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Lars Tvede on the future of AI: how disruptive innovations are set to transform the world
At the heart of the unlimitrust campus – an innovation park and pioneering hub designed to foster advancement in digital trust and cybersecurity – in Prilly, Switzerland, we recently hosted an event with Michael Strobaek, our Global Chief Investment Officer, and Lars Tvede, serial entrepreneur, author and chairman of Supertrends – an AI-powered company that makes predictions about the future – who challenged us to consider how technological advances will shape the world in the decades to come.
In recent years, there have been significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and other disruptive technologies, with far-reaching implications for society, the economy, and the environment. The exponential progress of technology – propelled by innovations such as large language models (LLMs) and quantum computing – suggests a future that may look profoundly different from today. Here we share Lars Tvede’s insights into the current state of AI, anticipated developments over the next decade, and potential impacts on key areas such as the labour market, energy resources, and healthcare.
How today’s AI evolution lays the groundwork for tomorrow’s innovations
The growth of AI follows an S-curve, with rapid technological advances leading to transformative applications. Over the past decade, we’ve progressed from simple chatbots to powerful LLMs like GPT-4, capable of generating human-like text, analysing data, and offering solutions in fields ranging from finance1 to customer services2.
New frontiers are emerging in the form of innovative solutions such as “Agent Swarms”. This experimental framework sees autonomous AI systems (“agents”) collaborate to solve complex problems – for instance researching industry trends, rethinking marketing strategies, pinpointing sales leads and supporting customers – with minimal human involvement.3
As technologies continue to evolve, it is clear that we are still only scratching the surface of AI’s potential
This rapid progression of AI technology has amplified its utility: what began as language processing has expanded to include complex prediction, pattern recognition, and some forms of reasoning. As technologies continue to evolve, it is clear that we are still only scratching the surface of AI’s potential.
From personal AI to quantum computing: what’s next in technology
AI is increasingly venturing into the physical world, with advancements in robotics, autonomous vehicles and drones already reshaping industries. Personal AI companions are now emerging, offering deeply integrated support in everyday life4 – a natural progression from personal digital assistants (such as the first iterations of Apple’s Siri, Google’s Assistant or Microsoft’s now-retired Cortana) to far more advanced and intuitive systems.
By the 2030s, the advent of quantum AI could redefine computational limits, allowing machines to process and optimise information in ways previously thought impossible5, billions of times faster than current systems.
The impact of AI on the labour market and its implications for investors
As AI transforms the workplace, many sectors will see shifts in labour demand. Automation will take over repetitive tasks, freeing humans to focus on creative and strategic roles: as Lombard Odier’s CIO Michael Strobaek describes it, AI will be a “productivity booster”. The World Economic Forum anticipates that 23% of global employment will undergo a transformation due to industry shifts such as the integration of AI and other text, image, and voice processing technologies6. This could result in the creation of 69 million new jobs and the elimination of 83 million existing roles7.
Humans have always reinvented themselves, […] it is not possible to extrapolate trends of what humans will do and how they will intervene. We have just seen this in the United States, with the re-election of Trump. At some point in time, humanity takes destiny in its own hands
Historical precedent demonstrates that individuals adapt and continuously adjust their skills in response to technological disruptions. Nevertheless, predicting specific trends remains challenging, as human agency – often unpredictable – plays a decisive role in shaping outcomes. As Michael Strobaek states, “Humans have always reinvented themselves, […] it is not possible to extrapolate trends of what humans will do and how they will intervene. We have just seen this in the United States, with the re-election of Trump. At some point in time, humanity takes destiny in its own hands.”
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He highlights that, “what is very important and practical for investors, is trying to stay on the right side of this [change].” Technological advancements are creating both risks and opportunities, and those who strategically align their investments with transformative sectors are likely to benefit, diversifying their investments to avoid overreliance on any single tech company. The challenge will be to identify opportunities that combine high growth potential with social value, ensuring that technology is used to enhance the role of human workers.
Revolutionising energy: how nuclear fusion could power the AI era
The increased computational needs of advanced AI systems pose significant energy-related challenges, and the energy consumption associated with AI training and operation represents a significant hurdle in terms of energy efficiency. The production of renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power requires substantial quantities of finite resources, including metals like copper, which are becoming increasingly scarce, while in high demand8. Nuclear energy, in particular fusion – the phenomenon that powers the sun by forcing atoms together9 – has emerged as a promising alternative.
Fusion technology represents a significant step forward, with the potential to provide millions of years of energy supply. If harnessed effectively, fusion could serve as the backbone for powering AI and other energy-intensive technologies, by providing an almost limitless supply of clean energy at a relatively low cost, while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels – a key factor in meeting sustainability goals.10
Lars Tvede states that this technology is on the cusp of becoming a reality. “We’re getting close to this. I think that nuclear fusion will actually, at least in the second part of the century, be the most important energy technology.” Oxford startup First Light Fusion has already initiated the early stages of development for its pilot plant, with a projected completion date in the 2030s. It is anticipated that the plant will produce approximately 150 MW of electricity at a cost of less than USD 1 billion.11 At a governmental level, the UK Atomic Energy Authority is also preparing for the development of its first fusion plant, which is expected to be operational by the early 2040s, at an estimated cost of GBP 20 billion. However, there is currently no guarantee that the plant will be functional.12
We’re getting close to this. I think that nuclear fusion will actually, at least in the second part of the century, be the most important energy technology
AI and healthcare: longevity, personalised health and the future of ageing
AI’s potential to revolutionise healthcare is unprecedented. As predicted by renowned futurist Ray Kurzweil, individuals who live through the next few years may benefit from technological breakthroughs that significantly extend life expectancy. This concept is known as ‘longevity escape velocity’. It refers to the point at which life-extending technologies advance faster than biological ageing itself. In theory, this allows individuals to live indefinitely by continually offsetting the effects of ageing. By distinguishing between chronological age (years since birth) and biological age (a marker of physical health), researchers aim to leverage AI to optimise health and slow biological ageing.
Individuals who live through the next few years may benefit from technological breakthroughs that significantly extend life expectancy
Towards a symbiotic future? How humans and AI can thrive together
The introduction of AI has consistently evoked a blend of optimism and scepticism. While some express concern about job displacement or existential risks, the more probable outcome is that AI will become a tool that enhances human efficiency, accuracy and innovation.
At Lombard Odier, we believe in taking a step back to gain a broader perspective. In line with our commitment to sustainability in investment, we recognise the transformative potential of AI as an asset that is driving innovation and reshaping industries – from improving healthcare and advancing sustainable energy to unlocking efficiencies that drive long-term value creation. Our research into demographics, technological advancements, and the transition towards a CLIC® economy – one marked by Circular materials, Lean consumer models, Inclusive healthcare, and Clean energy – highlights long-term structural changes influencing global markets. These shifts act as key drivers of disruption, creating opportunities for new business models. In order to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape effectively, it is essential to adopt a strategic positioning that allows potential opportunities to be seized while mitigating risks.
The path towards the future of disruptive technologies will undoubtedly be challenging, but it hints at a more prosperous, sustainable, and connected world.
This is a marketing communication issued by Bank Lombard Odier & Co Ltd (hereinafter “Lombard Odier”).
It is not intended for distribution, publication, or use in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, or use would be unlawful, nor is it aimed at any person or entity to whom it would be unlawful to address such a marketing communication.
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