The best young innovators under 30

September 23, 2024

This piece spotlights remarkable individuals who are reshaping industries and driving change across technology, science, and sustainability. From revolutionizing social media to tackling plastic waste, these young pioneers are addressing global challenges with innovative solutions. Their work is setting the foundation for a more sustainable and advanced future. Let’s take a look at the best young innovators under 30.

Innovators

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under 30

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pioneers

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best young innovators under 30

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best young innovators under 30

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The best young innovators under 30

best young innovators under 30

Vanessa Zainzinger

Ritesh Agarwal, an Indian entrepreneur, founded OYO Rooms, one of the largest hospitality chains in the world, at the age of 19. Born in 1993, he displayed a keen interest in business from a young age, starting his first venture while still in school. In 2013, he launched OYO to provide affordable and quality accommodations, revolutionizing the budget hotel industry in India. His innovative approach to hospitality management led to rapid expansion, with OYO now operating thousands of properties globally. Agarwal has received numerous accolades for his work, including being named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. Today, he continues to lead OYO, focusing on technology-driven solutions to enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency.

Alexandr Wang

Alexandr Wang, an American entrepreneur and CEO, co-founded Scale AI, a company that provides data labeling and artificial intelligence solutions for businesses. Born in 1997, he displayed a keen interest in technology and mathematics during his childhood, which led him to pursue studies at MIT. In 2016, he launched Scale AI to address the growing need for high-quality training data in AI applications, enabling companies to enhance their machine learning models. This innovative approach not only accelerated the adoption of AI but also streamlined operations across various industries. As a result, Wang gained recognition as a leading figure in tech and entrepreneurship, earning a place on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. Today, he continues to drive advancements in artificial intelligence, shaping the future of technology and business.

Austin Russell

Austin Russell, an American entrepreneur and inventor, founded Luminar Technologies, a company focused on developing advanced sensor technology for autonomous vehicles. Born in 1995, he exhibited a strong interest in engineering and innovation from a young age, earning recognition for his work in optics. In 2012, he launched Luminar to address the challenges of self-driving technology, creating LiDAR sensors that enhance vehicle safety and performance. This pioneering work not only advanced the autonomous vehicle industry but also positioned Luminar as a leader in automotive technology. As a result, Russell gained significant recognition, including a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. Today, he continues to drive innovation in transportation, working toward a future where self-driving cars become a reality.

Palmer Luckey

Palmer Luckey, an American entrepreneur and inventor, founded Oculus VR, a virtual reality company, in 2012. Born in 1992, he developed a passion for technology and gaming from a young age, building his first VR headset as a teenager. In 2012, he launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund Oculus Rift, which garnered widespread attention and revolutionized the gaming industry. This groundbreaking technology not only changed how people experience games but also paved the way for advancements in various fields, such as education and healthcare. Consequently, Luckey’s work earned him recognition as a visionary in tech, leading to his acquisition of Oculus by Facebook in 2014. Today, he continues to innovate in virtual reality and explore new applications for the technology.

Evan Spiege

Evan Spiegel, an American entrepreneur, co-founded Snapchat, a popular multimedia messaging app, in 2011. Born in 1990, he showed an early interest in design and technology while studying at Stanford University. Together with his partners, he developed Snapchat to offer a new way to share moments through ephemeral messages. This innovative approach not only transformed social media but also sparked trends in digital communication, such as disappearing photos and stories. As a result, Spiegel gained recognition as a leading figure in tech and entrepreneurship, making Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. Today, he continues to lead Snap Inc., focusing on new features that enhance user experience while shaping the future of social media.

Freddie Figgers

Freddie Figgers, an American entrepreneur and inventor, founded Figgers Wireless, a telecommunications company that focuses on providing affordable services. Born in 1998, he experienced a challenging childhood but developed a passion for technology early on. At just 15, he invented a unique device that helped his father manage diabetes, showcasing his innovative spirit. In 2015, he launched Figgers Wireless to offer cost-effective mobile plans and empower underserved communities. This initiative not only improved access to communication but also demonstrated his commitment to social impact. As a result, Figgers gained recognition as a young leader in technology and entrepreneurship, inspiring many with his story of resilience and innovation.

Miranda Wang

Miranda Wang, a Canadian entrepreneur and environmental advocate, co-founded BioCellection, a company focused on tackling plastic waste. Born in 1994, she developed a strong interest in sustainability and innovation during her studies in environmental science. In 2016, she launched BioCellection to transform non-recyclable plastics into valuable materials, addressing a major environmental challenge. This pioneering work not only advances recycling technology but also promotes a circular economy. Consequently, she gained recognition for her efforts, receiving awards like the Forbes 30 Under 30 in Social Impact. Today, Wang continues to lead initiatives aimed at reducing plastic pollution while inspiring others to prioritize sustainability.

Gitanjali Rao

Gitanjali Rao, an American inventor and scientist, gained recognition as a young innovator. Born in 2005, she developed a passion for science and technology at an early age, participating in science fairs and exploring real-world problems. In 2017, she created a device that detects lead in drinking water, addressing a critical public health issue. This groundbreaking innovation not only raised awareness about water contamination but also inspired many young people to pursue STEM fields. As a result, she received numerous accolades, including being named Time magazine’s Kid of the Year in 2020. Today, she continues to advocate for science and innovation, aiming to empower others to make a positive impact.

Vitalik Buterin

Vitalik Buterin, a Russian-Canadian programmer, co-founded Ethereum, the world’s leading open-source blockchain platform. Born in 1994, he developed a deep interest in cryptocurrency at a young age, and he wrote for Bitcoin magazines while exploring blockchain’s potential. In 2015, he launched Ethereum, which revolutionized the crypto space by enabling developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. This innovation transformed industries beyond finance, such as gaming, healthcare, and education. Consequently, he gained global recognition as a pioneer in blockchain technology, and his influence continues to expand as Ethereum evolves into a platform that drives innovation and decentralization.

Boyan Slat

Boyan Slat, a Dutch inventor and entrepreneur, founded The Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit dedicated to tackling ocean plastic pollution. Born in 1994, he introduced his innovative idea as a teenager, aiming to remove plastic waste from oceans using large-scale passive systems. After launching a successful crowdfunding campaign, he raised millions, developing advanced technology to clean the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. His work earned global recognition, and he gained a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for his environmental contributions, becoming a leading figure in the fight against plastic pollution worldwide.