- TIME magazine’s second annual TIME100 AI list recognises 100 influential figures, including 15 leaders, 25 innovators, 24 thinkers, and 36 shapers.
- The list highlights the rapid evolution of the AI industry with 91 new entrants in 2024.
OUR TAKE
The TIME100 AI list effectively captures the dynamic and transformative nature of the AI landscape. It highlights the diversity and influence of key figures driving advancements and addressing ethical concerns, demonstrating the technology’s global impact and the collaborative efforts between established companies and startups, which are essential for responsible innovation.
–Vicky Wu, BTW reporter
What happened
TIME magazine has unveiled its second annual TIME100 AI list, recognising the most influential figures in the field of artificial intelligence. The list underscores the dynamic nature of the AI industry, with 91 new entrants in 2024 who did not appear last year, highlighting the field’s rapid evolution.
This list includes a diverse array of influential figures, featuring 15 leaders, 25 innovators, 24 thinkers, and 36 shapers. Among those honoured are 15-year-old Francesca Mani, an advocate for protecting deepfake victims across the United States, and 77-year-old Andrew Yao, a renowned Chinese computer scientist who called for an international regulatory body for AI last autumn. These 100 individuals are a driving force in AI development. They encompass business competitors, policymakers, researchers, and artistic creators, including several corporate executives. Their insights, aspirations, and shortcomings, showcased through both collaboration and competition, will guide the trajectory of AI, a technology that is increasingly influential.
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Why it’s important
The TIME100 AI list acts as a gauge for the state of artificial intelligence, reflecting both the technological strides and ethical challenges within the sector. The inclusion of figures from diverse backgrounds and disciplines highlights the global and interdisciplinary impact of AI.
The list draws attention to critical issues such as privacy, regulation, and safety, which grow in importance as AI integrates more deeply into daily life. The presence of tech giants alongside emerging startups illustrates the symbiotic relationship between these entities, where established firms offer essential resources for innovation, while smaller companies push the boundaries with cutting-edge developments. This interplay is crucial in shaping the future of AI, influencing areas from healthcare solutions to new business models in media and beyond.
As AI continues to evolve, the individuals on this list are set to become key influencers, setting precedents that could guide the responsible deployment of AI technologies globally.
