For me it’s quantum computing - especially considering its impact on most current encryption methods

  • Realistic Batteries. It’s holding back a LOT of things. A lot of technologies are solved, but just require power.

    Semi-Realistic Room Temperature Super-Conductor.

    If that can be solved, the power density and efficiencies would just be astronomical… It would absolutely destroy multi-billion industries overnight.

    Way-Out-There-Stuff If they ever prove out an actual functional EmDrive-like thruster, that would absolutely open up space travel to our species.

    • Batteries are the big one. Can you imagine how many people (homeowners/renters) will go out and buy a tiny 100W panel knowing that even though it will fill a battery with energy very slowly, they can still bank on it for a week?

      Right now we have batteries that can survive about a day, using a modern solar panel system with inverter (~1000€). Imagine when we have batteries that can store weeks of power.