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New Technology Pioneers Are Building the Infrastructure for the Next Era of AI
- 100 start-ups from 23 countries selected to join the World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers community.
- This year’s cohort stands out for building the software and physical infrastructure needed to power autonomous AI systems at scale.
- Companies are advancing breakthrough technologies in AI, energy, quantum computing, biotechnology, climate innovation, space and advanced manufacturing.
- Learn more about the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026 here. Follow on social media using #amnc26, #2026夏季达沃斯# and #InnovateScaleImpact.
India contributes nine deep-tech innovators; Republic of Korea sees record representation as early-stage companies build autonomous agent infrastructure and AI-scale computing.
The World Economic Forum today announced its 2026 Technology Pioneers cohort, recognising 100 early-stage companies from 23 countries that are developing breakthrough technologies with the potential to transform industries and societies.
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The cohort reflects the growing geographic diversity of frontier innovation, with nine companies from India and record representation from the Republic of Korea.
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Focus on Enabling the Next Era of AI
What sets this year’s cohort apart is its focus on enabling the next era of artificial intelligence (AI). While recent advances have centred on models and consumer applications, many of the Tech Pioneers are building the software and physical infrastructure needed to scale AI effectively.
Two distinct groups stand out in this year’s cohort. One is developing the foundational infrastructure for autonomous AI agents, including identity verification, payments, security, and enterprise integration.
The other is focused on meeting AI’s rapidly growing demands for energy, computing power, and data storage.
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Expanding Geographies of Frontier Innovation
The cohort also reflects the expanding geographies of frontier innovation. India contributes nine companies, many focused on deep-tech and space innovation, while the Republic of Korea records its strongest representation to date across AI, robotics, and quantum technologies. Companies from the Middle East, Latin America, and South-East Asia are also strengthening their presence in emerging technology ecosystems.
“Early-Stage Companies Tackling Bigger Challenges”
“For 26 years, the Technology Pioneers community has been an early indicator of where technology is going,” said Verena Kuhn, Head of Innovator Communities at the World Economic Forum.
He added:
“What’s new is that early-stage companies are now tackling challenges that until recently required enormous budgets, infrastructure, and large teams. AI is not just what these companies are building; it is also what is making it possible.”
Breadth of Innovation Beyond AI
Beyond AI infrastructure, the cohort highlights the breadth of early-stage innovation. Companies are developing cleaner energy sources, improving cancer detection, and increasing industrial efficiency.
They are also protecting data from future quantum-computing threats, enabling in-orbit satellite servicing, and creating lower-impact materials.
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Many of these ambitions once required the resources of large corporations or government programmes.
Advances in AI, simulation, and automation are now allowing smaller teams to tackle complex scientific and industrial challenges, accelerating innovation across sectors.
Engagement and Participation
The pioneers will contribute expertise to Forum initiatives through a two-year engagement programme and be invited to participate in the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026, taking place on 23–25 June in Dalian, People’s Republic of China.
More information about the Technology Pioneers community and past cohorts is available here.
The 2026 Technology Pioneers are:
Australia
- Uluu – Developing seaweed-based biodegradable biomaterials as sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics.
Brazil
- Comp – Providing compensation management, salary benchmarking and merit cycle tools for technology companies.
Canada
- Intuitive AI – Delivering AI-powered food waste monitoring and recycling analytics for commercial kitchens.
China
- Deep Wisdom – Developing an automated machine learning platform for e-commerce and manufacturing.
- DeepCtrls Technologies – Building physics-informed AI for energy-efficient control of industrial systems.
- Landing Med – Using AI-powered digital pathology for early cancer detection.
- Ninetech – Enabling enterprise digital transformation through large language models and robotic process automation.
- OneAIX Technology – Providing AI solutions for trade and intelligent systems.
- PhaBuilder – Engineering halophilic microorganisms to produce biodegradable materials and chemicals.
- Pheno Innovations – Advancing breakthroughs in critical materials across industries through AI-powered technologies.
- Tripo AI – Generating AI-powered 3D models for gaming and mixed reality applications.
- Xense Robotics – Developing multi-modal tactile sensing technology to enhance robotic dexterity.
