World Economic Forum (WEF) selects 9 Indian start-ups for 2026 Technology Pioneers list

Key facts

• The World Economic Forum (WEF) unveiled its 2026 Technology Pioneers cohort, selecting 100 early-stage companies from 23 countries.
• Nine Indian start-ups were selected: Airbound, Dhruva, OrbitAID, Bellatrix Aerospace, Sarla Aviation, Ethereal Exploration Guild, Varaha, Fermbox Bio, and BorderPlus.
• The 2026 cohort focuses on infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI), including tools for cybersecurity, identity verification, payments, enterprise integration, computing power, and energy management.
• Other highlighted innovations in the cohort include quantum-computing solutions, advanced cancer detection systems, cleaner energy technologies, sustainable materials, satellite servicing technologies, and industrial automation tools.
• The Technology Pioneers programme, launched in 2000, will invite selected companies to the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026 in Dalian, China, from June 23 to 25.