Congratulations Technology Pioneers 2012!
In the name of my team and the World Economic Forum, I am proud to present the 25 entrepreneurial companies chosen as Technology Pioneers 2012. Despite the turmoil we have experienced around the world in the first half of 2011, it is particularly reassuring to see that there is indeed no lack of innovative companies who strive to improve the societies we live in. Providing more efficient financial services to rural populations in emerging nations, developing cleaner fuels and protecting small businesses from cyber attacks are the missions that some of the Technology Pioneers 2012 have set out to fulfil.
The selection committee reviewed hundreds of companies in information technology and media, energy and environment, and life sciences and health. Members of the committee look particularly at the following criteria: How innovative is a company’s product or solution? Is the business model sound and sustainable? Is there proof of concept? What is the broader impact on business and society? What is the track record of the leadership team?
Many of the applications we receive are truly excellent, and we thank our selection committee for sparing no time and effort in making sure that the selected winners are true pioneers in their field. One particular aspect in this year’s selection is the large number of companies that are focusing on having a social impact, showcasing the diversity in which innovative technology can be deployed to benefit not only business but also society as a whole.
We look forward to welcoming the new Technology Pioneers to the World Economic Forum community and meeting the founders and chief executive officers behind them in person at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, People’s Republic of China. The theme of this year’s Meeting is “Mastering Quality Growth”. Discussions will focus on disruptive innovation, new frontiers of growth and new business models, and sustaining a creative and entrepreneurial culture. Technology Pioneers, as start-ups and innovators, are uniquely positioned to shape and influence the debate in these areas and we are looking forward to their active contribution. Throughout the coming year, my team and I will work on integrating the new Technology Pioneers into our events, discussions and initiatives. It is our way to make sure that the entrepreneurs who shape our future are part of our community.
Congratulations to the Technology Pioneers 2012!
Olivier Schwab
To learn more about the Technology Pioneers class of 2012, you can visit their websites by clicking on the company names below:
1366 Technologies , Altobridge, Appirio, Attero Recycling, Biocartis, CloudFlare, Diagnostics For All, DoubleVerify, Driptech, Dropbox, EcoMotors International, Electro Power Systems, Financial Inclusion Network and Operations, First Energy, Joule Unlimited, Kickstarter, Lending Club, Living PlanIT, Mocana, Palantir Technologies, Picarro, Protean Electric, Solazyme, Tabula Digita and Tethys BioScience.
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