30 Under 30 - Asia's Class Of 2019

Chosen from more than 2,000 entries, researched by a team of reporters and vetted by an A-list of judges, we present this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list. Representing 23 countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific region, these 300 entrepreneurs and game changers stood out for the right reasons. From innovating technology and disrupting ageold industries to demonstrating immense talent and dominating the world stage (cue Naomi Osaka), this group of young stars shines in more ways than one. If you’re looking for the next generation of leaders, this is your definitive guide.

- Rana Wehbe

Liu Liyuan, 29; Liao Wenlong, 29

COFOUNDERS, COWAROBOT CHINA

When they cofounded COWAROBOT in Shanghai in 2015, Liu Liyuan, Liao Wenlong and Tommie He Tao (who at 35 is too old for the list) were aiming to develop autonomous cars. For now, though, they are applying basic self-driving technologies to other products, such as the Rover suitcase.

Using a scaled-down version of a self-driving car’s control system, the Rover can automatically follow its owner around and avoid obstacles. Priced at $800 in China and $899 in other markets, COWAROBOT last year sold 12,000 Rovers.

The company also offers self-driving street cleaners and delivery vans. COWAROBOT has already deployed 50 such trucks in the Chinese cities of Changsha, Chengdu, and Wuhu. The vehicles clean city streets and make deliveries along designated routes. The trio has raised $50 million in funding, including from Japan’s SoftBank and Beijing-based China Creation Ventures.

“We’ll venture into other markets when our technology gets to a higher standard,” says Liao, who is CTO. Liao believes self-driving passenger cars will be on the road in China by 2025. His partner Liu, meanwhile, envisions a fully autonomous future, where robot taxis and buses are ubiquitous. “Autonomous driving will reshape how we commute and a lot of other businesses,” he says. —Yue Wang.

Anahita Dhondy, 28

CHEF PARTNER, SODABOTTLEOPENERWALA INDIA