- Zephyr Intelligent Systems – Building closed-loop thermal safety systems for lithium-ion batteries.
Colombia
- Quipu – Providing AI-driven credit solutions for informal workers without traditional credit histories.
Denmark
- Sparrow Quantum – Developing deterministic single-photon sources for scalable optical quantum technologies.
France
- Robeaute – Building modular microrobots for minimally invasive neurosurgical interventions.
Germany
- Dunia – Combining AI and robotics to accelerate the discovery of electroactive materials.
- SPARK Microgravity – Enabling microgravity research collaboration through integrated hardware and software platforms.
India
- Airbound – Operating drone networks to deliver blood and critical medical supplies to rural healthcare systems.
- Bellatrix Aerospace – Developing and manufacturing propulsion technologies for in-space mobility.
- BorderPlus – Supporting healthcare professionals to access high-growth international opportunities.
- Dhruva – Building small satellite platforms to advance India’s growing space ecosystem.
- Ethereal Exploration Guild – Developing reusable medium-lift launch vehicles for cost-efficient orbital access.
- Fermbox Bio – Producing alternative lipids, proteins and green chemicals through fermentation-based biomanufacturing.
- OrbitAID – Developing technologies for on-orbit satellite servicing, including refuelling, repair and de-orbiting.
- Sarla Aviation – Building electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility.
- Varaha – Leveraging remote sensing and blockchain technologies for agriculture-based climate solutions in developing markets.
Israel
- NeoLogic – Developing quasi-CMOS microprocessor technology to reduce chip power consumption and size.
- Ray Security – Delivering AI-driven proactive cybersecurity to limit data access and prevent ransomware attacks.
Japan
- 3DC – Developing graphene meso-sponge materials to address electrode expansion challenges in batteries.
- Fermelanta – Producing rare plant-based ingredients for medicine and cosmetics through microbial fermentation.
- Godot – Combining behavioural science and AI to advance human augmentation technologies.
- NanoQT – Building quantum interconnects compatible with optical fibre for long-distance quantum communication.
- OptQC – Developing photonic quantum computers that leverage light for practical applications.
Kenya
- Pezesha – Connecting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to credit and supply chain finance through embedded finance infrastructure.
Mexico
- OTIF – Operating an online booking platform connecting shipping companies, logistics providers and customers.
Saudi Arabia
- intella – Providing Arabic-first speech-to-text and analytics solutions for call centres and media.
- Nommas Technologies – Developing AI-powered visual inspection systems for manufacturing quality control.
Singapore
- Gero – Integrating physics and AI to accelerate drug development for age-related diseases.
- Sentient Labs – Empowering the development of open-source AGI.
- SixSense – Providing a no-code deep learning platform for computer vision applications in manufacturing.
Slovenia
- Sunrise Robotics – Developing autonomous robotic cells with AI-powered perception for manufacturing.
Republic of Korea
- A-Robot – Building humanoid and service robots designed for human-robot coexistence.
- bitsensing – Developing radar solutions for vehicle safety, urban traffic management and healthcare monitoring.
- RLWRLD – Building foundation models that enable robots to perceive and manipulate physical environments.
- SDT – Providing edge computing and internet-of-things hardware for enterprise digital transformation.
Switzerland
- Atinary Technologies – Offering a no-code AI platform for self-driving laboratories to accelerate molecule and materials research and development.
- Metafuels – Converting green methanol into sustainable aviation fuel.
United Arab Emirates
- Fasset – Delivering stablecoin-powered banking, international payments and investment access.
United Kingdom
- Caristo Diagnostics – Building AI-driven imaging to detect and predict cardiovascular disease.
- Epoch BioDesign – Engineering AI-designed enzymes for low-temperature biorecycling of nylon polymers.
- IONATE – Developing hybrid intelligent transformers for smart grid power flow control.
- MatNex – Accelerating materials discovery through AI-driven quantum calculations.
- Opna – Building the coordination, verification and financing layer for critical power equipment.
- Paid – Building business infrastructure for AI agents, including pricing, billing and renewals.
