The World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers “recognizes early-stage companies from around the world that are involved in the design, development and deployment of new technologies and innovations, and are poised to have a significant impact on business and society,” says the Forum. The Technology Pioneer group chooses about 30 companies a year to participate in Forum events and initiatives; previous companies on the list include household names like Google, Kickstarter, Spotify, and Twitter.
This year’s list included companies from a wide range of industries, including biotech, biomed, defense, healthcare, business and finance. Participants are chosen by a panel of 68 technology business experts, who evaluate companies based on a long list of criteria which contribute to a company’s success, says the forum:
Innovation
Truly innovative in the development of a new technology or the novel application of existing technology.
Potential impact
Potential to make a substantial and long-term impact on business and society.
Working prototype
Proof of concept or product on the market, or be in phase II clinical trials or beyond for life sciences companies.
Viability
Well formulated plans for developments and goals.
Leadership
Visionary team with the capabilities to drive the company towards success.
“To be acknowledged as a technology pioneer by the World Economic Forum is a great honor. Drones, and most importantly the information they provide, are a critical solution to increasing the work being done in agriculture, environmental protection, energy, and many others, without the huge cost or increase in footprint,” said Precision Hawk co-founder Earnest Earon in a company statement. “We believe that this platform will open the doors to new networks and relationships that will help us to more rapidly integrate this new technology into existing systems and industries around the world.”
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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