On June 23, 2025, the World Economic Forum (WEF), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, announced the 2025 cohort of its Technology Pioneers programme, featuring 100 early-stage companies from 28 countries that are driving innovation across industries.
- A total of 10 Indian start-ups were selected in the 2025 cohort, showcasing India’s growing prominence in space technology, clean energy, robotics, healthtech, and financial technology (FinTech).
- Notably, three start-ups, Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, GalaxEye Space, and The ePlane Company have been incubated at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).
About Technology Pioneers Programme:
i.Launched in 2000, the Technology Pioneers programme by the WEF supports early-stage companies developing transformative technologies that aim to address global challenges and drive positive societal impact.
ii.Since its inception, the programme has recognized over 1,200 companies, including renowned names like Google, PayPal, Dropbox, and SoundCloud, many of which have gone on to reshape global industries.
Note: The year 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the Technology Pioneers Programme
Highlights of the 2025 Cohort:
1.Geographical Diversity:
i.Europe accounts for 28% of the selected start-ups (up from 20% in 2024), showing growth in regional innovation ecosystems.
ii.United States of America (USA) leads with 29 start-ups.
iii.China and India each have 10 start-ups, underscoring their rising status as global tech innovation hubs.
2.Sector Focus:
i.Innovations span space technology, renewable energy(RE), cybersecurity, agriculture, and electric aviation.
ii.Several start-ups are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and frontier technologies to operate efficiently and address global needs.
3.Engagement:
i.Selected companies will contribute to WEF initiatives over a two-year programme.
ii.Participants are invited to attend the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025, to be held from June 24 to 26, 2025, in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China under the theme “Entrepreneurship for a New Era”.
List of 10 Indian Start-ups in WEF Technology Pioneers 2025 Cohort:
| Name of the Startup | Headquarters | Sector | Key Innovation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited | Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) | Space Technology | Affordable, customizable 3D-printed rockets for microsatellite launches to low-Earth orbit. |
| CynLr: Cybernetics Laboratory | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Robotics & Automation | Vision-enabled robots for fully automated factories and logistics |
| Dezy | Bengaluru, Karnataka | HealthTech | AI-powered diagnostic technology for accessible dental care. |
| Digantara | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Space Technology | Space surveillance intelligence for commercial operators and global space agencies. |
| Equal | Hyderabad, Telangana | FinTech | Integrated identity verification & consent-driven financial data sharing. |
| Exponent Energy Private Limited | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Clean Energy/Electric Vehicles (EV) | 15-minute rapid EV charging via battery management & thermal systems. |
| Freight Tiger | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Logistics | India’s largest software-enabled freight network for efficient cargo movement. |
| GalaxEye Space | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Space Technology | Multi-sensor Earth observation satellites for advanced monitoring. |
| SolarSquare | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Renewable Energy | Full-stack solar panel systems for residential adoption. |
| The ePlane Company | Chennai, TN | Electric Aviation | Flying electric taxis for intra-city transportation. |
About World Economic Forum (WEF):
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Børge Brende (Norway)
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
Established – 1971
