The business world is changing really quickly these days, and at the center of this change are some pretty impressive entrepreneurs who are shaking things up with fresh ideas, sustainability, and tech solutions. As we look ahead to 2025, these 12 founders are getting noticed for their innovative approaches and knack for tackling real problems. Let’s check out these rising stars who are set to make a mark.

1. Amina M. Ali – Founder, GreenSpark (Africa)

As head of GreenSpark, she brings her efforts toward solving energy hardships found throughout Africa. The company GreenSpark enables Amina to run a solar power service that provides affordable solar solutions to neighborhoods experiencing power supply deficits. The community enjoys improved daily lives after Amina provided stable electricity to homes, schools, combined with clinics. According to Amina clean energy should operate as a foundational right for all members of society.

2. Kian Kambui – CEO, Horizon Robotics (China)

As CEO of Horizon Robotics Kian leads efforts to bring automation innovations to manufacturing and logistics operations. Their innovative artificial intelligence system produces accurate robots for task completion which brings reduced human errors and greater efficiency. Kian Kambui stands at the forefront as Horizon Robotics advances smart factory operations throughout Asia while drawing worldwide recognition.

3. Sophia Tan – Founder, MedLyft (Singapore)

Sophia is changing telemedicine in Southeast Asia with MedLyft. Using AI and remote diagnostics, her app makes healthcare more accessible for people in cities and rural areas. Patients can consult with doctors, get prescriptions, and monitor their health all from their phones. Her push for affordable healthcare is making a real impact in both the private and public sectors.

4. Charlotte Williams – Co-founder, Econic (UK)

Charlotte helped start Econic, a climate-tech company that transforms waste carbon dioxide into useful materials for plastics and chemicals. Econic is working to tackle CO₂ emissions and is gaining attention in the carbon capture space. Charlotte is a key voice in Europe’s discussions about clean energy.

5. Esther Rodriguez-Villegas – Founder, Acurable (UK)

Esther created Acurable, which makes a handy device for diagnosing sleep apnea at home. Unlike those big machines, Acurable's gadgets are small and easy to use. She wants to make respiratory diagnostics available for everyone so that serious problems can be spotted early.

6. Sarah Ellerby – CEO, Nova Pangaea Technologies (UK)

Nova Pangaea Technologies under the leadership of Sarah implements a process to transform agricultural residues into bioenergy products including renewable biofuel alongside biochar. Her work establishes alternative energy systems which simultaneously improve land quality. Her company stands at the leading edge of sustainable energy development because of rising demands for renewable solutions.

7. Christa Cotton – Founder, El Guapo (USA)

El Guapo founded by Christa serves the beverage market through its production of sustainable beverage ingredients using local components to create craft cocktail bitters and syrups. She combines her business skills with cultural heritage to build a women-led brand that focuses on ethical sourcing. El Guapo’s products are now a go-to for mixologists all over the U.S.

8. Beau Wangtrakuldee – Founder, AmorSui (USA)

Beau founded AmorSui to fill a big gap in lab and clinical safety gear. The company makes reusable protective clothing that’s eco-friendly and suitable for everyone. Beau aims to reduce waste in the biomedical field while supporting women in science and tech.

9. Denise Woodard – Founder, Partake Foods (USA)

Denise started Partake Foods to make snacks that are safe for people with allergies. Her motivation came from her daughter's experiences with allergies, leading her to create a brand that embraces diversity in food. Now, you can find Partake snacks in big stores across the U.S., and Denise is a strong supporter of diversity in business leadership.

10. Joshua Western – CEO, Space Forge (UK)

CEO Joshua at Space Forge oversees both satellite platform development and satellite production capabilities beyond Earth's atmosphere. Space Forge focuses on creating materials beyond Earth's technological limits with an emphasis on developing high-end semiconductor technologies. Among the few space innovators JoshuaWestern leads the movement toward sustainable practices in interplanetary exploration.

11.Dr. Farzana Rahman – Co-founder, Hexarad (UK)

As Hexarad co-founder Farzana Rahman worked to launch a medical technology company that uses software to quicken imaging diagnostics protocols for faster medical assessments. The platform created by this medical technology company reduces hospital patient wait periods. As a radiologist, Farzana combines first-hand knowledge of healthcare management issues with a focused mission to drive meaningful change.

12. Alistair Mackie – Co-founder, Malted AI (UK)

As a co-founder of Malted AI, he develops scaled-down AI models specifically designed to serve businesses outside the technological sector. Through its accessible and budget-friendly approach, Malted AI enables small businesses to implement technology even with minimal resources at their disposal. Through his work, he is enabling AI to penetrate multiple domains while supporting both technological expansion and local talent development.