German drone manufacturer Wingcopter was named as one of the World Economic Forum’s 100 Technology Pioneers.  The annual list is designed to highlight and bring together early stage companies that are innovating to solve sustainability and humanitarian challenges.  Technology Pioneer companies begin a two year relationship with the World Economic Forum (WEF), participating in global events. The Technology Pioneers project is part of the larger Global Innovators community: “an invitation-only group of the world’s most promising start-ups and scale-ups that are at the forefront of technological and business model innovation,” says the WEF.

From a list that the World Economic Forum describes as “ranging from the use of artificial intelligence to diagnose cancers and quantum computing systems, to carbon capture and removing technologies, cell-grown meat production and use of microbiome to track goods,” Wingcopter, with their innovative and award winning delivery drone, made the list.

“Dedicated to improving the lives of people worldwide, Wingcopter has been engaged in numerous drone delivery projects – from commercial, long-range factory-to-factory deliveries in Germany to life-saving humanitarian projects and emergency medical supply in various countries around the world,” says a Wingcopter release.

“In the South Pacific island state of Vanuatu, the start-up set up a drone-based on-demand supply network, delivering vaccines for children within minutes to 19 remote health clinics on behalf of the local Ministry of Health and supported by UNICEF. In Tanzania and Malawi, Wingcopter was able to prove that drone delivery can shorten patients’ waiting times, especially for urgently needed medicines, from several hours or even days to a few minutes. Recently, Wingcopter successfully completed a COVID-19 response trial together with Skyports and Thales on behalf of the NHS Scotland to provide the Isle of Mull with faster corona testing by transporting test kits and samples back and forth from the mainland. Further COVID-19 projects with partners and customers in other European countries are being prepared.”

Tom Plümmer, Co-founder & CEO of Wingcopter, was named one of Forbes “30 Under 30” leaders in 2019.  Now, Plümmer will be invited to participate at World Economic Forum activities, events and discussions. “Wingcopter will also contribute to Forum initiatives over the next two years, working with policymakers and private sector leaders to help define the global agenda on key issues,” says the press release: giving the drone industry a seat at the table for critical discussions on humanitarian and sustainability issues.

“We’re excited to welcome Wingcopter to our 20^th cohort of Technology Pioneers,” says Susan Nesbitt, Head of the Global Innovators Community, World Economic Forum. “Wingcopter and its fellow pioneers are developing cutting edge technologies all over the world. Beyond their innovations, these firms are contributing greatly to improving the state of the world.”

“Being acknowledged as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, one of the world’s most influential institutions, is an immense honor for us. It recognizes that our technology is already disrupting traditional industries and at the same time has the power to improve the lives of millions of people”, said Tom Plümmer. “It also proves that you can focus on having a positive social impact while still being commercially successful. We look forward to a fruitful exchange with the Forum’s members and the other Tech Pioneers to jointly address some of the world’s biggest challenges.”