2025 World Economic Forum Technology Pioneers: A Glimpse into the Future of Innovation

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has unveiled its 2025 class of Technology Pioneers, a group of 100 start-ups from 28 countries that are redefining the future of technology. These companies represent a global surge in innovation, with a focus on emerging technologies such as smart robotics, spatial AI, and scalable quantum solutions. As the WEF celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the Technology Pioneers program continues to support early-stage start-ups with transformative technologies that can shape the future.

The Legacy of the Technology Pioneers Program

Since its inception in 2000, the Technology Pioneers initiative has recognized over 1,200 companies. Many of these have gone on to become household names, including Google, Dropbox, PayPal, and SoundCloud. These companies not only disrupted their respective industries but also exemplify the power of innovation when supported by a strong community.

Verena Kuhn, Head of Innovator Communities at the WEF, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in tech innovation. “There has never been a more exciting time to dive headfirst into tech innovation,” she says. “But no one gets far alone – you need a community to move your mission forward.”

Innovation in the 2025 Cohort

The 2025 cohort reflects broader shifts in the innovation landscape, with many companies leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to scale their operations efficiently. Additionally, the group stands out for its focus on addressing global challenges through breakthrough technologies, including advanced robotics, spatial AI, and more accessible quantum computing applications.

Key Areas of Focus

Circular Economy

One of the most pressing issues facing the world today is environmental sustainability. Companies in the 2025 cohort are developing innovative solutions to reduce waste and emissions. For example, Rubi Laboratories uses enzymes to capture CO2 and convert it into cellulose, which can be used for textiles. Hyfé helps food producers extract valuable chemicals from food waste, creating products that can be sold in various industries.

Cybersecurity

As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, the threat of cyberattacks also grows. Start-ups like BforeAI are using predictive analysis to detect unusual behavior and block malicious campaigns. Reality Defender is tackling the issue of deepfakes by securing communication channels against impersonations in real-time.

Food and Water

Balancing food security with access to safe drinking water remains a global challenge. Rize provides a data-driven platform to help farmers in Southeast Asia adopt sustainable practices, reducing water use and methane emissions. Fermata uses data science to automatically detect pests and diseases in crops, helping farmers increase yields and reduce losses.

Next-Generation Energy

Meeting climate targets requires rapid advancements in clean energy. Exowatt has developed modular energy systems that capture solar energy as high-temperature heat, while Sweetch Energy is harnessing osmotic energy to generate round-the-clock clean power.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing holds the potential to solve complex problems that traditional computers cannot. EleQtron develops quantum hardware that traps ions and manipulates them with microwaves, while Haiqu is working on software for quantum computers.

Space

With the space economy set to grow rapidly, many start-ups are exploring the potential of space-based solutions. Starcloud is addressing the growing demand for data centers by placing them in space, while Agnikul is 3D-printing rockets to make space more accessible. Astroforge is building spacecraft to mine asteroids, making critical minerals more available to humanity.

The Technology Convergence Report

In addition to recognizing these innovative companies, the WEF has also released the Technology Convergence Report, written in collaboration with Capgemini. This report introduces the 3C Framework, which outlines three critical phases of innovation: combination, convergence, and compounding. By applying this framework, organizations can better navigate the complex landscape of technological convergence and drive cross-sector transformation.

Acknowledgments

The authors of the report would like to thank the Office of the CTO Market-Making team for their invaluable contributions. Special recognition is also given to Deanna Gorecki, Ben Hebbe, Tracy Parry, Mikaeli Robinson, and Madelyn Scott, as well as the many subject matter leaders across Deloitte who contributed to the research.

The 2025 Technology Pioneers represent a new era of innovation, where technology is not just changing industries but also addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges. As these start-ups continue to grow, they will play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology and society.