EDB Names Biotech, Robotics, VR as Next Investment Wave

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Eurasian Development Bank has presented a report titled “Waves of Investment Megahype”, identifying new promising areas of global investment interest.

Following previous waves driven by digitalization, ESG, and artificial intelligence, the bank’s analysts highlight biotechnology, robotics, and virtual reality as the most likely candidates for the next investment boom.

According to the report, each technological wave builds on the previous one, creating the infrastructure, data, and demand necessary for the emergence of new industries.

Looking ahead over the next 20 years, the EDB identifies seven major areas for large-scale investment: biotechnology and longevity, robotics and autonomous systems, quantum computing, virtual reality, energy storage and grids, climate technologies, and the space economy. In the short term, biotechnology, robotics, and virtual reality are seen as priority sectors.

Particular emphasis is placed on biotechnology, which could partially offset labor shortages by extending healthy and productive lifespans. Estimates suggest that the global biotechnology market in 2024–2025 stands at between US$1.9 trillion and US$2.2 trillion and could grow to nearly US$5.9 trillion by 2034. The robotics market could reach US$376 billion by 2035, while the virtual reality market may expand to US$693 billion.

The report also highlights the macroeconomic impact of longevity: one additional year of healthy life could generate cumulative GDP gains of up to US$18.2 trillion for China, US$15.1 trillion for the United States, and between US$2.8 trillion and US$3.4 trillion for Russia over a 20-year horizon.

At the same time, the authors warn of the risks of “creative self-delusion,” a situation where the stated potential of a technology outpaces its actual maturity. For investors and governments, it is critically important to assess the stage of technological development and the ability to scale solutions rapidly.

For developing economies, the main challenge will be competition for capital, expertise, and the speed of integration into emerging technological markets.

The Eurasian Development Bank is a multilateral development institution operating in the Eurasian region for more than 20 years. As of the end of 2025, its portfolio included 326 projects totaling US$19.6 billion across sectors such as transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, industry, and mechanical engineering. The bank aligns its activities with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles.