Almost every industry is being disrupted by artificial intelligence. Whether it’s AI-based software that is capable of taking the job of a human or using AI to drive new areas of research and development, there are a whole host of new opportunities that are being made possible by this new technology. 

But while everyone is quick to discuss how other industries will be powered by AI in the future, few are considering the industries which are powering AI. In this article, we’ll look at the sectors that are fundamental to the development of AI itself.

Semiconductors and Microchips

For tech companies that are planning on integrating AI technology into their latest products, microchips will become even more in demand than they already are. As the demand for chips rises, so will the need for semiconductors, which is great news for anyone in either of these two industries.

Ultrapure Water

Ultrapure water from Xylem is water that has been purified to the highest degree, very different from the water that runs from our kitchen taps. Pharmaceutical products often rely on ultrapure water as a medicinal ingredient, but it’s also used in technology for cleaning purposes.

The semiconductor industry mentioned above is one of the biggest users of ultrapure water, which cleans microelectronics without leaving impurities behind which can destroy the circuit. 

Data centres 

Data and technology go hand in hand, and the biggest tech industries rely on huge data centres to power them. This is one of the key discussion points around the adoption of crypto and blockchain technology, where the amount of power required was a major criticism of the sector.

AI will probably experience the same criticisms, and the amount of new data centres required will likely spark backlash from eco warriors. As this becomes an issue discussed by politicians and policymakers, it should also be seen as an opportunity from a business perspective.

Cooling

It goes without saying that data centres need to be kept cool, something that’s easier said than done. Enormous industrial cooling systems are the solution here and as the number of data centres grows, so will the number of cooling systems required. Again, finding sustainable solutions in this area will likely become a massive business opportunity.

Cybersecurity

When new technology emerges, the initial concerns are often around security, as the early days represent the most susceptible days too. For AI to become widely adopted, potential security issues must be fixed through bespoke cybersecurity solutions. Leaders in the world of cybersecurity will be fundamental to garnering the trust of potential users.

Final Thoughts

While businesses are exploring the use cases of AI, the big winners could be the industries that are behind the technology. As mentioned above, artificial intelligence will rely on semiconductors and microchips, data centres and industrial cooling. This then throws up concerns around security and sustainability, which is where cybersecurity solutions come into play. Overall, if you’re looking for business opportunities via AI, be prepared to think outside the box and look beyond the technology itself.