CNBC is Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Disruptor 50 List
CNBC is seeking applications for its 13th annual Disruptor 50 list, which recognizes the most innovative venture-backed companies using breakthrough technology to address economic and consumer challenges. The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 10 at 11:59 pm EST.
Eligible companies include independent, privately-owned businesses founded after January 1, 2010. Company founders, executives, investors, and their communications representatives can access and submit an application.
The selection process involves a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation across quantitative and qualitative criteria, including scalability, revenue and user growth, and the use of breakthrough technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key area of focus, with two-thirds of last year’s Disruptor 50 list companies citing AI as “critical” to their businesses. However, the 2025 list will also recognize innovations in other industries, such as food, energy, and financial services.
CNBC’s advisory boards, comprising leading academic thinkers and top-tier venture capitalists, will provide weighting for the quantitative criteria. The list’s proprietary methodology combines a quantitative score with a qualitative assessment and editorial review by CNBC staff.
The 2025 Disruptor 50 honorees will be notified in April, with the list to be released in June across CNBC’s TV, digital, and social platforms. The organization will also offer a weekly, original newsletter providing a closer look at list-making companies and their innovative founders.
