Artificial intelligence, augmented reality, cryptocurrencies and, of course, the blockchain are the most popular startup trends this year. We have chosen several startup trends and predictions you should be looking out for. These predictions allow you to keep up with the trends and helps you to focus on your long-term plans.
Healthcare Industry
The very low productivity and an unnecessary bureaucracy remain the most common problems in the medical industry all over the world. Startups created for solving these tasks will definitely be in the trend for the next few years. For example, healthcare apps for doctor online appointments, emergency calling apps or electronic medical record-keeping solutions.
These apps would allow doctors to monitor the patient’s health conditions anywhere in the world. Using “big data,” the medical sector will be able to predict success of a treatment, frequency of repeat visits to healthcare facilities or even a reactions to inoculations or certain drugs.

VR / AR and Machine Learning in Education
Tech companies working with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies raised more than $3 billion in venture funding in 2017. VR / AR technologies remain among the strongest trends of investing — they are in great demand in schools and universities. Also, 2018 will be the year of introduction into educational startups of machine learning and analytics. Hege Tollerud, CEO of Oslo EdTech Cluster, is confident that the main trend of this year should be the availability of education, “regardless of time, place, platform, space and age.’’
Big Data, Cyber Defense and AI in Transport
Augmented reality, printing of automobile components on 3D printers, self-directed transport are the most promising trends for startup makers in 2018. There is also a place for “big data” with artificial intelligence which allows manufacturers to protect from hacking car computers and anticipate more accurately their possible breakdowns.
Blockchain and AI in Financial Sector
Blockchain has made a huge impact on the financial industry, making possible fast and secure transactions, the ability to raise funds through ICOs, decentralization of services. In 2018, artificial intelligence and “big data” will promote improvement of existing services, making them more understandable, faster and more friendly to use.

Healthy Food, Delivery of Products & Ready Meals
Healthy food and home delivery food are the main nutrition trends for 2018. Another trend is the maximum reduction of producer-consumer chain in the food production industry. A shorter cycle will allow consumers to eating quality products without waiting for their appearance in supermarkets.
"Big Data" and Cybersecurity
Modernity has spawned not only high technologies, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain, but also a cybercrime. The number of cyberthreats increases as the number of startups focused on cybersecurity. Advanced “big data” use and ensuring their security can be considered a trend for startups in 2018.