Generative AI, often called GenAI, is transforming industries by automating creative tasks, optimizing processes, and driving innovation. However, some sectors and companies have yet to fully embrace this technology, despite its immense potential to boost efficiency and create new opportunities. In this blog post, we explore companies across various industries that show strong promise for GenAI adoption but have not integrated it at scale as of 2025. Drawing from recent industry reports, we highlight sectors with low current adoption rates and specific examples of businesses that could benefit greatly. If you are in business strategy or tech investment, understanding these untapped areas could guide your next moves.
Sectors Leading the Way in Untapped GenAI Opportunities
Certain industries stand out for their low AI adoption rates, making them ripe for GenAI breakthroughs. These sectors face unique challenges like labor shortages and inefficiencies, where GenAI could deliver significant value through predictive modeling, design automation, and resource optimization.
Construction: Building a Smarter Future
The construction industry has one of the lowest AI adoption rates at just 1.4 percent, with GenAI still in its early stages for most players. This sector could see project timelines reduced by 20 to 30 percent and waste minimized through advanced simulations. The market for GenAI in construction is projected to reach 6 billion dollars by 2034, growing at a 35 percent compound annual growth rate. Companies here often rely on traditional methods, leaving room for GenAI to revolutionize design and risk management.
Bechtel Corporation, a leading engineering and construction firm, has adopted basic digital tools but lacks widespread GenAI integration. With its focus on complex infrastructure projects, Bechtel could use GenAI for simulating scenarios and assessing risks more effectively. Similarly, Fluor Corporation emphasizes traditional construction practices and shows low GenAI adoption, yet it holds high potential for automating bidding and resource allocation. AECOM, involved in large-scale developments, has begun using early AI but has not fully tapped GenAI for sustainable design generation.
Agriculture: Harvesting Innovation Through AI
Tied with construction for the lowest adoption at 1.4 percent, agriculture includes forestry, fishing, and hunting, where GenAI pilots exist in precision farming but full rollout remains limited. GenAI could enhance crop yield predictions and support sustainable practices like carbon farming, with the market expected to hit 2 billion dollars by 2033 at a 28.7 percent compound annual growth rate. Globally, AI efficiencies in this sector might create 12 million net jobs. Traditional farms and mid-sized agribusinesses often lag due to infrastructure limitations.
Archer Daniels Midland, known as ADM, is a global agribusiness giant that uses basic analytics without full GenAI integration. It could leverage generative models for supply chain forecasting and biological product design. Cargill, with its commodity focus, has low GenAI adoption but strong potential for simulating weather impacts and optimizing inputs. Bunge Limited operates in mid-sized segments with emerging AI use, yet GenAI remains untapped for crop monitoring and yield simulations.
Transportation and Warehousing: Streamlining Logistics
This sector has a slightly higher but still low adoption rate of 1.5 percent, with over half of companies using GenAI in limited capacities like knowledge management. Full integration is rare, especially in mid-sized firms, but GenAI could cut logistics costs by 15 percent, optimize inventories by 35 percent, and improve service levels by 65 percent, generating 1.3 to 2 trillion dollars in annual value. Applications include real-time route generation and predictive maintenance.
CSX Corporation, a rail transportation leader, employs basic AI for operations without comprehensive GenAI. It could benefit from generative simulations in freight routing and safety. Union Pacific Railroad focuses on traditional rail services with low GenAI adoption, offering potential for warehouse automation and demand forecasting. DHL, in its regional operations, has GenAI pilots but many warehouses have not integrated it for inventory optimization.
Additional Sectors with Promising GenAI Horizons
Beyond the core low-adoption industries, other areas show moderate uptake but significant room for growth in GenAI. These include healthcare, education, financial services, and manufacturing, where mid-sized players often trail behind tech-savvy leaders.
Healthcare: Advancing Patient Care
With a 15 percent adoption rate, healthcare holds trillions in potential value for GenAI in drug discovery and patient simulations. Regional providers like those under Community Health Systems have not fully adopted it, presenting opportunities for personalized treatment plans.
Education: Personalizing Learning Experiences
At 19 percent adoption, education could use GenAI for customized content. Traditional institutions, such as smaller state universities, lag in integration but could transform teaching through adaptive tools.
Financial Services: Enhancing Compliance and Risk Management
Mid-sized financial firms show 16 percent adoption, with high potential in report generation and compliance. Examples include banks like KeyBank, where GenAI could streamline risk assessments.
Manufacturing: Accelerating Product Development
Industrial products and manufacturing face data quality hurdles, but GenAI could speed up research and development. Traditional manufacturers like Caterpillar have emerging use but not widespread integration.
Challenges Hindering GenAI Adoption and the Path Forward
While these companies and sectors offer exciting possibilities, barriers like high setup costs, data privacy concerns, and talent shortages slow progress. Addressing these through partnerships and phased implementations could unlock productivity gains. As GenAI evolves, early adopters in these areas may gain a competitive edge.
In summary, companies like Bechtel, ADM, and CSX represent prime candidates for GenAI integration in 2025. By focusing on these opportunities, businesses can drive innovation and efficiency. Stay tuned for more insights on emerging tech trends.