Future+ Fridays | Issue45

1. Key highlights from Future+ members in 2024

What's happening: As the year 2024 has come to a close, we’re excited to share some standout moments from Future+ members in 2024. Future+ continues to grow and evolve, and we’re inspired by the remarkable projects shaping our ecosystem. These highlights represent just a fraction of the dynamic achievements this year—there was so much more to celebrate!

Highlights:

1. Karl Lagerfeld launched its first sustainability growth report. It can be read here.

2. Karta collaborated with NASCAR to introduce race tracks to Fortnite.

3. Chatlabs ended the year securing $3.2M in Seed Funding to transform Social-to-Web customer engagement.

4. EPAM collaborated with Hugo Boss to launch an innovative customer loyalty program, introducing a new world of engagement.

5. Arianee, in the watch industry alone, has more than 30% of products featuring an Arianee DPP.

6. Pheonix Technology unleashed the power of AI with its supercomputer.

7. PhygitalTwins collaborated with Whosetrade for an exclusive Phygital collection which sold out in minutes.

8. SYKY launched an immersive fashion experience of Anrealage, on the Apple Vision Pro

9. Aura Blockchain Consortium surpassed 50 million products recorded on their blockchain.

10. Among many events, Muse Frame supported the exhibition The Shakespeare Portraits on view at the Red Eight Gallery, in London. A show consisting of 10 digital portraits of living actors accompanied by speeches from Shakespeare's plays.

Why it matters: Future+ members are at the forefront of innovation, blending technology, creativity, and sustainability to shape the future of their industries. From advancing sustainability in fashion to redefining customer engagement and embracing the phygital revolution, these achievements highlight the transformative power of collaboration and forward-thinking solutions. Together, they reflect a shared commitment to driving progress and setting new standards that inspire the entire ecosystem. We look forward to 2025 and the incredible innovations and projects our members will bring next!

2. CES 2025 unveils the future of tech and AI innovation

What's happening: CES formerly known as Consumer Electronics Show, 2025 is set to take place in Las Vegas next week from January 7–10, featuring thousands of exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technology.

TLDR:

• CES is one of the largest global tech trade shows, with over 4,300 companies and nearly 140,000 attendees in 2024, featuring giants like Samsung, Google, Meta, Nvidia, and Honda.

• This edition includes 323 companies on the Fortune 500 from 166 countries and 58% of senior-level registrants.

• Many products showcased at CES are conceptual or prototypes, offering a glimpse into future innovations, while others are set for imminent commercial release.

• AI will dominate this year's event, with many products expected to incorporate AI, from everyday gadgets like TVs and toothbrushes to advanced systems in robotics and transportation.

• Automotive manufacturers will showcase cutting-edge electric and autonomous vehicles, although fewer big names are expected to have a significant presence this year.

• Robotics continues to gain importance, with advancements aimed at transforming industries and daily life.

• Smart home devices and generative AI platforms will fuel new smart assistant technologies from companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple.

• Extended reality (XR) devices have shifted focus to enterprise applications, as consumer adoption has been slow, partly due to Meta’s dominance in the cost-effective VR space.

• CES will host its press conference at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET on January 6, link here.

Why it matters: CES is the place to be for technological innovation, setting the tone for the year ahead. The prominence of AI at this year's event underscores its role as a transformative force across industries, from entertainment and smart homes to transportation and healthcare. With heavyweights like Nvidia shaping AI advancements, CES 2025 will offer a glimpse into the practical applications and future potential of emerging technologies. Whether it's robotics, automotive innovation, or AI-enhanced everyday devices, the show provides a snapshot of how tech will shape our lives in the near future.

3. NRF and the debut of the innovators showcase

What's happening: NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show is set to kick off in New York City from January 12 to 14, under the theme Game Changer. The retail event will bring together 40,000 participants, including industry leaders, innovators, and retailers from around the world. A standout showcase this year will be the NRF Innovators Showcase, an exclusive exhibit spotlighting 50 transformative retail tech companies poised to redefine the future of retail.

TLDR:

• The NRF Innovators Showcase, debuting this year, will feature 50 companies, invite-only that are redefining the retail landscape with cutting-edge technologies.

• The NRF Innovators Showcase is a natural evolution of the Innovation Lab, launched in 2017, which since then has featured over 350 companies, primarily early-stage venture-backed businesses. Recognising the advances across the entire retail ecosystem, NRF introduced the 2025 Innovators Showcase to reflect the industry's broader innovations.

