companies understand which processes to automate and which require the human touch, making AI adoption smoother and more strategic.
2. Climate adaptation consultants
As climate change impacts become more apparent, businesses will need help adapting their operations to new environmental realities. Climate adaptation consultants will assess risks related to extreme weather, supply chain disruptions, and changing regulations.
These services will extend beyond carbon footprint tracking to practical, actionable strategies for resilience. They’ll advise on everything from relocating warehouses away from flood zones to developing heat management strategies for outdoor workers.
3. Remote work infrastructure providers
Remote and hybrid work arrangements will be the norm by 2030, but many organisations still struggle with making them work effectively. Businesses specialising in remote work infrastructure will help companies optimise their digital workspace, from collaboration tools to cybersecurity.
They’ll also address the human side of remote work, advising on team building, communication protocols, and maintaining company culture across distributed teams. This goes beyond selling software to creating comprehensive systems that actually work for people.
4. Longevity economy services
With populations ageing across developed nations, businesses serving older adults will expand significantly. This includes tech support tailored to seniors, home modification services, and fitness programmes designed for maintaining strength and mobility in later life.
The difference from today’s offerings will be the scale and sophistication. By 2030, we’ll see more businesses treating older adults as a primary market rather than an afterthought, with products and services designed specifically for their needs and preferences.
5. Personalised health monitoring
Health monitoring will continue to shift from occasional doctor visits to continuous, personalised tracking, and businesses will analyse health data from wearables and home testing kits, providing insights and early warnings about potential issues.
These services will combine technology with human expertise, offering consultations that interpret data within the context of each person’s lifestyle, genetics, and health history. The focus will move from treating illness to preventing it through early intervention.
6. Sustainable packaging innovators
Single-use plastics will be increasingly restricted by 2030, creating opportunities for businesses that develop and supply sustainable packaging alternatives. This includes not just the materials themselves but the entire system for their use and disposal.
Successful businesses in this space will offer compostable, recyclable, or reusable options that actually work for different industries, from food service to e-commerce. They’ll solve practical problems like maintaining food freshness and surviving shipping conditions without environmental damage.
7. Urban agriculture specialists
As cities become more conscious of food miles and supply chain vulnerabilities, urban farming will expand. Businesses will help organisations and communities set up rooftop gardens, vertical farms, and small-scale food production in unexpected urban spaces.
These services will include system design, ongoing maintenance, and training for urban farmers. They’ll make local food production feasible for restaurants, hotels, schools, and residential buildings, reducing transport costs and environmental impact while increasing food security.
8. Digital wellbeing coaches
As screen time concerns grow and digital fatigue sets in, more people will seek help managing their relationship with technology. Digital wellbeing coaches will provide personalised strategies for reducing unnecessary screen time without sacrificing productivity or connection.
These businesses will help clients identify which digital habits serve them and which drain their energy, creating sustainable routines that balance online and offline life. They’ll be particularly valuable for families trying to establish healthy technology boundaries.
9. Circular economy facilitators
The linear model of make-use-dispose will increasingly give way to circular systems where materials are continuously reused. Businesses will emerge to facilitate these circular systems, connecting companies that have waste with those that can use it as input.
They’ll manage the logistics of material recovery, refurbishment, and redistribution, making it easier and more profitable for businesses to participate in circular economy models, and this includes everything from industrial materials to consumer products.
10. Neurodiversity workplace consultants
Recognition of neurodiversity will continue growing, with more adults receiving diagnoses and seeking accommodations and consultants will help organisations create inclusive workplaces that allow neurodiverse employees to thrive.
These consultants will advise on everything from recruitment processes to workspace design, helping companies tap into the skills and perspectives that neurodiverse workers bring while supporting their specific needs.
11. Virtual community builders
While online communities exist today, by 2030, there will be more sophisticated businesses dedicated to building and managing them. These won’t be simple social media groups but carefully curated spaces with clear purposes, from professional networking to hobby groups to support communities.
Community builders will handle moderation, event planning, member onboarding, and the creation of engagement strategies that keep communities active and valuable. They’ll help organisations and individuals build meaningful connections in increasingly digital spaces.
If you’re starting a business now or planning for the future, consider how your offering aligns with these broader trends. The businesses that will thrive aren’t necessarily those with completely new ideas, but those that solve emerging problems in practical, sustainable ways.
