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Every year the World Economic Forum (WEF) compiles a prominent list that recognizes the year’s most promising Technology Pioneers. In 2015, 49 technology-based companies from ten countries will be recognized in what is undoubtedly the World Economic Forum’s most comprehensive list to date. The 2015 Technology Pioneers were selected from hundreds of applicants by an esteemed selection committee comprised of individuals such as Arianna Huffington (Huffington Post, Founder) and Henry Blodget (Business Insider, Editor-in-Chief). This year’s list primarily consists of companies focusing on four different areas: finance, digital security, energy production, and healthcare. These four areas have come to the forefront of advanced technology in recent years and the companies selected are undoubtedly leading the charge in their respective fields. This review of the WEF Technology Pioneers list will identify a few of the list’s most interesting, noteworthy, and particularly innovative members.
Energy Production: Plant-e (Netherlands)
Potentially the most interesting Technology Pioneer found on the list is Plant-e, an energy production company that provides the technology to harvest electricity from living plants. The products that Plant-e offers were developed at Wageningen University in the Netherlands and patented in 2007. Seemingly on the forefront of something that could be the electricity of the future, Plant-e has developed a way to utilize the electrons created by microorganisms that break down the organic matter a plant excretes into the soil at the end of the photosynthesis process. Current technology is such that only low voltage uses, such as Wi-Fi spots and LED lights, can be powered. That is not to say future developments could not power much more. Currently Plant-e offers “DIY-boxes” with everything it takes to start harvesting plant electricity from your home or office with large-scale installment offerings on the horizon.
Digital Security: Darktrace (UK) & CrowdStrike (USA)
Digital security has become evermore vital to the success of businesses around the world with notable cyber breaches occurring at SONY, Target, and most recently, Ashley Madison. These security breaches have spilled sensitive material all over the cyber world making it accessible to anyone, anywhere. Companies like Darktrace (UK) and Crowdstrike (USA) are confident their services can put an end to cyber breaches or at the least make them less damaging. Darktraces’ “Enterprise Immune System” is software that has been designed “to counter the most serious and sophisticated forms of attack, including advanced persistent threats and insider threats,” giving the user a real-time tracking defense mechanism. This software is adaptable and self-learning, making it one of the first of its kind. Crowdstrike, similar to Darktrace, offers a proactive approach to security but in a different way. Crowdstrike offers assessment of how a company can be breached and will actively work with a company’s current cyber security team to develop defenses. In the event of a security breach, Crowdstrike offers incident response that helps customers remediate an attack and get back to business. Both companies have been well funded and are backed by expert teams.
Finance Technology: Transferwise (UK)
From the builders of the popular telecommunications application, Skype, comes a great new company called Transferwise. Making waves in the finance world, this fintech service provided by Transferwise allows for individuals to transfer funds internationally at the mid-market rate while avoiding hidden bank fees. This service is a favorable alternative to money mongering bank transfer services because of its ease of use and intuitive transferring system. Simple yet useful, Transferwise will certainly grow as the world economy becomes increasingly interconnected with foreign investments on the rise and transnational businessmen constantly on the move. With investors such as international business tycoon Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, Transferwise is poised to become one of the world’s premier money transferring services.
Healthcare Technology: Editas Medicine (US)
On the healthcare front is a company by the name of Editas Medicine. Based in the United States, Editas has developed gene-editing technology that has opened the door to altering disease-causing genes within the human body. This genome technology could be life changing for millions of people around the world, as the power of treating diseases at a genetic level is a groundbreaking phenomenon. Having recently raised over $120 million in private funding, Editas will be able to “broadly develop our genome editing platform and advance multiple new therapies toward clinical trials,” according to Editas CEO Katrine Bosley.
