TIME has revealed its inaugural "Trailblazers: Designing and Making the Future" list, highlighting 14 leaders across various fields who are instrumental in developing solutions for contemporary challenges. The honorees are recognized for their work in expanding possibilities within housing, infrastructure, climate adaptation, mobility, and public health.
TIME editors described the listmakers as individuals who are "designing and making the future." They represent a commitment to addressing a world with "potential, promise, and problems to solve," and are seen as key examples of those actively building a better future.
The selected individuals include architects, engineers, founders, and technologists. Among those named are Aicha Evans, CEO of Zoox; Alex Athenson and Cynthia Sigler, co-founders of the Foothill Catalog Foundation; Alex Honnold, founder of the Honnold Foundation; Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative director of Bjarke Ingels Group; Eloy van Hal, founder of The Hogewyk; Erika Woolsey, chief scientist and CEO of The Hydrous; Jason Ballard, CEO at ICON; Kaushik Kappagantulu, CEO of Kheyti; Mike Schultz, founder and CEO of Biodapt; Saket Soni, founder and executive director of Resilience Force; Salum Mshamu, a researcher; Tadeu Carneiro, CEO of Boston Metal; and Tammy Eagle Bull, an architect.
Autodesk served as the presenting partner for the list. Dara Treseder, Chief Marketing Officer of Autodesk, stated that the individuals recognized are tackling significant issues from housing and infrastructure to manufacturing and climate resilience. Autodesk's partnership with TIME aims to acknowledge those creating a more equitable world.
To commemorate the honorees, TIME will host an exclusive event in Las Vegas on September 14. The gathering will feature discussions with several list members, including Jason Ballard, Alex Honnold, Erika Woolsey, Saket Soni, and Aicha Evans.