At only 28, Ben Nowack, Reflect Orbital’s founder and former SpaceX engineer, has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to convert science-fiction-level imagination into practical innovation. His vision of “bringing daylight beyond the horizon” merges sustainability with aerospace precision, presenting a new paradigm for global energy distribution. Under his leadership, Reflect Orbital has inspired renewed confidence in human ingenuity and the responsible use of space for Earth’s benefit. For his forward-thinking leadership, transformative technological insight, and commitment to uniting creativity with climate purpose, Ben Nowack receives the GFA-Exceptional Visionary Founder Award.

Reflect Orbital has redefined the frontier of renewable energy by transforming sunlight itself into a controllable resource. Through its pioneering orbital mirror-satellite system, the company enables sunlight to be delivered on demand—expanding solar generation hours and providing illumination where infrastructure is limited. Its integration of aerospace engineering, clean-energy application, and sustainable design embodies the Global Fred Award’s vision of “innovation that changes reality.” For its disruptive technological advancement, measurable environmental potential, and contribution to the future of global energy accessibility, Reflect Orbital is recognized with the GFA-Remarkable Innovation Award.

Terp 360 (Kenya) revolutionized inclusive communication by developing a real-time AI translator that converts speech into sign language, significantly improving accessibility for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. It was awarded the GFA–Remarkable Innovation Award for leveraging AI to advance accessibility, champion digital inclusivity, and drive social innovation across developing and global markets.

Awesomic (USA) transformed creative workflow management by launching an AI-powered platform that seamlessly connects businesses with vetted remote design professionals. It was awarded the GFA–Remarkable Innovation Award for pioneering creative workflow automation, optimizing cross-border talent utilization, and fostering a new paradigm in remote work infrastructure.

DeepMind’s breakthroughs in AI have advanced medical diagnostics, energy efficiency, and scientific discovery worldwide. It received the GFA-Exceptional Industry Impact Award for global leadership in algorithmic fairness, data security, and ethical governance, and for catalyzing cross-border collaboration and standards.

Demis Hassabis won the GFA-Exceptional Visionary CEO Award for advancing AI for scientific and societal benefit, promoting responsible research, convening international collaborations, and strengthening ethical governance that supports global standards and cross-border cooperation.

Climeworks has scaled international deployment through strategic partnerships and regional project delivery, driving cross-border adoption of DAC solutions. It was awarded the GFA-Outstanding Market Expansion Award for compliant operations, transparent stakeholder engagement, and mature service processes that support sustainable growth and contribute to global climate-service standardization.

Andreas Kunze won the GFA-Influential Founder Award for championing AI-enabled rail modernization, cultivating alliances with operators and regulators, and improving safety and service reliability internationally.