- Sitehop – Delivering 200Gbps full duplex encryption for enterprise network infrastructure.
- Uplift360 – Advancing chemical recycling technologies for carbon fibre and advanced composites.
United States
- Adaption Labs – Developing adaptive AI systems that continuously learn and evolve across industries.
- Albert – Providing an AI platform for materials science research and laboratory data management.
- Alta Resource Technologies – Deploying novel refining technologies to produce high-purity minerals more efficiently and sustainably.
- AOA Dx – Combining AI and biomarkers for early-stage cancer detection through liquid biopsy.
- Autonomize – Using AI to contextualize unstructured clinical data and improve patient outcomes.
- DeepLook Medical – Developing medical imaging AI for cancer visualization across ultrasound, CT and MRI.
- Emerald AI – Enabling data centres to dynamically adjust power usage and stabilize electricity grids through AI.
- Endolith – Using AI-guided microbes to recover copper from low-grade ore with lower energy consumption.
- GridCARE – Forecasting electricity grid capacity with generative AI to support data centre development.
- Hello Robot – Building open-source mobile manipulators for embodied AI research and education.
- Helios – Predicting agricultural commodity prices and supply chains through AI-powered analytics.
- Hertility – Offering at-home diagnostic testing and personalized care plans for hormonal health, fertility and menopause.
More Pioneers from United States
- Inception Labs – Developing diffusion large language models that power applications such as coding assistance, voice interaction and search optimization.
- Interlune – Building machinery to extract helium-3 from the lunar surface.
- Istari Digital – Delivering digital twin and simulation technologies for aerospace and defence.
- Kredete – Providing mobile banking and credit-building services for African immigrants in North America.
- Laminar – Combining AI-driven precision automation with spectral sensors for industrial manufacturing.
- Lunar Outpost – Developing space robotics and lunar surface mobility systems.
- Mantel – Advancing molten-salt carbon capture for high-temperature industrial processes.
- Mazama Energy – Harnessing superhot rock geothermal energy for renewable power generation.
- Northwood – Building ground networks powered by phased array technology to support space operations.
- Odyssey – Developing general-purpose world models capable of predicting and interacting with real-world environments over extended periods.
- Overview Energy – Advancing manufacturing technologies for aerospace energy systems.
- Parallel Bio – Combining human immune organoids and AI to improve drug safety prediction and discovery.
- Pow.Bio – Building continuous fermentation platforms that reduce
Additional Pioneers List: The United States
- production costs by separating growth and production phases.
- Power to Hydrogen – Producing hydrogen from renewable electricity using anion exchange membrane electrolyzers.
- Pure Lithium – Developing lithium metal vanadium batteries for electric vehicles and grid storage.
- QuSecure – Delivering post-quantum cryptography solutions to protect against future cybersecurity threats.
- Rainmaker – Enhancing precipitation through cloud seeding, drones and weather modelling for agriculture.
- Realta Fusion – Building compact modular fusion systems for zero-carbon industrial heat.
- Reditus Space – Enabling microgravity manufacturing and hypersonic re-entry as a service.
- Samaya AI – Developing AI agents for financial research, analysis and decision-making in asset management.
- Savor – Producing real fats directly from carbon without relying on animals or farmland.
- Skyfire – Enabling AI agents to conduct commerce through identity verification and payment infrastructure.
- Stepful – Empowering communities with accessible pathways to healthcare careers through training and certification programmes.
- Tern – Developing satellite-free navigation systems for vehicles and defence using real-time mapping data.
- Tradeverifyd – Helping enterprises monitor and address supply chain risks in line with regulatory and financial requirements.
- Vaulted Deep – Permanently removing carbon through geological sequestration of carbon-rich biomass waste.
- Venus Aerospace – Developing reusable hypersonic flight systems powered by detonation ramjet engines.
- VESSL AI – Providing an MLOps platform for training and deploying AI models at scale.
- Voltai – Building AI models for next-generation semiconductor technologies.
- WindBorne – Delivering AI weather forecasting through a global network of long-duration smart balloons.
- Zartico – Using AI to deliver the clearest view of visitor behaviour for the tourism industry.
