The World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers community is composed of early-stage start-ups from around the world that are developing and deploying new technologies and innovations. Each year, the Forum selects 100 companies to work with society's foremost political, business, and cultural leaders over the course of two years to address issues facing people and planet. The following listing outlines the program, application details, selection criteria, expectations, and data privacy considerations for the Technology Pioneers 2027 application.
Program Overview
• Community: Early-stage start-ups from around the world developing and deploying new technologies and innovations.
• Annual cohort: 100 companies selected each year.
• Engagement term: Two years working with society's foremost political, business, and cultural leaders.
• Focus: Addressing issues facing people and planet.
Application Process and Deadline
• CEO engagement expected: CEO participation is part of the Technology Pioneers Community, so applications are highly encouraged to be completed by CEOs themselves so their motivations can be best understood.
• Application deadline: Midnight Pacific Time, January 31, 2027 (8:00 AM GMT+0).
• Incomplete sessions: Saved for one week after the last activity; after this time, the process must be started from the beginning.
Selection Criteria
• Innovation: The start-up is bringing a truly innovative technology or business model to market with the potential to make substantial long-term positive impact on society or the planet.
• Funding: The company has received Series A funding of a minimum of $10 million.
• Age: The company is less than 10 years old.
• Status: The company is independent and privately held.
What Is Expected of a Technology Pioneer Once Selected?
• Invitations: Technology Pioneers will be invited to attend global meetings, workshops, and events hosted by the Forum, as well as tailored gatherings for Innovator Community members.
• CEO time commitment: CEOs should expect to devote a minimum of 5 hours per quarter to engagement with the Forum.
• Event attendance: Attend at least one global event per year during their tenure.
Confidentiality and Data Privacy
• Confidentiality: The World Economic Forum will ensure the confidentiality of all information candidates provide and will use it to evaluate the potential of companies to become Technology Pioneers.
• Personal data: By submitting an application, the applicant agrees that the Forum and Forum affiliates may collect and process personal data including name, email address, title, and organization, as well as other relevant information for the Technology Pioneers 2027 application.
• Affiliate locations: Forum affiliates may be located outside of Europe, including in countries that do not provide an adequate level of data protection, and may process personal data.
• Further information: Applicants should read the Privacy Notice for further information on the processing of personal data.
• Data on behalf of others: If personal data is provided on behalf of another person, such as a chief executive officer or assistant/operational contact, the applicant confirms that all data filled in on behalf of that person has been done with their explicit consent after being informed about the purpose of the use of their personal data and about this notice.
• Survey platform: The Forum uses Qualtrics Software to host the survey and process the data. For further information concerning Qualtrics privacy practices, applicants should read the Qualtrics Privacy Statement.
The Technology Pioneers 2027 application offers an opportunity for independent, early-stage companies to join a two-year World Economic Forum engagement, provided they meet the innovation, funding, age, and ownership requirements and can commit to the expected CEO participation. Interested applicants should ensure submissions are completed before the January 31, 2027 Pacific Time deadline and review the relevant privacy notices.