Akash Systems Named Technology Pioneer by World Economic Forum

World Economic Forum Announcement

The World Economic Forum announced its selection of the 100 most promising Technology Pioneers of 2021 – companies that are shaping industries from healthcare to retail and many more. This year’s cohort includes representation from 26 economies on six continents with reach far beyond traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley.

Akash Systems' Recognition

Akash Systems, a venture-backed San Francisco-based start-up developing satellites with the world’s fastest data speeds, made it to the selection for its contributions in the field of Satellite Communications. The full list of Technology Pioneers can be viewed here.

Akash Systems' Mission and Impact

San Francisco, 15 June, 2021 – Akash Systems, a San Francisco-based start-up developing satellite infrastructure based on a pioneering new material system, GaN-on-Diamond, was selected among hundreds of candidates as one of the World Economic Forum’s “Technology Pioneers.” Akash Systems is focused on enabling faster and cheaper satellite communications, eventually reducing internet access cost to a few dollars per month.

Technology Pioneers Program

The World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers are early to growth-stage companies from around the world that are involved in the use of new technologies and innovation that are poised to have a significant impact on business and society. With their selection as Technology Pioneer, co-founder and CEO Felix Ejeckam of Akash Systems will be invited to participate at World Economic Forum activities, events, and discussions throughout the year. Akash Systems will also contribute to Forum initiatives over the next two years, working with global leaders to help address key industry and societal issues.

Statements and Reactions

“We’re excited to welcome Akash Systems to our 2021 cohort of Technology Pioneers,” says Susan Nesbitt, Head of the Global Innovators Community, World Economic Forum. “Akash Systems and its fellow pioneers are developing technologies that can help society solve some of its most pressing issues relating to high internet access costs and accessibility. We look forward to their contribution to the World Economic Forum in its commitment to improving the state of the world.”

“We are honored to be selected as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum,” said Akash Systems CEO, Felix Ejeckam. “Akash was created to develop this transformative satellite technology that can positively impact the lives of billions around the world. This honor confirms that our technology is ground-breaking and has the potential to change society for the better.”

Diversity and Innovation in the 2021 Cohort

For the first time in the community’s history, over 30% of the cohort are led by women. The firms also come from regions all around the world, extending their community far beyond Silicon Valley. This year’s cohort includes start-ups from 26 countries, with UAE, El Salvador, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe represented for the first time. The diversity of these companies extends to their innovations as well. 2021 Tech Pioneer firms are shaping the future by advancing technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, blockchain, biotechnology, and many more. The full list of Technology Pioneers can be found here.

About the Technology Pioneers Program

Technology Pioneers have been selected based on the community’s selection criteria, which includes innovation, impact, and leadership as well as the company’s relevance with the World Economic Forum’s Platforms. More information on past winners, information on the community, and the application link can be found here.

About Akash Systems

Akash Systems is a venture-backed San Francisco-based start-up focused on developing satellites with the world’s fastest data speeds. It was founded by Felix Ejeckam and Ty Mitchell.

About the World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. (www.weforum.org).

About the Technology Pioneers

The World Economic Forum believes that innovation is critical to the future well-being of society and to driving economic growth. Launched in 2000, the Technology Pioneer community is composed of early to growth-stage companies from around the world that are involved in the design, development, and deployment of new technologies and innovations, and are poised to have a significant impact on business and society. The World Economic Forum provides the Technology Pioneers community with a platform to engage with public- and private-sector leaders and to contribute new solutions to overcome the current crisis and build future resiliency.