World Technology Award

The World Technology Award is an annual honor recognizing innovators from various fields whose technical breakthroughs have had a significant societal and environmental impact. Founded in 1960 by the World Technology Association, the award has become one of the most prestigious honors in the global scientific and engineering community. A diverse panel of judges selects winners who hail not just from the traditional ranks of science and engineering, but also from art, design, policy-making, and activism.

Purpose and origins

The World Technology Award was established to promote technological innovation and highlight its positive contributions to human well-being and environmental sustainability. By recognizing a broad array of fields and disciplines, the award seeks to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and foster technological advancements that touch on a wide range of global challenges. The first iteration of the awards took place in 1960.

Categories and judging criteria

The World Technology Award features various categories, each focusing on a distinct area of scientific, engineering, or public concern. The awards span domains including Quantum Computing, AI, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Agriculture, Genetic Engineering, Space Exploration, Medical Research, Digital Art, Climate Policy, Smart Cities, and many others.

Winners are selected based on the following criteria:

1. Technological innovation: The innovation must be novel, represent a significant advancement, or be an innovative application of existing technology.
2. Societal and environmental impact: The technological innovation must contribute positively to human well-being and/or environmental sustainability.
3. Influence and inspiration: The innovation must demonstrate potential to inspire others, encourage further technological development, and act as a catalyst for positive change.

List of past winners and notable breakthroughs

Past winners of the World Technology Award represent a diverse collection of innovations and individuals, such as:

• Edward Lorenz, a mathematician and meteorologist who made groundbreaking contributions to chaos theory and is known for coining the term "butterfly effect."
• Deborah Dunn, an architectural designer and entrepreneur who led the development of Modular Design Technology to improve access to affordable healthcare and housing.
• Mabel O. Wilson, a professor of architecture and spatial practices who is an expert on the impact of social media and other digital technologies on urban landscapes.
• Raquel Urtasun, a computer scientist and leading researcher in Autonomous Vehicles and Sustainable AI.
• Thomas Heatherwick, a designer and sculptor known for building some of the world's most iconic installations, structures, and public spaces using innovative materials and techniques.

Impact of the awards on technology development

The World Technology Award has played a vital role in promoting cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements worldwide. Its focus on fostering collaboration between diverse fields has facilitated multidisciplinary approaches to addressing global challenges. It has also highlighted the significance of societal and environmental considerations in technology development and adoption.

International partnerships and coverage

To ensure global recognition and promote the exchange of ideas, the World Technology Association has established partnerships with prominent institutions around the world. These collaborations have resulted in the organization of international workshops, conferences, and other events aimed at fostering communication and cooperation between innovators, scientists, engineers, and policymakers.

Future of the World Technology Awards

The World Technology Award will continue its mission to recognize and cherish innovators who make significant contributions to human well-being and environmental sustainability. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, the awards will strive to stay at the forefront of emerging trends, highlighting groundbreaking achievements and inspiring the next generation of problem solvers and change makers.