Skip to content

CONTRIBUTORS

Matthew Moberg 

Portfolio Manager
Franklin Equity
United States

Innovation can often add value by making existing technologies simpler, smarter or more accessible. From plant-inspired technology to gene therapies that point the way to longer lives to artificial intelligence (AI)-powered World Cup analytics, this quarter's selections spark the imagination. While these breakthroughs span the economy, each introduces fresh ideas to existing industries, often cross-pollinating techniques across disciplines for interesting and unexpected results.

Artificial Plants Offer New Solution to Address Climate Change

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have created an artificial photosynthesis system that mimics the way that plants use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into clean, useable fuel. This simplified system uses a solid electrolyte—a material that conducts charged particles—to automatically adjust energy flow as sunlight changes, offering a potential new path to low-cost clean energy.1

Why it matters: Global carbon dioxide emissions reached roughly 42 billion metric tons of in 2025.2 This technology is exciting because it both consumes carbon dioxide and produces renewable fuel. However, researchers are targeting a 10% energy conversion rate to attain commercial viability, a rate significantly higher than today’s levels.3

Gene Therapy May Make Eye Cells Young Again

Researchers have begun the first human clinical trials of a new gene therapy that aims to rejuvenate aging cells, potentially allowing them to function like younger cells while preserving their identity. This trial targets glaucoma, an eye disease that can cause blindness, with a modified virus that activates three genes in certain eye cells.4

Why it matters: The World Health Organization projects that the global population over age 60 will nearly double by 2050, which would drastically increase the number of age-related illnesses. If cellular reprogramming proves successful, it could open a new approach to treating age-linked diseases by restoring cell function rather than merely slowing decline.5

New 3D-Printing Manufacturing Method Takes Cues From Origami

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a manufacturing process that combines 3D-printing with origami folding. Instead of printing large three-dimensional objects directly, manufacturers print flat composite structures with built-in fold lines that are later folded into complex components. The mostly automated process reduces manufacturing time and eliminates the need for expensive molds.6 

Why it matters: This production method reduces manufacturing time by up to 95%, which translates into potential cost savings of up to 90% while also simplifying transportation. Faster and more flexible production could accelerate innovation across aerospace, automotive and industrial manufacturing to unlock new design possibilities.7

New Brain-Protecting Peptide Targets Parkinson's

Researchers at Brazil’s Federal University of São Paulo identified a naturally occurring peptide, a small protein-like molecule that helps regulate processes in the body, that reduces brain inflammation and protects dopamine-producing neurons in Parkinson’s disease models. Instead of replacing dopamine, the norm in existing therapies, this treatment targets neuroinflammation, which contributes to disease progression.8

Why it matters: Approximately 1.1 million people actively suffer from Parkinson’s in the United States. Current Parkinson’s treatments try to manage symptoms without slowing or preventing progression of the disease. This therapy could represent an important step toward stopping disease progression, compared to treatments that temporarily improve quality of life.9

Metacrystal Panels May Improve Future wireless Networks

Researchers at Aalto University have developed 3D-printed “metacrystals” that act as mirrors for radio waves—redirecting wireless signals around corners, barriers and any obstacle without requiring electronics, a power supply or active tuning. These panels are carefully engineered to improve signals in parking garages, warehouses and office buildings where wireless signals are often blocked by walls, equipment, and other blockades.10

Why this matters: Even though 80% of wireless data traffic happens indoors, less than 2% of commercial buildings have made efforts to better their cellular connection. These metacrystal panels could lower deployment costs by reducing the need for expensive antennas, wiring and other networking equipment while expanding wireless coverage to increase connectivity across the globe.11

AI Joins the Sidelines of the FIFA World Cup

FIFA and tech companies introduced Football AI Pro, a generative AI platform that tracks hundreds of millions of soccer data point to generate tactical insights and interactive visualizations for coaches, including player speed, passing accuracy and defensive positioning. This platform was available to all 48 teams competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.12