As the world moves forward, technology of the future becomes the technology of today all the while creating a healthier more sustainable world. Waiting for the next big thing is in the past as innovation and creativity is giving people around the world the ability to create that next big thing. Entrepreneurs around the world are pushing the envelope and a record onslaught of venture capital has helped them do this as many of the companies on this list are competing in high-entry cost markets. According to data from Ernst & Young, 2014 was the best year for venture capital investments since 2001, a promising sign for future Technology Pioneers. The WEF report allows for an inside look at what is next in the world of technology and where the future is heading.
Energy Production: Plant-e (Netherlands)
Potentially the most interesting Technology Pioneer found on the list is Plant-e, an energy production company that provides the technology to harvest electricity from living plants. The products that Plant-e offers were developed at Wageningen University in the Netherlands and patented in 2007. Seemingly on the forefront of something that could be the electricity of the future, Plant-e has developed a way to utilize the electrons created by microorganisms that break down the organic matter a plant excretes into the soil at the end of the photosynthesis process. Current technology is such that only low voltage uses, such as Wi-Fi spots and LED lights, can be powered. That is not to say future developments could not power much more. Currently Plant-e offers “DIY-boxes” with everything it takes to start harvesting plant electricity from your home or office with large-scale installment offerings on the horizon.
Digital Security: Darktrace (UK) & CrowdStrike (USA)
Digital security has become evermore vital to the success of businesses around the world with notable cyber breaches occurring at SONY, Target, and most recently, Ashley Madison. These security breaches have spilled sensitive material all over the cyber world making it accessible to anyone, anywhere. Companies like Darktrace (UK) and Crowdstrike (USA) are confident their services can put an end to cyber breaches or at the least make them less damaging. Darktraces’ “Enterprise Immune System” is software that has been designed “to counter the most serious and sophisticated forms of attack, including advanced persistent threats and insider threats,” giving the user a real-time tracking defense mechanism. This software is adaptable and self-learning, making it one of the first of its kind. Crowdstrike, similar to Darktrace, offers a proactive approach to security but in a different way. Crowdstrike offers assessment of how a company can be breached and will actively work with a company’s current cyber security team to develop defenses. In the event of a security breach, Crowdstrike offers incident response that helps customers remediate an attack and get back to business. Both companies have been well funded and are backed by expert teams.
Finance Technology: Transferwise (UK)
From the builders of the popular telecommunications application, Skype, comes a great new company called Transferwise. Making waves in the finance world, this fintech service provided by Transferwise allows for individuals to transfer funds internationally at the mid-market rate while avoiding hidden bank fees. This service is a favorable alternative to money mongering bank transfer services because of its ease of use and intuitive transferring system. Simple yet useful, Transferwise will certainly grow as the world economy becomes increasingly interconnected with foreign investments on the rise and transnational businessmen constantly on the move. With investors such as international business tycoon Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, Transferwise is poised to become one of the world’s premier money transferring services.
Healthcare Technology: Editas Medicine (US)
On the healthcare front is a company by the name of Editas Medicine. Based in the United States, Editas has developed gene-editing technology that has opened the door to altering disease-causing genes within the human body. This genome technology could be life changing for millions of people around the world, as the power of treating diseases at a genetic level is a groundbreaking phenomenon. Having recently raised over $120 million in private funding, Editas will be able to “broadly develop our genome editing platform and advance multiple new therapies toward clinical trials,” according to Editas CEO Katrine Bosley.
As the world moves forward, technology of the future becomes the technology of today all the while creating a healthier more sustainable world. Waiting for the next big thing is in the past as innovation and creativity is giving people around the world the ability to create that next big thing. Entrepreneurs around the world are pushing the envelope and a record onslaught of venture capital has helped them do this as many of the companies on this list are competing in high-entry cost markets. According to data from Ernst & Young, 2014 was the best year for venture capital investments since 2001, a promising sign for future Technology Pioneers. The WEF report allows for an inside look at what is next in the world of technology and where the future is heading.The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.
