DataProphet listed by World Economic Forum in its Technology Pioneers of 2019

Hot on the heels of their recent award, SA machine learning startup DataProphet has again been honoured — this time by The World Economic Forum (WEF).

Last month the startup won the AIconics Award for Best Innovation in Deep Learning (see this story).

WEF in an announcement last week revealed its selection of the 56 most promising Technology Pioneers of 2019, who are shaping industries from agriculture and cleantech to modern policing and many more. DataProphet was the only SA company selected.

Another African startup, Morocco healthtech DabaDoc.com, also made the list. In September last year the startup, which was founded in 2014 by Zineb Drissi-Kaitouni, announced that it had received an undisclosed amount in funding (see this story).

SA startup DataProphet is named by WEF as one of the 56 most promising Technology Pioneers of 2019

Companies were selected for their potential to “transform their industries” and “improve society for years to come,” WEF’s Fulvia Montresor said.

DataProphet made it to the selection for its contributions to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in manufacturing. Its AI suite is proven to reduce defects and scrap by at least 50% and improve plant efficiency.

Following its selection by the WEF, DataProphet’s CEO and co-founder, Frans Cronje (pictured above arriving in Dalia, China for a WEF meeting) will be participating in the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions.

This meeting, also dubbed “Summer Davos” will be held in Dalian, China, and runs from today until Wednesday (3 July)

“It’s a huge achievement to be acknowledged as a pioneer by the World Economic Forum,” said Cronje in a statement today.

“It is great to receive affirmation that our AI technology is unique and valuable when it comes to reducing defects and improving processes for manufacturers. We are excited to partner with the Forum to shape the future of manufacturing.”

The Technology Pioneers were selected by a selection committee of more than 59 academics, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and corporate executives. The committee based its decisions on criteria including innovation, potential impact and leadership.

Past recipients include Airbnb, Google, Kickstarter, Mozilla, Palantir Technologies, Spotify, TransferWise, Twitter and Wikimedia.

Read more: DataProphet wins AIconics Award for Best Innovation in Deep Learning [Updated]
Read more: DataProphet secures ‘multi-million dollar’ funding from Knife Capital
Read more: DataProphet hopes to leverage Yellowwoods investment for international expansion [Updated]

Editor’s note (2 July 2019): Another African startup, Morocco healthtech DabaDoc.com, also made the list. We have amended the story to include the startup.

Featured image: DataProphet co-founder Frans Cronje pictured arriving in Dalia, China for WEF’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions (Supplied)