Tech Trends: What’s Now? What’s Next? | October 2025
October 1, 2025 | Tech Trends Roundup | Zack Huhn + AI
We are at another pivotal moment in the technology landscape. From sweeping infrastructure legislation to rapid advancements in AI and quantum systems, the pace of change is accelerating in every direction. But beneath the hype, there’s real transformation taking place: inside organizations, across states, and at the highest levels of industry and government. This monthly roundup series is built to help technology leaders make sense of it all. What’s happening now? What’s coming next? And how should we respond as leaders, builders, and strategists?
In this edition, we cover new investments, breakthrough use cases, and upcoming events; plus key developments in technology education, policy, and enterprise enablement.
Technology Policy
AI Legislation Expands at the State Level
Ohio, Georgia, and Arizona introduced statewide frameworks for AI development and use, modeled after the White House’s AI Bill of Rights and NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework. These local policies are gaining traction as cities and states take proactive steps to prepare for a tech-driven economy.
Intelligent Infrastructure Act Passes
Congress approved $9.8 billion in funding to upgrade national infrastructure using connected technology, automation, and data. Projects include smart grid modernization, AI-enabled transportation systems, and municipal safety tools.
Technology Investments
Groq Raises $750 Million to Scale Custom AI Chips
The U.S.-based startup closed a $750 million round at a $6.9 billion valuation. Groq’s low-latency chip design is positioning the company as a strategic alternative to Nvidia for large language model deployment.
Andreessen Horowitz Targets Healthcare AI
A16z launched a $400 million fund to back AI-native healthcare startups, with a focus on companies working in diagnostics, drug discovery, and AI copilots for physicians.
AI Products and Use Cases
GPT-5 Begins Enterprise Pilots
OpenAI’s latest model is being tested by Fortune 100 companies for use in customer support, code generation, and risk assessment. Adoption is increasing, but accuracy and safety remain key concerns.
Retail and Manufacturing Embrace Forecasting Tools
Walmart, Procter & Gamble, and other global leaders are rolling out AI systems for real-time demand forecasting and supplier decision-making. These tools are reducing waste and speeding up procurement cycles.
Quantum Products and Use Cases
IBM Launches Next-Gen Quantum System
IBM introduced a 1,386-qubit machine designed to run error-corrected workloads. Early partners include Moderna and JPMorgan, who are exploring applications in simulation, finance, and drug development.
Hybrid Algorithms Blend Quantum and Classical Systems
New research from Caltech and ETH Zurich has produced hybrid algorithms that outperform traditional machine learning for certain scientific tasks. This marks another step toward real-world quantum advantage.
Emerging Technology Trends
Private and Edge Computing Take Center Stage
Companies are beginning to deploy smaller, secure AI models on personal and industrial devices. The shift reduces latency, strengthens data privacy, and avoids overreliance on cloud infrastructure.
Rise of Multi-Agent Systems in Business Operations
Collaborative autonomous agents are being tested to handle internal workflows like onboarding, compliance, and document reviews. Early adopters are seeing efficiency boosts, but also complexity in control.
Technology for Business
Enterprise Leaders Define AI Operating Models
CIOs and CEOs are beginning to formalize how their organizations govern, implement, and measure technology deployments. These models are focused on productivity, risk, and employee engagement.
Automated Procurement Is on the Rise
New RFP tools and GenAI assistants are helping teams accelerate vendor evaluation, scoring, and contract creation. Pilot programs are cutting procurement cycles by up to 40 percent.
Technology Education and Training
OpenAI, Google, and Coursera Offer Certifications
Professional certifications for using and managing AI tools in business are now live across Coursera, Google Cloud, and OpenAI’s learning portals. Programs include applied AI, prompt writing, and responsible technology use.
Enterprise Technology Association Launches AI First Leaders Series
The ETA will soon be offering online workshops, executive briefings, and hands-on certifications designed to help teams build tech fluency and readiness. We will announce details this November!
Events and Networking Opportunities
Future Tech Forum: Cincinnati
Returning this December! Request an invite to attend the last ETA event of the year designed for business and technology leaders making the jump from what’s now, to what’s next.
Great Lakes AI Week, November 4-5, 2025
On November 5–6, Bowling Green State University will host Great Lakes AI Week, a two-day leadership conference with support from JobsOhio, Actual Reality Technologies, and EmpoweredAI. State-specific roundtables and discounted tickets available.
Register to attend and discover ways to get involved at GreatLakesAIWeek.com.
DC AI Congress, March 18, 2026
Hosted at the National Press Club, this one-day national summit will gather government, business, and research leaders to shape national AI and technology priorities. Details coming November 2025!
Final Thoughts
Emerging technology adoption is no longer optional. It’s foundational. Every month, new tools, investments, and regulations are reshaping how we work, compete, and lead. The leaders who prepare now will have the edge.
