Three Trends Shaping the Future of Impact in 2025
By Beata Enwall, Investment Manager at Norrsken VC
Guest post by Beata Enwall, Investment Manager at Norrsken VC.
From transforming how we learn to redefining the materials we use, AI is being applied where it’s needed most in an accelerating way. For impact-focused founders and investors, these shifts present an incredible opportunity: leveraging cutting-edge technology to create scalable, sustainable solutions.
Let’s dive into three areas where AI is set to make the most profound impact in the year ahead.
Personalised learning at scale taking off
The rise of AI in edtech is opening doors for more impact-driven founders to revolutionise education. This transformation is reshaping how we learn, and the momentum is undeniable. In 2025, expect workforce training and personal education to become faster, smarter, and more personalised than ever. This will have a huge impact on everything from children’s learning—offering tailored support for neurodiverse learners or homework help—to language learning, where outdated apps are being replaced by conversational AI that immerses users in real-life scenarios. In workplaces, AI-driven upskilling tools are boosting frontline workers’ knowledge on site-specific safety and risks, while reskilling platforms are enabling–and speeding up–the transition to “green collar” jobs essential for the sustainable energy shift. These innovations are creating instant, tailored learning experiences at scale, enabling a more skilled and adaptable workforce, and a deeper connection to knowledge.
Acceleration of sustainable material innovation
Industries like construction and manufacturing are in urgent need of adopting greener and better alternatives. AI is revolutionising this process by enabling infinite iterations in material development, allowing scientists and engineers to rapidly discover and refine solutions tailored for specific applications. From advanced composites and bio-based alternatives to breakthroughs in chemistry and catalysts, AI-powered R&D is unlocking possibilities that were previously out of reach. These innovations are not only addressing sustainability challenges but also opening doors to entirely new markets and applications. In 2025, smarter processes, circular supply chains, and emission-cutting technologies will likely accelerate, laying the literal foundations of a new, more sustainable economy.
Optimised logistics for EV fleets
Fleet electrification is moving full steam ahead, and 2025 is set to drive the transition even further. Recent milestones, like Einride’s launch of Europe’s first daily commercial autonomous freight operations, show that electric fleets are no longer just a concept—they’re becoming an integral part of modern logistics. However, managing EV fleets comes with a complex set of challenges. Transitioning from an internal combustion engine (ICE) fleet requires careful planning: Which vehicles to replace, at what pace, and with which EV models. Once EVs are operational, fleet managers must navigate charging logistics—determining optimal charging schedules, locations, and ensuring drivers can charge seamlessly on the road. Add to this the limited range of EVs, which demands smart route planning to maximise fleet utilisation and minimise downtime. Advancements in EV tech and AI-driven management tools are simplifying these processes, paving the way for a logistics industry that is not just more sustainable, but also more adaptive, resilient, cost-efficient, and ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Whether it’s unlocking personalised education, revolutionising sustainable materials, or optimising EV logistics, transformative innovation happens when technology meets purpose. The founders leading these shifts are reshaping industries to be more resilient and future-proof. And for us as investors, the brief is clear: Identify, support, and scale these solutions to meet the mega demand for sustainable innovation.
Great insights on AI’s transformative role across industries! One additional area where AI is making a profound impact is building energy management, an often overlooked yet crucial component of sustainability. AI-driven systems are optimizing HVAC performance, predicting energy demand, and integrating with renewable sources to enhance efficiency. Given that buildings account for nearly 30% of global energy consumption and 26% of emissions, smarter energy management can significantly accelerate decarbonization.
From my perspective, the potential is massive, especially as AI-powered predictive analytics become more precise, allowing for real-time adjustments and peak demand reduction. Integrating AI with smart meters, IoT devices, and digital twins could make buildings not just consumers of energy but active participants in a decentralized, responsive grid.