Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards honor products, concepts, companies, and policies that are designed to make the world safer, cleaner, more sustainable, and more equitable.

The competition, now in its eighth year, has recognized everything from a solar-powered refrigerator to a thermal battery to a program that helps renters build their credit history. There are many problems in the world, and we want to showcase the innovative ideas that will help solve them. Entries must have been launched or seen a significant product update in 2024 (we offer some wiggle room if the launch was during the entry period for last year’s awards).

New this year: We’re debuting a new format for the awards this year: We’ll be naming a single list of the top World Changing Ideas entries—along with 13 categories offering chances for additional recognition for companies excelling in specific locations, sectors, and years in business.