What are the top emerging tech trends that have the potential for explosive growth in the next five years?

This question was the center of debate at the Churchill Club’s 21st annual “Top Ten Tech Trends” event last month in Santa Clara, California. A panel of five notable Silicon Valley investors each presented two key predictions, discussed and rated the potential impact of each trend, then welcomed the audience to weigh in with their votes.

This year’s event featured Jeff Crowe of Norwest Venture Partners, Brian Ascher of Venrock, Navin Chaddha of Mayfield, Lauren Kolodny of Aspect Ventures, and Rebecca Lynn of Canvas Ventures.

Forbes CEO Mike Federle and publisher Rich Karlgaard co-moderated the lively forward-looking discussion that covered predictions ranging from the rise of VR-AI-bioelectronic wearables to the renaissance of silicon. 

Norwest Managing Partner, Jeff Crowe shared the following predictions with the audience:

Digital Technology Makes Positive (!) Inroads on Mental Health

Over the last 5 years, heavy use of smartphones and our “always-on” culture have been cited as causing increases in depression, anxiety, and isolation. Digital technology fights back. From texting with your remote therapist to machine learning unique combinations of therapeutic problem/response, digital technology will democratize access to effective mental health treatment.

Physical Space: the Final Frontier

Real estate is often listed as one of the last sectors to be impacted by technology. Get ready for some major changes: the ways that we buy, sell, lease, build, move to, live in, furnish and secure our physical spaces are becoming faster, simpler, and cheaper – for both our homes and offices. How we utilize space will continue to dramatically change in the next few years due to macroeconomic shifts, on-demand preferences, and lack of space in urban areas.

Norwest has invested in several companies that are focused on improving health outcomes through digital technology, such as Talkspace and Omada Health. We have also made investments in companies that are reinventing living spaces and real estate including Opendoor, Common, and Bumblebee Spaces.

Curious to hear what the other investors predicted as well as what they thought of Jeff’s emerging trends? The Churchill Club has the full video below.