In 2023, Forbes introduced a new category to its prestigious Under 30 list, shining a spotlight on the remarkable advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) being propelled by a young cohort of innovators. With the market for AI projected to amplify to $631 billion by 2028, young entrepreneurs are capitalizing on the AI boom similar to the way their predecessors engaged with the dot-com boom. This year’s Under 30 class represents a wave of founders who are leveraging generative AI and other advanced technologies to transform various industries. Investors have engaged enthusiastically, pouring billions into AI startups, further fueling the race for the next transformative tech giant, akin to Microsoft or Apple.
Among this year’s standout innovators are Demi Guo and Chenlin Meng, co-founders of Pika, whose platform employs generative AI to convert text into videos. Their innovative application has gained significant traction, with 5 million users enjoying the ability to produce cinematic-quality videos with ease. The duo recently raised $135 million in funding, landing a valuation approaching $470 million. They emphasize that their technology augments human creativity rather than replacing it, illustrating a broader theme among this year’s cohort: AI is a powerful tool that enhances human capability, helping users to become more proficient and innovative in their endeavors.
The inaugural Forbes 2025 Under 30 AI list comprises young researchers and entrepreneurs under 30 who have demonstrated a key presence in the AI landscape, with the selection process involving a thorough evaluation by expert judges and a rigorous nomination process. Each candidate was assessed on their potential to drive impactful change in AI technology. Notable judges included influential figures from the venture capital and AI research communities, which added a layer of credibility to the selection. The editors faced the challenge of distinguishing authentic AI-driven ventures from those merely claiming to be part of the trend, focusing on innovations integral to AI itself.
Aidan Gomez, a co-founder of Cohere, exemplifies the innovative spirit behind the AI movement, having developed large language models for enterprise clients like Oracle and Notion Labs. With nearly $1 billion in funding and an impressive valuation, his company is a prime example of how AI companies are carving out niche roles in the technology landscape. Other noteworthy participants include young entrepreneurs creating tailored tools for developers, such as a “Google Docs for programmers,” as well as startups providing essential cloud infrastructure for AI builders, all displaying a significant variety of applications for AI.
The list also highlights contributors emphasizing AI safety and empowerment, like Dan Hendrycks, who co-founded the Center for AI Safety, focusing on mitigating potential risks associated with AI technologies. Companies like Haize Labs are innovating methods to stress test AI frameworks, ensuring they remain secure and reliable. Young activists like Shena Revanur are advocating for equitable AI deployment, pushing campaigns that emphasize safety provisions in AI governance. These diverse initiatives underline the growing awareness of ethical considerations within the AI landscape, revealing a broader commitment among this cohort to responsible technological development.
Overall, the 2025 Under 30 AI list celebrates young visionaries at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence, collectively attracting over $1.8 billion in funding and contributing to a pivotal transformative period in technology. This cohort is not only focused on maximizing profitability but also values the societal implications of AI development, seeking to harness its potential for the greater good. As these trailblazers shape future applications of AI, the integrative potential of technology and humanity becomes increasingly apparent, offering a glimpse into a future where AI serves as an empowering ally in various domains.
