World Economic Forum picks 100 promising start-ups; 9 Indian firms make the cut

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has unveiled its 2026 Technology Pioneers cohort, selecting 100 early-stage companies from 23 countries that it believes have the potential to reshape industries and society through breakthrough innovations.

This year's list reflects a major shift in the global technology landscape, with many of the selected companies building the infrastructure needed to support the next wave of artificial intelligence (AI), rather than simply creating AI-powered consumer applications.

According to the WEF, many of the chosen firms are developing technologies that will help autonomous AI systems operate at scale, including tools for identity verification, payments, cybersecurity, enterprise integration, computing power and energy management.

India emerged as one of the standout contributors, with nine start-ups making the list. These include drone-delivery company Airbound, satellite firms Dhruva and OrbitAID, propulsion technology developer Bellatrix Aerospace, electric air taxi maker Sarla Aviation, reusable rocket developer Ethereal Exploration Guild, climate-tech company Varaha, biotechnology start-up Fermbox Bio and healthcare talent platform BorderPlus.

The WEF noted that India's representation reflects the country's growing strength in deep-tech, space technology and frontier innovation.

The selected companies span a wide range of sectors beyond AI. Innovations highlighted in the cohort include cleaner energy technologies, advanced cancer detection systems, quantum-computing solutions, sustainable materials, satellite servicing technologies and industrial automation tools.

Verena Kuhn, Head of Innovator Communities at the World Economic Forum, said early-stage companies are now able to tackle challenges that were once the preserve of large corporations and government programmes, thanks in part to advances in AI, simulation and automation.

The selected companies will participate in a two-year engagement programme with the Forum and will be invited to the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026, scheduled to be held in Dalian, China, from June 23 to 25.

The Technology Pioneers programme, launched in 2000, identifies promising young companies that the Forum believes could have a significant impact on business and society. Alumni of previous cohorts include several firms that later grew into major global technology companies.