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World Economic Forum Tech Pioneers Developing the Next Big Thing
High-tech futuristic room|
November 18, 2015
Every year the World Economic Forum (WEF) compiles a prominent list that recognizes the year’s most promising Technology Pioneers. In 2015, 49 technology-based companies from ten countries will be recognized in what is undoubtedly the World Economic Forum’s most comprehensive list to date. The 2015 Technology Pioneers were selected from hundreds of applicants by an esteemed selection committee comprised of individuals such as Arianna Huffington (Huffington Post, Founder) and Henry Blodget (Business Insider, Editor-in-Chief). This year’s list primarily consists of companies focusing on four different areas: finance, digital security, energy production, and healthcare. These four areas have come to the forefront of advanced technology in recent years and the companies selected are undoubtedly leading the charge in their respective fields. This review of the WEF Technology Pioneers list will identify a few of the list’s most interesting, noteworthy, and particularly innovative members.
Energy Production: Plant-e (Netherlands)
Potentially the most interesting Technology Pioneer found on the list is Plant-e, an energy production company that provides the technology to harvest electricity from living plants. The products that Plant-e offers were developed at Wageningen University in the Netherlands and patented in 2007. Seemingly on the forefront of something that could be the electricity of the future, Plant-e has developed a way to utilize the electrons created by microorganisms that break down the organic matter a plant excretes into the soil at the end of the photosynthesis process. Current technology is such that only low voltage uses, such as Wi-Fi spots and LED lights, can be powered. That is not to say future developments could not power much more. Currently Plant-e offers “DIY-boxes” with everything it takes to start harvesting plant electricity from your home or office with large-scale installment offerings on the horizon.
Digital Security: Darktrace (UK) & CrowdStrike (USA)
Digital security has become evermore vital to the success of businesses around the world with notable cyber breaches occurring at SONY, Target, and most recently, Ashley Madison. These security breaches have spilled sensitive material all over the cyber world making it accessible to anyone, anywhere. Companies like Darktrace (UK) and Crowdstrike (USA) are confident their services can put an end to cyber breaches or at the least make them less damaging. Darktraces’ “Enterprise Immune System” is software that has been designed “to counter the most serious and sophisticated forms of attack, including advanced persistent threats and insider threats,” giving the user a real-time tracking defense mechanism. This software is adaptable and self-learning, making it one of the first of its kind. Crowdstrike, similar to Darktrace, offers a proactive approach to security but in a different way. Crowdstrike offers assessment of how a company can be breached and will actively work with a company’s current cyber security team to develop defenses. In the event of a security breach, Crowdstrike offers incident response that helps customers remediate an attack and get back to business. Both companies have been well funded and are backed by expert teams.
Finance Technology: Transferwise (UK)
From the builders of the popular telecommunications application, Skype, comes a great new company called Transferwise. Making waves in the finance world, this fintech service provided by Transferwise allows for individuals to transfer funds internationally at the mid-market rate while avoiding hidden bank fees. This service is a favorable alternative to money mongering bank transfer services because of its ease of use and intuitive transferring system. Simple yet useful, Transferwise will certainly grow as the world economy becomes increasingly interconnected with foreign investments on the rise and transnational businessmen constantly on the move. With investors such as international business tycoon Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, Transferwise is poised to become one of the world’s premier money transferring services.
Healthcare Technology: Editas Medicine (US)
On the healthcare front is a company by the name of Editas Medicine. Based in the United States, Editas has developed gene-editing technology that has opened the door to altering disease-causing genes within the human body. This genome technology could be life changing for millions of people around the world, as the power of treating diseases at a genetic level is a groundbreaking phenomenon. Having recently raised over $120 million in private funding, Editas will be able to “broadly develop our genome editing platform and advance multiple new therapies toward clinical trials,” according to Editas CEO Katrine Bosley.
