GENEVA – The World Economic Forum has announced its 2025 cohort of Technology Pioneers, a selection of 100 early-stage companies from 28 countries recognized for their significant contributions to innovation across diverse industries.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Technology Pioneers program, highlighting a cohort that demonstrates both broader geographical representation than in previous years and a distinct focus on ambitious frontier technologies.
Central to many of the selected companies’ work is the leveraging of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop breakthrough solutions aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing global challenges.
Driving Innovation Across Sectors
The technologies represented by the 2025 Technology Pioneers span a wide array of fields, reflecting the multifaceted nature of global innovation today. These include advancements in areas such as advanced robotics, customizable space launch services, micro nuclear reactors, and more accessible quantum computing applications.
The selected pioneers were chosen for their potential to significantly impact business and society. Their work ranges from creating new materials and energy sources to enhancing digital security and improving agricultural practices.
Spotlight on Selected Pioneers
A diverse group of companies features in the 2025 cohort. Among those highlighted are Deep Principle, which is working on integrating AI and quantum chemistry for accelerated material discovery, and GS Biomats, focused on developing renewable bio-based materials for sustainable applications.
In the critical area of energy storage, HiNa Battery is recognized for producing sustainable sodium-ion batteries. Expanding connectivity is KaiOS, providing affordable internet access solutions, particularly for feature phones.
Driving advancements in computing power, Lightstandard is accelerating AI computing with photonics technology, while HAIQU is developing essential application stacks for quantum computers, making complex computations more accessible.
Digital security and identity are addressed by pioneers such as Outtake, securing digital identities using AI, and Lumu Technologies, offering specialized cybersecurity operations.
Several companies are applying technology to improve human well-being and public services. Parallel Learning offers digital therapy and instruction tailored for learning differences, and Pavilion is enhancing public procurement processes through AI-powered solutions.
The challenge of misinformation is tackled by Reality Defender, which specializes in detecting AI-generated media.
Innovation in industrial and high-risk environments is represented by RoboForce, building AI-powered robotic systems for hazardous work, and Foundation Alloy, commercializing solid-state metals technology with potential for advanced manufacturing.
Addressing climate change and resource efficiency are multiple pioneers: Hertha Metals is working on decarbonizing steel production, Hyfe is developing methods to convert food waste into valuable chemicals, Exowatt is creating modular solar energy systems, and Sweetch Energy is generating clean power from osmotic energy.
Agricultural innovation is highlighted by Rize, using data for sustainable rice farming practices, and Fermata, applying data science to detect crop pests and diseases.
The frontier of space exploration sees contributions from Agnikul, a company focused on 3D-printing rockets, and Astroforge, which is pursuing the challenging goal of mining asteroids.
Furthermore, One Bio is innovating in the food sector by adding anti-inflammatory fibers to food products.
Contribution to the Forum Ecosystem
As Technology Pioneers, these companies are invited to contribute their expertise to various World Economic Forum initiatives for a period of two years. This collaboration allows the Forum to benefit from cutting-edge technological insights while providing the pioneers with a platform to engage with global leaders and stakeholders.
A key engagement for the 2025 cohort will be participation in the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025. This prestigious event is scheduled to take place in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China, from June 24-26.
Participation in Forum activities offers these burgeoning companies unparalleled opportunities for networking, collaboration, and scaling their impactful technologies on a global stage.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Technology Pioneers cohort represents a global vanguard of innovation, tackling challenges from climate action and sustainable resources to digital security and healthcare. Their selection underscores the World Economic Forum’s commitment to fostering technologies with the potential to shape a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.
As these companies develop and scale their solutions, their impact is expected to resonate across industries and borders, contributing significantly to the global innovation landscape.
