TIME Unveils the 2024 TIME100 AI List: Honoring Global AI Leaders and Innovators

TIME magazine has once again spotlighted the most influential figures in the realm of artificial intelligence with the release of its 2024 TIME100 AI list. This year’s edition features a special global cover, with a stunning photo illustration by Klawe Rzeczy, showcasing 18 prominent personalities, including Lisa Su of AMD, Steve Huffman of Reddit, Arthur Mensch of Mistral AI, Jensen Huang of NVIDIA, and actor Scarlett Johansson, among many others.

The TIME100 AI list, now in its second year, celebrates the pioneers shaping the future of AI across multiple industries, ranging from technology and entertainment to policy and research.

In-depth Profiles and Interviews with Leading AI Figures

The 2024 TIME100 AI list is complemented by exclusive profiles and interviews with several industry stalwarts. Notable interviews include conversations with Google CEO Sundar Pichai, AMD CEO Lisa Su, author Ray Kurzweil, and UN Tech Envoy Amandeep Singh Gill. These discussions delve into how AI is transforming various sectors and the world at large, offering insights from leaders who are actively shaping the future of this technology.

Curating the TIME100 AI List: A Global Effort

TIME explains that assembling the 2024 TIME100 AI list was no easy feat. Editors and reporters sought recommendations from industry experts and leaders from around the world. The final list represents a wide array of individuals—leaders, innovators, thinkers, and shapers—all making significant contributions to the development and ethical deployment of artificial intelligence.

TIME Editor-in-Chief on the AI Revolution

Sam Jacobs, TIME’s Editor-in-Chief, noted the significance of this year’s TIME100 AI list, saying:
"If the world of AI was dominated by the emergence of startup labs like OpenAI, Anthropic, and their competitors in 2023, this year, as critics and champions alike have noted, we’ve seen the outsized influence of a small number of tech giants… This year’s list offers examples of the possibilities for AI when it moves out of the lab and into the world… Many industries, including media companies like TIME, are now partnering with leading AI companies to explore new business models and opportunities. The consequences of those moves will likely determine who appears on next year’s list."

Highlights from the 2024 TIME100 AI List

The 2024 TIME100 AI list is packed with influential figures from a wide range of backgrounds, reflecting the growing importance of AI across all sectors. Key highlights from the list include:

CEOs and Founders Leading the AI Revolution

A significant number of the individuals on the list are CEOs and founders—40 in total—including tech giants such as Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, Sundar Pichai of Google, Satya Nadella of Microsoft, Daphne Koller of Insitro, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and Jensen Huang of NVIDIA. These leaders are at the forefront of AI innovation, driving advancements in AI research, deployment, and commercialization. Other notable inclusions are Steve Huffman of Reddit, Aravind Srinivas of Perplexity, and Victor Riparbelli of Synthesia.

Women Pioneers in AI

This year’s list also recognizes the remarkable contributions of women leaders in the AI space. It includes figures such as US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Head of Cohere for AI Sara Hooker, US AI Safety Institute Director Elizabeth Kelly, and Chief Learning Officer of Khan Academy Kristen DiCerbo. Their work is shaping how AI is being used in various sectors, from education to policy and beyond.

The Youngest and Oldest List-Makers

The list also highlights diversity in age, celebrating individuals across generations. Francesca Mani, a 15-year-old high schooler who launched a campaign against sexualized deepfakes after being victimized, is the youngest on the list. In contrast, Andrew Yao, a 77-year-old computer scientist, is the oldest, recognized for his efforts to nurture the next generation of AI talent in China.

Repeat Honorees

Several leaders have been featured on the TIME100 AI list for the second time, including Sam Altman of OpenAI, Dario Amodei of Anthropic, and Jensen Huang of NVIDIA. Their recurring recognition underscores their continued influence in steering the AI industry.

Artists and Creatives Shaping AI’s Cultural Impact

AI isn’t just transforming technology but also the arts and entertainment world. Actor Scarlett Johansson, Bollywood legend Anil Kapoor, comedian King Willonius, and YouTuber Marques Brownlee are among the creatives recognized for their contributions to exploring AI’s impact on society.

Government and Policy Leaders

The influence of AI policy is expanding, and several prominent policymakers are included on the list. Notable figures include New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich, European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton, and US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Their work is helping shape regulatory frameworks for AI deployment.

TIME100 Impact Dinner and Upcoming AI Events

To celebrate the honorees of the 2024 TIME100 AI list, TIME will host the TIME100 Impact Dinner: Leaders Shaping the Future of AI on September 16, 2024, in San Francisco. This event will feature discussions with several of the honorees, including Amba Kak of AI Now Institute, filmmaker King Willonius, and author Ray Kurzweil.

Following the dinner, TIME will also host TIME100 Talks during Dreamforce 2024 on September 17-19, focusing on building an equitable AI future. Speakers will include Daniela Amodei of Anthropic, Amandeep Singh Gill of the UN, and more.

Conclusion

The 2024 TIME100 AI list provides a compelling snapshot of the individuals shaping the future of artificial intelligence. From CEOs of major tech companies to activists fighting AI biases, these 100 figures are leading the charge in making AI more accessible, ethical, and transformative across industries. With key insights and exclusive interviews, the TIME100 AI issue is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of AI and its impact on the world.