In the latest episode of The BetaKit Podcast, the conversation shifts away from concrete predictions and dives into the open-ended questions that are shaping the tech landscape as we move into 2025. Instead of making bold claims about what will happen, the hosts and guests—BetaKit reporters Madison McLauchlan and Josh Scott—explore the major tech happenings that remain uncertain and open to speculation. This marks a change from last year’s prediction-heavy episodes, where the team made predictions that were, in retrospect, often surprisingly accurate. From tech IPOs to executive changes and shifts in innovation policy, 2024 saw some of the most unexpected and defining events in the industry unfold—events that would have been difficult to predict a year ago.

With the bar set high after last year’s successful predictions, Madison and Josh dive deep into the topics and developments that still hold numerous unknowns for 2025. Their questions touch on a range of crucial issues, including the future of cleantech, the role of AI in business and innovation, and the challenges facing entrepreneurship in Canada. These questions are especially pertinent as they reflect ongoing trends that could shape the global tech landscape in the near future.

For example, the state of cleantech in 2025 raises questions about how the sector will evolve amidst growing climate concerns and rapid technological advancements. While there is significant interest in sustainable solutions, the path to large-scale adoption remains unclear, and how startups and established companies will navigate the complexities of regulation, investment, and technological innovation is a topic of much debate. The team also delves into the rise of “centaurs”—companies that blend human ingenuity and artificial intelligence—and how this hybrid approach could redefine industries in the next few years. Will these companies be the new model for successful innovation, or will they face significant hurdles in terms of ethical concerns, regulation, and public acceptance?

Another key area of focus is the state of entrepreneurship in Canada. As the country grapples with a challenging economic environment, talent retention, and a complex regulatory landscape, many are questioning whether Canada can continue to support its growing tech ecosystem. The decline in new business formations, as well as concerns about the brain drain, are topics of significant concern. These questions have even made their way into high-profile discussions, with the CEO of the world’s wealthiest company weighing in on the future of innovation and entrepreneurship on a global scale.

As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that these open questions are not just speculative—many are already being debated by some of the biggest names in the tech world. In fact, one of the questions raised about entrepreneurship in Canada was discussed this week by none other than the CEO of the wealthiest company in the world, highlighting the relevance and importance of these issues. As the year progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these open questions evolve and what answers, if any, emerge.

By shifting the focus to questions rather than answers, The BetaKit Podcast offers a refreshing take on the state of the tech industry, encouraging listeners to think critically about the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. The episode is a compelling reminder that in a rapidly changing world, sometimes the most important insights come from asking the right questions, rather than making bold predictions that may quickly become outdated.