- 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.
Frontier Innovation
Geneva, Switzerland, June 2026 – The World Economic Forum has announced its 2026 Technology Pioneers cohort, recognizing 100 early-stage companies from 23 countries that are developing breakthrough technologies with the potential to transform industries and societies. The cohort reflects the growing geographic diversity of frontier innovation, with nine companies from India and record representation from the Republic of Korea.
What sets this year’s cohort apart is its focus on enabling the next era of artificial intelligence (AI). While recent advances have centered on models and consumer applications, many of the Tech Pioneers are building the software and physical infrastructure needed to AI at scale.
Two groups stand out: companies developing the foundations for autonomous AI agents, including identity verification, payments, security and enterprise integration; and those addressing AI growing energy, computing and storage demands.
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.
“For 26 years, the Technology Pioneers community has been an early indicator of where technology is going,” said Verena Kuhn, Head of Innovator Communities, World Economic Forum. “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.”
Beyond AI infrastructure, the cohort highlights the breadth of early-stage innovation. Companies are developing cleaner energy sources, improving cancer detection, increasing industrial efficiency, protecting data from future quantum-computing threats, enabling in-orbit satellite servicing and creating lower-impact materials. Many of these ambitions once required the resources of large corporations or government programmes. Advances in AI, simulation and automation are allowing smaller teams to tackle complex scientific and industrial challenges, accelerating innovation across sectors.
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.
- 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 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.
About the Technology Pioneers
Launched in 2000, the Technology Pioneers is a leading community for early-stage companies from around the world that are shaping the future through breakthrough technologies and innovations. These companies are selected for their potential to have a significant impact on business and society and are invited to engage with public and private sector leaders through the World Economic Forum’s global platform.
The Technology Pioneers community is part of the Innovator Communities at the World Economic Forum, which convene the world’s leading global start-ups across different growth stages from early-stage Technology Pioneers to growth-stage Global Innovators and unicorn companies valued at more than $1 billion.
About the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026
The 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions will take place from 23 to 25 June 2026 in Dalian, People’s Republic of China, under the theme “Innovating at Scale”. The meeting will bring together 1,500 cross-sector leaders to explore how innovation and emerging technologies can unlock new growth models and drive positive economic momentum in a fast-shifting global landscape.
There’s a reason why Val d’Isere, at 1,850 meters, continues to be the top choice of European skiers each winter. It offers the perfect blend of challenging ski terrain for advanced skiers and learner-friendly beginners zones for those new to the snow. The resort center is lined with high-end shops, lively après-ski bars and fantastic restaurants, all housed within beautiful, stone-clad buildings.
The diversity on offer in Chamonix these days makes it impossible to review the whole resort as one destination. At 950 meters, Les Houches is one of the closest resorts to Geneva Airport and offers kilometer after kilometer of tree-lined skiing, making it the perfect destination for families and beginners. The resort center has a village feel and is an outstanding spot from which to take in the incredible views.
While the ski area between Klosters (at 1,179 meters) and Davos offers lots to explore, Klosters is without doubt the more attractive base for your ski holiday. The village center is charming and affluent, but with a relaxed vibe, while the trails are popular with advanced skiers enjoying an abundance of easily accessible off-piste in the area.
A resort that’s been quietly minding its own business for years, Les Gets, at 1,200 meters, is now developing into a chic, family-orientated resort that offers quick and easy access to the 650-kilometer Portes du Soleil ski area. Several piste-side restaurants offer views of Mont Blanc so it’s easy to find a sunny spot on which to enjoy an après tipple or two.
There’s one thing that makes these two interconnected resorts stand out, and it may not be for everyone. Crans, at 1,500 meters, and its neighbour Montana are not villages; although right on the edge of a great ski area, they’re most definitely towns with a very urban feel. This is a very sunny spot in which to base yourself and there’s varied terrain to suit all ability levels.
We love La Rosière, at 1,850 meters, not just because of its high elevation and snow certainty. The ski area offers two great experiences for the price of one when you cross over the Petit St Bernard pass into Italy. Wide pistes descend for kilometers into La Thuile over the border and getting back is no hassle at all. The main village is quiet but well stocked, and the views are exceptional.
