A Check-in on the Tech Trends of 2024

An Introduction to 2024 Tech Trends

Throughout 2024, several key trends have been shaping the technological landscape. These include generative AI, augmented reality (AR), and the Internet of Things (IoT), all of which are evolving at unprecedented speeds. For example, Google searches for 'ChatGPT', the most well-known generative AI platform, have increased by 10% this year alone, building on a surge in late 2023.

Augmented reality is another pivotal trend, becoming more sophisticated and accessible, and thus more commonly used in office spaces. From enabling virtual collaborations to offering immersive experiences, AR is revolutionising businesses.

This article focuses on the key trends that were identified heading into 2024, and how they are currently impacting businesses in the UK.

Generative AI: Revolutionising Industries

Generative AI is a relatively new phenomenon in the tech world, capable of generating images, music, and more. Unlike standard AI models that primarily produce text content, generative AI creates new content rather than just repurposing and learning from existing data, making it invaluable for tech businesses. 

Technology and life sciences businesses are already leveraging this technology. Across the UK, businesses are using generative AI to develop innovative medical devices and diagnostic tools. These companies use AI to generate models and simulations that predict device performance or disease progression, improving product design and efficiency. This leads to transformative changes in patient care and the creation of cutting-edge technology. We don’t see the integration of this technology slowing down anytime soon. In fact, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 31% of UK adults believe AI will positively impact their access to healthcare, indicating significant potential for change.

As generative AI continues to advance, state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative spaces are essential, along with adequate business support. Programmes like our Life Science Accelerator at Alderley Park offer expertise, specialist laboratory spaces, and comprehensive support to early-stage life science businesses, especially those specialising in MedTech.

Augmented Reality: Bridging the Digital and Physical Worlds

Augmented Reality (AR) creates interactive versions of real-world situations by overlaying digital information—such as images, sounds, and texts—over reality. Virtual Decisions, located at the Innovation Birmingham campus, combines creative arts, virtual reality, and augmented reality to tackle subjects across personal, social, and health education. This approach educates customers while keeping them engaged, making learning impactful, memorable, and unique.

AR can then go a step further than virtual reality by integrating and augmenting the physical world with virtual applications, making it an increasingly powerful tool.

The Internet of Things (IoT) and Its Growing Influence

IoT refers to interconnected networks of physical devices which are fitted with sensors, software, and a range of technology that renders them capable of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems. As such, this technology has been revolutionary, with advancements meaning it can be utilised for increasingly sophisticated applications, such as driving innovation and automation across industries, including shaping AI and security for businesses.  

One key example is BioRelate, an early-stage company based at Manchester Science Park. They have developed a platform for scanning and automatically creating biomedical data from a technological platform called Galactic AI. This was developed for the platform by scanning and creating biomedical data, eliminating the need to repeat laboratory experiments. Similarly, Zenzium at Glasshouse in Alderley Park is utilising IoT to collect health data, predominantly from wearable devices, and then using this data to predict how patients respond, enabling what Zenzium calls ‘healthcare 4.0’. 

IoT can also be integrated into construction and the development of leading workspaces, such Bruntwood SciTech’s Enterprise Wharf at Innovation Birmingham campus. Named the city’s first truly SMART building, new technologies, including state-of-the-art ‘Internet of Things’ sensors, have been embedded throughout the building, forming a ‘central nervous system’ that will provide insights into people flow, energy usage and temperature within different areas of workspaces. 

Enterprise Wharf will provide businesses with much greater visibility of what’s happening in the building, with immediate access to data allowing for real-time response to any customer or visitor challenges that arise. For instance, businesses based in Enterprise Wharf can harness the data to optimise heating, lighting and air quality, which are all wirelessly and independently controlled, ultimately creating an enhanced workplace experience for occupants.

The Evolution of Tech-Focused Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces are by no means a new trend, but the demand for dynamic shared workspace continues to grow among companies across industries. Inspired by the global success of brands such as Spotify and Uber - which both started off in coworking environments in the US - more tech-focused start-ups and sole traders are looking for similar spaces to kickstart their own fledgling businesses. We’ve seen similar success for Bruntwood SciTech customer and GreenTech company UrbanChain, who have grown year-on-year since establishing the business in a coworking space at Manchester Science Park, and are now expanding into the recently developed Base. 

Coworking spaces directly support and benefit flexible workers, digital nomads, and those who enjoy working in a collaborative environment. These layouts cater to the evolving needs of modern workers, who can thrive in spaces that transcend the traditional desk space. With freelancers making up 42% of coworking space members worldwide as of 2024, it’s vital to create spaces that offer a wide range of amenities. These range from high-speed infrastructure, barista-style coffee, access to business facilities including on-site gyms, hospitality amenity and private, lockable storage from just £95 a month. 

Workspace apps are also a growing trend, and with Bruntwood SciTech’s customer app it’s now possible to experience the level of comfort we know at home, in the workplace. Customers in all Bruntwood SciTech buildings can tap into features such as ordering food from retailers, and accessing offers, to booking meeting rooms. This brings about new opportunities to elevate the customer experience with a tech-focused approach, plus enabling a more modern angle to employee health and wellbeing. 

The amenities at Bruntwood SciTech campuses and locations mean that modern workers get the full package: spaces where they can excel in both their personal and professional lives, with the business constantly looking for future trends to integrate into spaces to improve employees' lives. 

Bruntwood SciTech’s Commitment to New Technology

At Bruntwood SciTech, we see first-hand how the ongoing integration of advanced technologies is facilitating developments in life sciences and many other innovation-led industries. From getting life-changing drugs into patients faster, to the production of new technologies or innovative approaches that in-turn bolster the UK economy.

From innovation campuses such as Alderley Park, through to innovation hubs in major cities like Manchester and Liverpool, Bruntwood SciTech’s tech-forward approach strives to support a wide range of companies, from start-ups to global corporations, in redefining their industries. 

Already this year, the technological landscape has witnessed several advancements. This means we’re constantly rethinking and refining the facilities and technology available at our hubs and campuses. This is why our locations feature state-of-the-art facilities, such as industry-leading lab space nationwide to on-demand specialist life science equipment at Alderley Park. We’re also focused on future-proofing our new developments. For example, the upcoming launch of West Village in Leeds paves the way for feel-good spaces, complete with innovative lighting concepts, carefully curated art installations, and a groundbreaking blue-green roof that stores rain and uses it to water the living walls.

Another example is Greenheys at Manchester Science Park - due to become a hub for diagnostics, genomics, biotech and precision medicine, and the future home of UK BioBank - which is being built with the latest innovations in building materials and environmental technology, with the building set to achieve net zero carbon in construction and operation in its shared spaces, whilst reducing embodied carbon through smart specification and supplier engagement.

Staying on top of these trends is essential to remaining dynamic and competitive in constantly evolving industries, and we strive to provide our customers with the world-class facilities they require to succeed.

Want to find out more? Explore lab spaces and office space available at Bruntwood SciTech today.