Ghanaian organisation develops and pilots world-unique free-to-user mobile phone platform to check against counterfeit medicines in Ghana. System poised to be replicated in other countries
Geneva, Switzerland, 4 December 2008 – The World Economic Forum announced today 34 visionary companies selected as Technology Pioneers 2009 for their accomplishments as innovators of the highest calibre, and whose technologies will have a deep impact on business and society.
The Technology Pioneers 2009 are active in fields such as in-body computing platforms for personalized healthcare; utility-scale solar power projects; mobile phone authentication methods to assure drug safety in developing nations (mPedigree – Ghana); miniaturized 3rd generation mobile networks; traceability and assurance over food quality; and electric motors with unprecedented levels of energy efficiency and smart grid solutions.
To be selected as a Technology Pioneer, a company must be involved in the development of life-changing technology innovation and have the potential for long-term impact on business and society. In addition, it must demonstrate visionary leadership and show all the signs of being a long-standing market leader – and its technology must be proven. Previous Technology Pioneers include 23andme, Amyris Biotechnologies, Dr Reddy Laboratories, Google, Gridpoint, Infosys, Kaspersky Lab, Mozilla Corporation and Nanosolar.
“We congratulate the 34 newly selected Technology Pioneers for their remarkable achievements and welcome them to the wider community of the World Economic Forum. During these difficult times, we are certain that the technologies driven by these visionary companies will contribute to the next wave of growth, with the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that characterizes them,” said André Schneider, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Economic Forum.
The Technology Pioneers programme is run by the World Economic Forum with guidance from Accel Partners, British Telecom, KPMG and Kudelski Group.
“KPMG is proud to have participated in the selection of this year's Technology Pioneers innovators,” said Gary Matuszak, Global Chairman of KPMG's Information, Communications and Entertainment (ICE) practice. “For the last 10 years, the programme has continued to identify compelling companies that drive technological innovation to the benefit of business and society. This year's distinguished group of innovators meet that criteria by providing us with technology solutions that enhance the way we work, communicate and live. Congratulations to this year's winners on being recognized as true technology leaders and for continuing to push the boundaries of the world's technological transformation.”
Technology Pioneers 2009 are invited to participate in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2009 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from 28 January to 1 February, and in the Annual Meeting of the New Champions that will be held in Dalian, People's Republic of China, in September 2009, and are integrated into the Forum's initiatives.