Why it matters: The sports analytics market, driven by AI, is projected to grow to US$8.4 billion by 2030, according to one source. During the World Cup, coaches used Football AI Pro to simulate how opponents would likely react in certain game scenarios, allowing teams to prepare tailored tactics. Beyond coaching, similar technologies are being adopted for injury prevention, officiating and fan engagement, highlighting how AI is expanding into new industries and transforming the world.13

Endnotes

  1. Source: "Toward Battery-Free Artificial Photosynthesis: Stable Fuel Production at Lower Cost." Osaka Metropolitan University. June 10, 2026.
  2. Source: Global Carbon Project. Key Messages from the Global Carbon Budget 2025. November 13, 2025. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://globalcarbonbudget.org.
  3. Source: "Battery-Free Artificial Photosynthesis Keeps Solar Fuel Production Stable Under Shifting Sunlight." Tech Xplore. June 13, 2026.
  4. Source: "World-First: Therapy to Make Cells Young Again Trialled in a Person." Nature. June 9, 2026.
  5. Source: “Ageing and Health.” World Health Organization. October 1, 2025.
  6. Source: "Origami 3D Printing Method Eliminates Costly Molds." Oak Ridge National Laboratory. June 17, 2026.
  7. Source: "Origami 3D Printing Method Eliminates Costly Molds." Interesting Engineering. June 18, 2026.
  8. Source: "Scientists Discover Brain-Protecting Peptide That Could Change Parkinson's Treatment." SciTechDaily. June 16, 2026.
  9. Source: "Statistics." Parkinson's Foundation. July 2026.
  10. Source: "Forget Signal Dead Zones: These 3D-Printed Panels Could Supercharge 6G." SciTechDaily. June 30, 2026.
  11. Source: "Capitalizing on the Indoor Coverage Opportunity." Real Wireless. November 29, 2016.
  12. Source: "Football AI Pro." FIFA. July 2026.
  13. Source: "AI in Professional Sports: The 2026 Landscape." LSC Research. 2026.

 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal.

Equity securities are subject to price fluctuation and possible loss of principal.

Investments in fast-growing industries like the technology and health care sectors (which have historically been volatile) could result in increased price fluctuation, especially over the short term, due to the rapid pace of product change and development and changes in government regulation of companies emphasizing scientific or technological advancement or regulatory approval for new drugs and medical instruments.

Any companies and/or case studies referenced herein are used solely for illustrative purposes; any investment may or may not be currently held by any portfolio advised by Franklin Templeton. The information provided is not a recommendation or individual investment advice for any particular security, strategy, or investment product and is not an indication of the trading intent of any Franklin Templeton managed portfolio. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

WF: 11653609

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION

This material is intended to be of general interest only and should not be construed as individual investment advice or a recommendation or solicitation to buy, sell or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. It does not constitute legal or tax advice. This material may not be reproduced, distributed or published without prior written permission from Franklin Templeton.

The views expressed are those of the investment manager and the comments, opinions and analyses are rendered as at publication date and may change without notice. The underlying assumptions and these views are subject to change based on market and other conditions and may differ from other portfolio managers or of the firm as a whole. The information provided in this material is not intended as a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any country, region or market. There is no assurance that any prediction, projection or forecast on the economy, stock market, bond market or the economic trends of the markets will be realized. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount that you invested. Past performance is not necessarily indicative nor a guarantee of future performance. All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal.

Any research and analysis contained in this material has been procured by Franklin Templeton for its own purposes and may be acted upon in that connection and, as such, is provided to you incidentally. Data from third party sources may have been used in the preparation of this material and Franklin Templeton ("FT") has not independently verified, validated or audited such data.  Although information has been obtained from sources that Franklin Templeton believes to be reliable, no guarantee can be given as to its accuracy and such information may be incomplete or condensed and may be subject to change at any time without notice. The mention of any individual securities should neither constitute nor be construed as a recommendation to purchase, hold or sell any securities, and the information provided regarding such individual securities (if any) is not a sufficient basis upon which to make an investment decision. FT accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss arising from use of this information and reliance upon the comments, opinions and analyses in the material is at the sole discretion of the user.