Italian ski resorts are always authentic, traditional and charming, and Campiglio, at 1,550 meters, is no different. The car-free resort huddles on the valley floor and the center is stylish with several chic shops. The ski area spreads over 150 kilometers, and there have been several lift upgrades over recent years, making it quick and easy for you to cover a considerable distance on skis each day.
Rebranded way back in 2011 to recognize the differences between its more blingy neighbor higher up the valley, Courchevel 1650 is now an attractive, unpretentious resort with a stack of new facilities, including Aquamotion, a huge center for water sports that opened in December 2015. And let’s not forget: On your doorstep you’ll find the largest linked ski area in the world. The 600 kilometers of the 3 Valleys network never disappoint.
Seasoned skiers, this one’s for you. At 1,563 meters, Selva serves up challenging ski terrain on both sides of a valley, accessed by both gondolas and quick chair lifts. The village center is packed with charm and character and there’s also a collection of well-maintained beginner slopes and progressive tree-lined runs enjoyed by families.
No list of top 10 ski resorts is complete without mentioning Norway and the town of Geilo, at 800 meters. It is one of the country’s most popular resorts. It’s a small, well-equipped town that’s invested heavily in new runs, new lifts and new facilities. Between January and April you can also ski until 8pm on flood-lit slopes. Photo Credit: Geilo, Norway
That’s why 
If you could choose just one photo exhibit to see all year, it would have to be 
Over 15,000 photos later, Hurban Vortex sees the light of day. The ensemble of artistic, esthetic and human adventure are at the core of the triptych that represents his works: Origins corresponds to 2009 (present), the period of an oblivious, profligate, consumerism-driven world. Collapse takes us into 2011 (future)…Fukushima, with its worldwide impact. The glasses and gas masks worn by the humans represent the man-made destruction of a world as we had known it before and which will never be the same. And in Post we find ourselves in an urban landscape filled with waste and shattered ruins. But people are no longer wearing their blinders… Maybe there is hope after all that cities may disappear but humans are still around? Or does the urban jungle always win in the end? You decide, because it is your personal interpretation, after an intense dialogue with the image… exactly what Boris Wilensky wants.
What the viewer sees, is how this artist sees the world – not in the literal but figurative sense. But he does not dictate, he suggests. He considers himself a storytelling portraitist first and foremost, and an urban photographer second. As you look at his large-size pictures (180 x 120 cm), the image in front of you transforms from a flat canvas to a three-dimensional scenography. You are drawn in, pulled onto a stage, you become part of the performance, an actor engaged in a dialogue. You are the person across from the man in the photo, but you also become him, turning outward to the viewer.
The continuous movement – the vortex – pushes and pulls you as the borders between Human and Urban blur and become Hurban. There are violently cold and anonymous city landscapes, consisting of monochromatic and starkly geometric patterns, entirely unlike anything you find in nature. But the human element, superimposed, invariably bestows them with a strangely appealing aesthetic. For the Silo, 
There were eight concept cars in the running for the Concours d’Elégance entered by Aston Martin, BMW, Bugatti, DS Automobiles, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce, an increase in the number of car manufacturers associated this year with six Fashion Houses: Balmain, Eymeric François, Giorgio Armani, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Jorgen Simonsen and Timothy Everest. Four prizes were awarded for the Concours d’Elégance. The Best of Show award went to DS E-TENSE combined with a creation by Eymeric François. The ‘Prix Public’ crowned the Mercedes-Maybach 6 Vision associated with a dress created by Jean-Paul Gaultier. The prize for the motor car and fashion combination for the most beautiful ensemble went to the 570GT by McLaren Special Operations with a model also dressed by Jean-Paul Gaultier. And a special prize was awarded to the new ‘atelier’ motorbike by Zagato, the work of the master coachbuilder from Milan for the Italian manufacturer MV Augusta, which was given its world premier at Chantilly.
