10 Breakthrough Technologies Shaping Sustainable Development
Insights from SXSW 2025 and MIT Technology Review
At SXSW 2025, MIT Technology Review’s Executive Editor Niall Firth took to the stage to give conference goers a glimpse into the innovations set to shape the future.
Drawing on insights from MIT Technology Review’s influential January article (link below), Firth explored technologies that not only promise to reshape our everyday lives but also hold significant potential for advancing sustainable development. In this article, we explore each innovation through the lens of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), examining how these technologies — from astronomical observatories to cutting-edge biomedical treatments — can drive progress in international development.
Each of these 10 advancements reaffirms our hope that technology will continue to be a fundamental enabler for progress towards the Global Goals.
Vera C. Rubin Observatory — SDG 9, SDG 17
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is set to redefine our view of the cosmos through its unprecedented 3D mapping of the southern sky. While its primary focus is astronomical research, the observatory’s state‐of‐the‐art data collection and international collaboration efforts indirectly support sustainable infrastructure development and foster global partnerships. By enhancing scientific capacity and enabling evidence‑based policy decisions, its work helps guide long‑term strategies for collaborative innovation — directly contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Generative AI Search — SDG 9
Generative AI search harnesses advanced language models to distill vast, complex datasets into clear, actionable insights. As Niall Firth explains, it “isn’t programmed or scripted” but generates real‑time, conversational summaries that enhance our understanding of data. Beyond improving research and information access, this technology is poised to reshape the workforce by automating routine tasks and reallocating human capital to higher‑value activities. Such shifts align with SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — which calls for resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialization. It also provides a pathway for better utilization of development data.
Small Language Models — SDG 9
Small language models offer a highly focused AI solution that balances performance with efficiency. Their reduced computational footprint not only cuts costs and environmental impact but also enables deployment in remote areas with resource limitations and/or connectivity issues. As noted in the discussion, these models “get right to the heart of the task” and can operate locally, ensuring data privacy and resilience. This adaptability supports SDG 9 by bridging digital divides and empowering communities to harness smart technologies even in challenging infrastructural contexts.
Cattle Burping Remedies — SDG 13
Cattle burping remedies address a critical environmental challenge by targeting methane emissions — a potent contributor to climate change. By mixing supplements such as Bovia into cattle feed or water to inhibit methane production by about 30%, this innovation directly supports SDG 13 targets related to greenhouse gases. Moreover, it underscores the interconnectedness of the SDGs, illustrating how improvements in one area (e.g., food security) may require innovations in another to mitigate emerging challenges.
Robo Taxis — SDG 11
Robo taxis are reshaping urban mobility by offering fully autonomous, on‑demand transportation. As described in the session, these vehicles can be summoned “fully autonomously with no safety driver,” reducing reliance on traditional car ownership and human drivers. This innovation has direct implications for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by easing congestion, lowering emissions, and enhancing connectivity — key factors in building more livable, resilient urban environments.
Cleaner Jet Fuel — SDG 7, SDG 13
Cleaner jet fuel is an innovative solution that leverages renewable or recycled inputs — such as used cooking oil, industrial waste, or captured CO₂ — to produce sustainable aviation fuel. The transition to these low-emission alternatives is driven by both technological advances and new policy mandates, like those emerging in the EU and UK. By potentially enabling aircraft to run on 100% sustainable fuel, this breakthrough directly contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), while also setting a precedent for decarbonizing global transportation networks.
Fast-Learning Robots — SDG 8, SDG 9
Fast-learning robots leverage advances in generative AI and specialized training techniques to adapt quickly to new tasks and environments. As Niall Firth notes, “it gets easier to train a robot on just a few examples” of a task, highlighting a significant step toward versatile automation. These robots can improve productivity and efficiency in various industries, contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by streamlining manufacturing and services, while also supporting SDG 9 through innovative industrial practices.
Long-Acting HIV Prevention Meds — SDG 3
Long-acting HIV prevention medications, such as lenacapavir, mark a significant breakthrough in public health. With clinical trials in Uganda and South Africa demonstrating 100% effectiveness from a single injection every six months, this technology directly advances SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). By simplifying adherence and reducing the frequency of dosing, these innovations have the potential to significantly curb new HIV infections, offering renewed hope for regions still grappling with high rates of infection.
Green Steel — SDG 9, SDG 13
Green steel production reimagines the traditional steelmaking process by replacing coal with hydrogen generated via renewable energy. Companies like Stegra are pioneering this approach to “pull oxygen from iron ore” with minimal CO₂ emissions. This development supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) by mitigating industrial pollution and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering sustainable manufacturing processes — a crucial step as global steel demand continues to rise.
Stem-Cell Therapies That Work — SDG 13
Stem-cell therapies are finally transitioning from promising research to practical applications, with early trials showing significant improvements for conditions like epilepsy and type 1 diabetes. In one case, a patient’s seizures were reduced from daily occurrences to about once a week, marking a meaningful enhancement in quality of life. This breakthrough directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and underscores the potential of biomedical innovation to transform health outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings where effective treatments can have profound socioeconomic impacts.
Conclusion
The session at SXSW underscores that the future of technology is not just about innovation — it’s about building a more sustainable, inclusive world. To hear Firth’s full insights and discover how these breakthroughs align with the SDGs, be sure to listen to the session and read the original article:
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Note: Generative AI tools were used in the creation of this article to assist with research, summarization, and editing.