Products, services and information may not be available in all jurisdictions and are offered outside the U.S. by other FT affiliates and/or their distributors as local laws and regulation permits. Please consult your own financial professional or Franklin Templeton institutional contact for further information on availability of products and services in your jurisdiction.

Issued in the U.S. by Franklin Distributors, LLC, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California 94403-1906, (800) DIAL BEN/342-5236, franklintempleton.com - Franklin Distributors, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, is the principal distributor of Franklin Templeton U.S. registered products, which are not FDIC insured; may lose value; and are not bank guaranteed and are available only in jurisdictions where an offer or solicitation of such products is permitted under applicable laws and regulation.

Canada: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investments Corp., 200 King Street West, Suite 1500 Toronto, ON, M5H3T4, Fax: (416) 364-1163, (800) 387-0830, www.franklintempleton.ca

Offshore Americas: In the U.S., this publication is made available only to financial intermediaries by Franklin Distributors, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, 100 Fountain Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716. Tel: (800) 239-3894 (USA Toll-Free), (877) 389-0076 (Canada Toll-Free), and Fax: (727) 299-8736. Investments are not FDIC insured; may lose value; and are not bank guaranteed. Distribution outside the U.S. may be made by Franklin Templeton International Services, S.à r.l. (FTIS) or other sub-distributors, intermediaries, dealers or professional investors that have been engaged by FTIS to distribute shares of Franklin Templeton funds in certain jurisdictions. This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in any jurisdiction where it would be illegal to do so.

Issued in Europe by: Franklin Templeton International Services S.à r.l. – Supervised by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier - 8A, rue Albert Borschette, L-1246 Luxembourg. Tel: +352-46 66 67-1 Fax: +352-46 66 76. Poland: Issued by Templeton Asset Management (Poland) TFI S.A.; Rondo ONZ 1; 00-124 Warsaw. South Africa: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investments SA (PTY) Ltd, which is an authorized Financial Services Provider. Tel: +27 (21) 831 7400 Fax: +27 (21) 831 7422. Switzerland: Issued by Franklin Templeton Switzerland Ltd, Talstrasse 41, CH-8001 Zurich. United Arab Emirates: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investments (ME) Limited, authorized and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Dubai office: Franklin Templeton, The Gate, East Wing, Level 2, Dubai International Financial Centre, P.O. Box 506613, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel: +9714-4284100 Fax: +9714-4284140. UK: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited (FTIML), registered office: Cannon Place, 78 Cannon Street, London EC4N 6HL. Tel: +44 (0)20 7073 8500. Authorized and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority. 

Australia: Issued by Franklin Templeton Australia Limited (ABN 76 004 835 849) (Australian Financial Services License Holder No. 240827), Level 47, 120 Collins Street, Mellbourne, Victoria 3000. Hong Kong: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investments (Asia) Limited, 17/F, Chater House, 8 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong. Japan: Issued by Franklin Templeton Japan Co., Ltd., Shin-Marunouchi Building, 1-5-1 Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-6536, registered in Japan as a Financial Instruments Business Operator [Registered No. The Director of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (Financial Instruments Business Operator), No. 417]. Korea: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investment Trust Management Co., Ltd., 3rd fl., CCMM Building, 12 Youido-Dong, Youngdungpo-Gu, Seoul, Korea 150-968. Malaysia: Issued by Franklin Templeton Asset Management (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. & Franklin Templeton GSC Asset Management Sdn. Bhd. This document has not been reviewed by Securities Commission Malaysia. Singapore: Issued by Templeton Asset Management Ltd. Registration No. (UEN) 199205211E, 7 Temasek Boulevard, #38-03 Suntec Tower One, 038987, Singapore.

Please visit www.franklinresources.com to be directed to your local Franklin Templeton website.