Are you ready to meet the innovators who are shaping the future of technology and society? Tomorrow’s groundbreaking technologies are already in the works, thanks to the young minds pushing boundaries in research and entrepreneurship. This year, we are proud to showcase 35 exceptional young innovators from around the world who are driving progress in health, climate, and equality.
Handpicked by expert judges from a pool of nominees, these trailblazers are making a significant impact and are poised to shape our future. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they continue to make waves in their respective fields.
Today, we are thrilled to introduce our new cohort of Innovators. This year’s honorees are making waves in robotics, computing, biotech, climate and energy, and AI. The future looks brighter with these innovators leading the charge.
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Innovator of the Year: Shawn Shan transforms the landscape for artists battling AI exploitation
As generative AI models gained popularity in 2022, artists began noticing a concerning trend – AI-generated images closely resembling their own creations. Their work was being used without permission to train AI models, leading to unauthorized copies flooding the market.
In the fight against AI exploitation, Shawn Shan, a 26-year-old PhD student in computer science at the University of Chicago and MIT Technology Review’s 2024 Innovator of the Year, has emerged as a champion for artists. His algorithm, Glaze, empowers artists to protect their unique style from AI mimicry. Additionally, his tool Nightshade adds subtle changes to images that disrupt machine-learning interpretations, allowing artists to reclaim their creativity online.
Shan’s groundbreaking work is revolutionizing the way artists navigate the digital world, ensuring their creativity remains uniquely theirs. Learn more about his inspiring journey and the tools he’s developed to combat exploitative AI practices.