The U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce this year’s GIST Tech-I Semifinalists. The semifinalists represent entrepreneurs from 35 emerging economies around the world. They have created startups that provide future energy solutions, new ways to use blockchain, cutting edge robotic technology, and tech solutions that make education more accessible. You can meet the startups here.

More than 500 young science and technology entrepreneurs submitted applications for the 2019 GIST Tech-I pitch competition. The semifinalists who advanced to the public vote were selected from this group of innovative founders by a panel of experts who reviewed each application. Now it is up to you to decide who has the most innovative startup or startup idea.

From January 30 to March 1, 2019 you will have the opportunity to watch the pitch videos of the Tech-I semifinalists and vote for the startup you think deserves a global audience and thousands of dollars in startup resources. People can vote once a day, every day during the public vote. To learn more and vote for your favorite startup, click here.

The entrepreneurs with the top vote totals will go on to the GIST Tech-I finals at the 2019 Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Bahrain. During the finals, the finalists will compete on a global stage for startups resources including seed capital and training sessions. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the participating entrepreneurs – one that can help drive the growth of their startup.

You can play a role in discovering new innovations that will make the world a better place. All you have to do is vote for a young entrepreneur in the GIST Tech-I pitch competition. Click here to cast your vote.