In an era increasingly defined by technological innovation and sustainability, a new wave of young entrepreneurs is making significant strides across various industries. Among them is Jordan Taylor, 29, who left Nvidia to co-found Vizcom alongside his childhood friend Kaelan Richards, also 29. This AI-driven industrial design tool startup has successfully attracted $25 million in investments from notable firms like Index Ventures and secured contracts with major players such as Ford and New Balance. Taylor emphasizes his motivation comes from solving personal challenges, and he sees his work not just as company-building but as a quest for solutions that resonate with others facing similar hurdles.
Artificial intelligence plays a central role on this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Manufacturing & Industry, showcasing young innovators across sectors including robotics, aerospace, agriculture, and climate tech. Dylan Conway and Jim Zhu, both 27, exemplify this trend with their San Jose-based startup Squint, which develops software that enhances manufacturing processes. Their tool assists multinational corporations like Michelin and Siemens by streamlining the training of machine operators and automating data management, leading to enhanced operational efficiency for traditional industries.
In the construction realm, Samuel Lam, 29, aims to expedite the building permit process with his startup PermitFlow. Based in New York City, Lam’s software provides a platform for developers and contractors to efficiently prepare and track permits across various municipalities. With an impressive $36.5 million in funding from investors such as Kleiner Perkins, Lam argues that his innovations not only cut costs but also help accelerate project timelines, indirectly addressing the housing supply challenges faced by many urban centers.
On the environmental front, young entrepreneurs are striving to combat climate change through innovative methods and sustainable practices. Michelle Chao, 28, is spearheading Phoenix Tailings in Massachusetts, which recycles rare earth metals critical to the production of electric vehicles while emitting zero carbon or toxins. With $28 million in funding, her firm is poised to scale its operations to meet the surging demand for eco-friendly technologies. Similarly, Diana Virgovicova, 23, and her colleagues have developed Xatoms, which focuses on purifying drinking water using groundbreaking, eco-friendly materials, while Krish Mehta’s PHNX Materials works towards turning landfill coal ash into a sustainable substitute for cement, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
The aerospace sector also witnessed a surge of enthusiasm among young innovators. General Galactic, co-founded by Luke Neise and Halen Mattison, is revolutionizing clean energy production through the conversion of carbon dioxide waste into fuel. In addition, Alexander Taylor’s Orb Aerospace is dedicated to providing autonomous aviation solutions for regions affected by natural disasters or conflict. Meanwhile, Raven Space Systems, founded by Blake Herren and Ryan Cowdrey, is leveraging 3D printing technology to develop aerospace-grade materials for spacecraft, contributing to the advancement of space exploration.
The list of remarkable young talents recognized this year by Forbes was curated through extensive research involving hundreds of nominations. This process yielded a selection of individuals under 30 who have yet to appear on other prestigious 30 Under 30 lists. Expert judges, including successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders, reviewed the candidates and helped finalize the list based on their contributions across manufacturing and industry. As technological and environmental challenges loom large, the innovations from this year’s awardees serve as a beacon of hope for a high-tech and sustainable future. The complete 2025 Manufacturing & Industry list is available for those seeking to explore the profiles and endeavors of these emerging leaders further.