As the world moves forward, technology of the future becomes the technology of today all the while creating a healthier more sustainable world. Waiting for the next big thing is in the past as innovation and creativity is giving people around the world the ability to create that next big thing. Entrepreneurs around the world are pushing the envelope and a record onslaught of venture capital has helped them do this as many of the companies on this list are competing in high-entry cost markets. According to data from Ernst & Young, 2014 was the best year for venture capital investments since 2001, a promising sign for future Technology Pioneers. The WEF report allows for an inside look at what is next in the world of technology and where the future is heading.
Energy Production: Plant-e (Netherlands)
Potentially the most interesting Technology Pioneer found on the list is Plant-e, an energy production company that provides the technology to harvest electricity from living plants. The products that Plant-e offers were developed at Wageningen University in the Netherlands and patented in 2007. Seemingly on the forefront of something that could be the electricity of the future, Plant-e has developed a way to utilize the electrons created by microorganisms that break down the organic matter a plant excretes into the soil at the end of the photosynthesis process. Current technology is such that only low voltage uses, such as Wi-Fi spots and LED lights, can be powered. That is not to say future developments could not power much more. Currently Plant-e offers “DIY-boxes” with everything it takes to start harvesting plant electricity from your home or office with large-scale installment offerings on the horizon.
Digital Security: Darktrace (UK) & CrowdStrike (USA)
Digital security has become evermore vital to the success of businesses around the world with notable cyber breaches occurring at SONY, Target, and most recently, Ashley Madison. These security breaches have spilled sensitive material all over the cyber world making it accessible to anyone, anywhere. Companies like Darktrace (UK) and Crowdstrike (USA) are confident their services can put an end to cyber breaches or at the least make them less damaging. Darktraces’ “Enterprise Immune System” is software that has been designed “to counter the most serious and sophisticated forms of attack, including advanced persistent threats and insider threats,” giving the user a real-time tracking defense mechanism. This software is adaptable and self-learning, making it one of the first of its kind. Crowdstrike, similar to Darktrace, offers a proactive approach to security but in a different way. Crowdstrike offers assessment of how a company can be breached and will actively work with a company’s current cyber security team to develop defenses. In the event of a security breach, Crowdstrike offers incident response that helps customers remediate an attack and get back to business. Both companies have been well funded and are backed by expert teams.
Finance Technology: Transferwise (UK)
From the builders of the popular telecommunications application, Skype, comes a great new company called Transferwise. Making waves in the finance world, this fintech service provided by Transferwise allows for individuals to transfer funds internationally at the mid-market rate while avoiding hidden bank fees. This service is a favorable alternative to money mongering bank transfer services because of its ease of use and intuitive transferring system. Simple yet useful, Transferwise will certainly grow as the world economy becomes increasingly interconnected with foreign investments on the rise and transnational businessmen constantly on the move. With investors such as international business tycoon Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, Transferwise is poised to become one of the world’s premier money transferring services.
Healthcare Technology: Editas Medicine (US)
On the healthcare front is a company by the name of Editas Medicine. Based in the United States, Editas has developed gene-editing technology that has opened the door to altering disease-causing genes within the human body. This genome technology could be life changing for millions of people around the world, as the power of treating diseases at a genetic level is a groundbreaking phenomenon. Having recently raised over $120 million in private funding, Editas will be able to “broadly develop our genome editing platform and advance multiple new therapies toward clinical trials,” according to Editas CEO Katrine Bosley.
As the world moves forward, technology of the future becomes the technology of today all the while creating a healthier more sustainable world. Waiting for the next big thing is in the past as innovation and creativity is giving people around the world the ability to create that next big thing. Entrepreneurs around the world are pushing the envelope and a record onslaught of venture capital has helped them do this as many of the companies on this list are competing in high-entry cost markets. According to data from Ernst & Young, 2014 was the best year for venture capital investments since 2001, a promising sign for future Technology Pioneers. The WEF report allows for an inside look at what is next in the world of technology and where the future is heading.The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.
