Digital natives – those who have grown up with digital forms of entertainment, education, and even communications – will naturally usher in increasingly virtual worlds where many ‘real-world’ tasks and behaviours can be replicated and even improved in 3D and 4D environments. The emergence and spread of 5G and 6G networks will enhance autonomous and IoT applications as they offer more reliable, cost-effective and secure high-speed connectivity. As quantum technologies become scalable and reliable, from quantum computing, communications and sensors, immersive experiences will start to feel like reality.