Nine Indian startups have been selected for the World Economic Forum's latest cohort of 100 early-stage technology pioneers. According to reports from Business Standard and Rediff Money, these companies represent India's strongest showing in the program, with many focusing on deep-tech and space innovation. The selection includes Dhruva in the space business and Varaha in the climate arena, demonstrating India's growing capabilities in emerging technology sectors. The total number of Indian entries now stands at 28, including previous participants such as Agnikul Cosmos, Cropin, Digantara, GalaxEye, Niramai, Pixxel and Sarvam AI.
As reported by Business Standard and Rediff Money, the 2026 cohort is building infrastructure for the next era of AI and developing breakthrough technologies with potential to transform industries and societies. The World Economic Forum highlighted that this year's cohort focuses on enabling AI at scale through software and physical infrastructure development, moving beyond recent advances in models and consumer applications. "What sets this year's cohort apart is its focus on enabling the next era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). While recent advances have centred on models and consumer applications, many of the Tech Pioneers are building the software and physical infrastructure needed to AI at scale," the WEF stated. The cohort also reflects the expanding geographies of frontier innovation, with companies from the Middle East, Latin America and South-East Asia strengthening their presence in emerging technology ecosystems.
According to the reports, among the nine Indian startups, Airbound operates drone networks for delivering blood and critical medical supplies to rural healthcare systems. Bellatrix Aerospace develops and manufactures propulsion technologies for in-space mobility, while BorderPlus supports healthcare professionals accessing international opportunities. Dhruva builds small satellite platforms for India's growing space ecosystem, and Ethereal Exploration Guild develops reusable medium-lift launch vehicles for cost-efficient orbital access. Fermbox Bio produces alternative lipids, proteins and green chemicals through fermentation-based biomanufacturing, and OrbitAID develops technologies for on-orbit satellite servicing including refuelling, repair and de-orbiting. Sarla Aviation builds electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility, and Varaha leverages remote sensing and blockchain technologies for agriculture-based climate solutions in developing markets.
As reported by Business Standard and Rediff Money, the Republic of Korea recorded its strongest representation to date across AI, robotics and quantum technologies. The cohort includes companies from 23 countries, with the US leading at 43 entries, followed by China with 10, the UK with 8, Japan with 5, and South Korea with 4. The 2026 cohort includes one each startup from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Kenya, Mexico, Slovenia and UAE. Companies from the Middle East, Latin America and South-East Asia are also strengthening their presence in emerging technology ecosystems. The total number of Indian entries now stands at 28, including previous participants such as Agnikul Cosmos, Cropin, Digantara, GalaxEye, Niramai, Pixxel and Sarvam AI.
According to Business Standard and Rediff Money, the Technology Pioneers program was launched in 2000 and serves as a leading community for early-stage companies shaping the future through breakthrough technologies. These companies are selected for their potential to have significant impact on business and society and are invited to engage with public and private sector leaders through the WEF's global platform. The program reflects the expanding geographies of frontier innovation, with companies from the Middle East, Latin America and South-East Asia strengthening their presence in emerging technology ecosystems. Launched in 2000, the Technology Pioneers is a leading community for early-stage companies from around the world that are shaping the future through breakthrough technologies and innovations.