• From AI-powered tools to game-changing supply chain solutions, this showcase offers a glimpse into the future of shopping and retail innovation.

• The companies in the showcase were chosen by the NRF Innovation Advisory Committee for their scalability and alignment with emerging trends with some focus areas including in-store experience enhancements, product discovery, and supply chain optimisation.

• Attendees of the showcase, can explore innovations such as AI-powered smart carts, 3D body scanning, shoppable videos, and autonomous robots, among other exciting retail experiences.

• Beyond the Innovators Showcase, over 450 speakers at the event will address broader trends shaping the retail industry. Key topics include AI’s role in marketing and customer experiences, Gen Alpha’s impact on consumption, sustainability in retail, and omnichannel strategies.

• The theme "Game Changer" was chosen to emphasise the profound, disruptive transformations reshaping the global retail landscape.

Why it matters: The launch of the NRF Innovators Showcase provides an exclusive platform to spotlight transformative technologies and solutions. By selecting 50 companies according to strict criteria, the showcase will highlight advancements that address pressing challenges in retail. Beyond the Innovators Showcase, the broader NRF 2025 conference highlights the major shifts in retail and equips retailers with the knowledge and tools to thrive amid disruption and rapid change.

4. a16z's Vision for 2025: Key tech trends reshaping industries

What's happening: The latest Big Ideas in Tech Report from Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) highlights key trends for 2025, including AI, blockchain, and consumer tech innovations that are set to reshape industries among others. Here’s what stood out to us..

TLDR:

• AI-generated video is becoming more specialised, with tools tailored to applications like marketing campaigns, cinematic storytelling, and social media, offering creators better quality, control, and consistency. In the same sense, short-form video will continue to dominate digital marketing strategy.

• Personal AI "digital brains" will leverage personal data to help users understand themselves, improve communication, and optimise decision-making, functioning as a digital memory bank.

• AI is improving in personalisation, with advancements enabling it to produce content that aligns closely with individual style, tone, and organisational requirements, such as emails or presentations.

• Proof of personhood systems are emerging to verify real individuals in digital spaces, addressing challenges posed by AI-generated impersonations and fraud.

• Stablecoins are gaining traction as a cost-efficient and fast payment option, with small businesses and enterprises expected to adopt them to save on transaction fees and simplify payment processes.

• Crypto applications are becoming more user-friendly, encouraging passive crypto holders to transition into active users as transaction fees drop and blockchain infrastructure improves.

• AI copilots are set to transform white-collar work by automating repetitive tasks, integrating seamlessly into workflows, and increasing productivity across industries.

• When it comes down to fashion itself, AI will be leading the trends for predicting fashion trends, we will see more AI influencers, and blockchain will help with providing detailed information about the garments (think of DPPs).

Why it matters: The convergence of AI and blockchain is more than just a technological shift—it’s a revolution reshaping how we live, work, and connect. These trends are redefining possibilities. For businesses, this means staying ahead of the curve in personalisation, security, and speed. For consumers, it’s about smarter tools, more authentic experiences, and unprecedented convenience. Together, these technologies are weaving a future of seamless interconnectivity.

5. Member spotlight: SYKY debuts digital-first magazine

What's happening: SYKY launched SYKY Magazine, a short-form online publication showcasing the intersection of digital, physical, and augmented reality fashion. Spearheaded by Nicola Formichetti, SYKY’s artistic director since January 2024, it is presented through the lens of next-generation artists.

TLDR:

• The SYKY magazine is a natural extension of SYKY’s mission to integrate digital, physical, and augmented reality fashion. The magazine provides a platform for emerging talents to blend digital innovation with high-impact storytelling, elevating their work globally.

• Each issue’s cover will be collectible exclusively on SYKY.com for a limited time after release.

• The initiative aims to guide newcomers into digital fashion and showcase digital creators as tastemakers and leaders. Additionally, it will provide exclusive content where SYKY bridges digital and physical fashion.

• The first issue features a limited-edition digital cover created by artist Yasmin Gross, who uses AI to reimagine award-winning designer Kate Barton's signature aesthetics through a series of still and moving images.

Why it matters: SYKY Magazine underscores the rising significance of digital innovation in luxury fashion. By showcasing the work of visionary artists and designers, SYKY positions itself as a pioneer in luxury’s next chapter—where tradition seamlessly meets technology to redefine storytelling.