Deep Tech 2020: How IoT, Blockchain, and AI Are Redefining Industry

Bringing multi‑device control directly to our fingertips was the promise of the Internet of Things (IoT). Yet the reach of this technology has far exceeded initial expectations, embedding itself into every facet of modern life, according to IoT and Big Data Science specialist Yash Mehta.

Beyond convenience, IoT is solving tangible, real‑world challenges. When a farmer manages field sprinklers from a smartphone, or a logistics manager optimises fleet routes in real time, they are benefiting from IoT’s transformative power. Meanwhile, technologies like Blockchain are proving essential in tackling pressing global issues through decentralised, tamper‑proof record‑keeping.

By the time of this writing, the global count of connected devices has already surpassed 26.6 billion. That volume of data generates unprecedented insights, while Blockchain continues to mature through countless case studies that validate its speed, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

Until 2019, these technologies evolved largely in silos. 2020 marks a shift toward hybrid ecosystems, where IoT, Blockchain, and predictive analytics collaborate to deliver smarter, more efficient outcomes across manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and consumer goods.

Take the automotive sector, for example. Vehicles built to the CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Safe, Electric) standards now generate real‑time data on driving patterns. Insurers can use this evidence to process claims more fairly, while manufacturers can analyse equipment health on the factory floor to reduce downtime and maximise throughput.

Blockchain’s resilience and transparency have finally positioned it to prove its worth. As a peer‑to‑peer network, it cryptographically secures transaction records, eliminating the need for third‑party intermediaries and slashing costs. Fintech, which already commands over 60 % of the market share, is one of the first adopters to reap these benefits.

Oracle’s recent whitepaper cites a Gartner projection that Blockchain could generate US$176 billion (€158.68 billion) in revenue by 2025.

Imagine a decentralised professional networking platform like LinkedIn that locks past work‑experience records, empowering recruiters to verify credentials automatically and with zero manual effort.

Fintech’s adoption is further buoyed by major banks, which together hold 60 % of the market. Blockchain’s potential to decentralise accounting, auditing, and credit‑scoring is poised to expand rapidly in 2020.

Below are five organisations that are already leading the charge:

Seebo

Predictive maintenance through IoT

Seebo leverages IoT modelling and simulation to automate real‑time production line assessments, identifying non‑performing units and reducing waste and yield loss. CEO Lior Akavia notes, “While many companies seek AI, we pioneered process‑based AI for process manufacturing, delivering contextual insights that uncover root causes and predict failures before they happen.”

Hurify

Blockchain‑driven marketplace to hire IoT resources

With a scarcity of skilled IoT talent, Hurify offers a blockchain‑powered negotiation platform that connects recruiters with available professionals and expedites hiring through smart contracts, ensuring timely payment and immutable commitments.

Mouli Srini, CEO of Hurify & Mobodexter, says, “Blockchain will evolve across four dimensions in 2020: platform robustness, interoperability, scalable infrastructure, and enhanced security.” He elaborates that improved interoperability will integrate with ERP and identity‑management systems via oracles, while scalable infrastructure will support node auto‑scaling and cross‑chain connectivity.

RapidPricer

Retail automation through IoT

Retailers face significant losses from expired products. RapidPricer deploys a network of CCTV cameras and analytics dashboards to monitor shelf quality, automatically flagging items nearing expiry so inventory can be refreshed promptly.

CEO Kiran Gange asserts, “We automate pricing and promotions in real time so that every product’s price is optimal for every customer. If 10 % ROI can be achieved in ten minutes of learning, RapidPricer delivers.”

Blockcerts

Cryptographically validated documents

Blockcerts’ blockchain platform establishes trust, truth, and transparency through patented KYC authentication, smart‑contract streaming, and integrated SaaS solutions—all built on next‑generation distributed ledger technology.

Greg Kular, Global Business Director, explains, “Blockchain solves trust, transparency, and truth gaps across all verticals, especially where high transaction volumes and fraud risk exist.”

Breadware

An in‑full IoT services partner

Until recently, IoT projects were largely handled by product brands themselves. Breadware now offers a full‑stack services partner, guiding businesses from ideation through deployment and beyond.

CEO Daniel Price states, “We believe connected devices can transform any business, regardless of capital. If you have an IoT idea, let us bring it to life with our engineering expertise.”

Fast Forward – Blockchain of Things

Security remains the biggest concern in IoT, and blockchain’s distributed nature offers a compelling solution. While IoT devices typically rely on centralized cloud storage—making them vulnerable to theft—blockchain can provide tamper‑proof, decentralized record‑keeping, enhancing both security and data integrity.

The convergence of these technologies presents a vast opportunity. Enterprises that align their investments early stand to gain a decisive competitive edge.

Author: Yash Mehta, IoT and Big Data Science specialist.