SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST INTRIGUING INNOVATIONS are so new that their full impact is yet to be felt. This is what we’re highlighting in the inaugural edition of Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech. The 65 honorees on our list, which includes global giants as well as intrepid startups, often harness research that’s fresh from the labs. To create everything from an affordable autonomous tractor to a one-hour at-home COVID-19 test, they apply cutting-edge tech to solve real-world problems in unexpected ways. These products, services, and technological breakthroughs may not all be on the market yet, but they’re real, and they’re reaching important milestones along the way toward availability. Their potential for the future is what excited our editors and writers the most in judging these awards. For more information on these winners-and 33 honorable mentions-visit fastcompany.com/next-big-things-in-tech.
MONEY
GRABANGO
FOR HELPING RETAILERS DITCH THE CHECKOUT LINE / Grabango is one of many startups retrofitting stores with AI-based cashierless checkout technology. It’s focusing on bringing the tech to grocers and convenience stores that may stock thousands of products-and letting them shuffle their wares around stores at will without confusing Grabango’s AI.
Anchorage Digital
Anchorage’s digitalasset platform employs biometric authentication, cryptographic user keys, and hardware modules to offer secure storage for institutional investors interested in crypto.
Mastercard
With its Enhanced Contactless Payments technology, Mastercard has added a layer of protection to credit card transactions that is capable of withstanding
