Public voting for the World Technology Leader Award 2021 ended on December 27 with a record turnout. More than one million people worldwide were called upon to vote for their favourites among the most innovative companies.
This much can already be revealed: It was an extremely close race! A total of over 40,000 votes were cast during the voting period – a new participation record.
We would like to express our gratitude to all participants for casting their vote. This year, the prize for those who voted (an exclusive cruise) goes to Pakistan.
Among the 12 nominated companies, BioNTech received the largest share of the votes with 3,878. For obvious reasons, we think, as the company not only boasts record-breaking speed in the development of highly effective vaccines against the ubiquitous Corona virus, but also represents a unique and remarkable success story in terms of the history of its founders and their relentless pursuit of scientific progress in the medical field!
Second place went to the Australian space company Virgin Galactic with 3,743 votes. No wonder, since for the first time in the history of mankind, the dream of a flight into space is within reach even for non-astronauts. This marks the dawn of a new era for space tourism.
With 3,585 votes, the German medium-sized company Direct Smarter also made it onto the winner’s podium: The company develops secure solutions in the smart home sector, bypassing the previous security loopholes. The innovative medium-sized company is thus paving the way technologically for a breakthrough in data-secure smart home solutions.
In fourth place, with 3,528 votes, is the Lübeck-based medical and respiratory protection specialist Dräger. The success in public voting also reflects the outstanding role and commitment of companies and employees in the pandemic.
Eat Just reached fifth place with 3,326 votes and is an innovative player for sustainably produced meat from cell cultures. Alimex came in close behind in sixth place with 3,315, and this strong vote underscores its leadership in sustainable aluminium products.
Bosch.IO was a very close seventh with just one vote less. The company delivers contemporary solutions for Production 4.0. Antchain came in eighth with 3,288 votes and is an innovative developer of blockchain solutions. Deep Trekker delivers viable solutions for marine science and research with underwater robots, landing in ninth place (3,209 votes).
John Deere not only builds traditional tractors but is a leading provider of data-driven agricultural machinery (10th place, 3,125 votes). IMEXHS from Mexico convinced 2,967 voters and landed in 11th place with its innovative imaging processes for the medical sector. Finally, Sahab received 2,876 votes for its concepts for smart cities, putting it in twelfth place.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Even though not every company was able to make it into the top 3, all the entrants made multiple wins from their nomination for WTLA 2021: With accompanying reports, a sophisticated social media campaign and ongoing coverage of the voting process, they received a high level of attention worldwide. This interest from partners, customers and prospects is an excellent basis for successful growth in the future.
For this, we wish all nominees all the best and much success. Thank you for your outstanding achievements and your entrepreneurial commitment to technology and innovation worldwide!
After the WTLA is before the WTLA – the nomination process for the World Technology Leader Award 2022 has already started. Be part of it!
