Ten Indian startups have been named among the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 2025 Technology Pioneers, underlining the country’s expanding influence in global innovation. The list includes Agnikul, CynLr, Dezy, Digantara, Equal, Exponent Energy, Freight Tiger, GalaxEye, SolarSquare, and ePlane Co, spanning sectors such as aerospace, deep tech, and energy.
What makes this cohort notable is the presence of three space and aviation-focused startups—Agnikul, GalaxEye, and ePlane Co—all incubated at IIT Madras. These ventures represent India’s growing edge in frontier technologies and its rising role in reshaping global tech ecosystems beyond the traditional Silicon Valley narrative.
India’s growing role in frontier tech
The WEF’s Technology Pioneers programme recognizes 100 early-stage companies from 28 countries that are leveraging breakthrough technologies to address global challenges and redefine industries. From asteroid mining to quantum computing, the 2025 cohort reflects how innovation is rapidly decentralizing and moving towards newer hubs like India and China.
This shift in geography is mirrored in the composition of this year’s cohort. While the US remains the largest contributor, Europe’s share has jumped to 28%, and India is now firmly establishing itself as a major player in sectors like aerospace, AI, renewable energy, and electric mobility.
Spotlight on IIT-Madras incubatees
The strong representation of IIT-Madras startups showcases the strength of academic incubators in fostering deep-tech ventures. Agnikul’s work in customizable space launch services, GalaxEye’s satellite-based Earth observation, and ePlane Co’s efforts in building electric flying taxis mark a significant leap for India’s startup ecosystem into specialized, high-investment technology domains.
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The inclusion of these startups highlights India’s ambitions to be more than a back-office tech hub—pushing instead for original product innovation in critical sectors.
From recognition to participation
The WEF recognition offers these startups a platform to influence global policy and innovation narratives. As part of the two-year engagement programme, these pioneers will contribute insights to the Forum’s initiatives and are invited to participate in the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025 in Tianjin, China.
Marking the 25th anniversary of the WEF’s Technology Pioneers programme, the 2025 cohort stands out for not just the calibre of its technology, but also the diversity of its global representation—firmly establishing India’s place in the future of innovation.
