The 2026 Under 30 list marks 15 years of celebrating young American entrepreneurs. In these 15 years, the list has become a major launchpad for young leaders, with 46 past honorees becoming Forbes billionaires. Since the first list in January 2012, categories have grown as new industries expanded.
The money raised and earned by Under 30 founders has increased sharply, and competition is tougher than ever, with more than 10,000 applicants each year, as per the report by Forbes. Even with so many changes, the core qualities needed to be a top entrepreneur remain the same: imagination, intelligence and grit.
AI revolution in Forbes under 30
This year’s honorees show all these traits and are shaping the future during a major AI revolution. Many founders are using machine learning for big ideas—like robotic astronauts and tools that let anyone become a great coder or artist. To build the list, Forbes reporters use strong reporting, trusted sources and independent experts for judging.
This year’s judges include Olivia Rodrigo, Yara Shahidi, Palmer Luckey, May Habib, and Kyle Kuzma. More than 10,000 candidates were judged on their impact, financial strength and potential to grow, as stated by Forbes report. The final list includes 600 young leaders across 20 industries who are shaping culture and the economy.
Young entrepreneurs transforming industries
One honoree is Jesse Zhang, founder of the $1.5 billion–valued company Decagon. Zhang has raised $255 million to build AI agents for customer service for companies like Duolingo and ClassPass. “Whenever there’s a big technology shift, it just opens the door for a lot of companies… Your job as a founder is to try to figure out what those are,” says Zhang, as stated in the report by Forbes.
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Under 30 honorees are also transforming older industries. Eric Herrera and Jesse Evans, both 27, are creating proteins that dissolve rocks, making mining less harmful. Katherine Sizon, 29, uses AI and smart sensors to prevent food waste and help stores get the ripest produce. Jonathan Lord, 29, is building electric boat engines, similar to a “Tesla for the sea.”
Young entertainers are also proving strong in business. Claudia Sulewski, 29, turned her YouTube fame into a body-care brand making an estimated $15 million this year. Alex Warren, 25, went from Hype House to releasing a hit song, Ordinary, with over 5 billion global streams, plus a U.S. arena tour.
Under 30 alumna Lili Reinhart used her movie success and 30 million followers to build a fast-growing skincare brand, Personal Day, which earned about $10 million in its first year. Across all 15 years, the Under 30 label has become a symbol of success for young leaders.
This year’s class has backing worth $3.8 billion in total investments. Together, they command 200 million social media followers, showing their global influence. These honorees continue to create ideas that could change the world in the future. Forbes also released major numbers that define the 2026 Under 30 class.
FAQs
Q1. What is special about the Forbes Under 30 class of 2026?
It celebrates 600 young leaders using AI, new tech and big ideas to change industries.
Q2. How many people apply for the Forbes Under 30 list each year?
More than 10,000 people apply every year for a spot on the list.
