# How we chose the 2026 Pacesetters > Source: > Published: 2026-09-02 11:00:00+00:00 To create the [2026 list of Pacesetters](https://www.fastcompany.com/pacesetters-2026), a team of expert *Fast Company* editors and writers, along with a group of external judges, sought out groundbreaking executives in a variety of industries who are using generative [artificial intelligence](https://www.fastcompany.com/section/artificial-intelligence), autonomous agents, and machine learning to find new ways to inspire and retain their customers. Because Pacesetters—a new recognition program presented by Tata Consultancy Services—is a brand-new program, honorees for this initial class were selected from a combination of applicants and executives whose innovative work was nominated by *Fast Company*‘s editorial staff or our group of judges: All nominees were then vetted by the full judging panel to ensure that the honored work exemplifies customer-centric, technology-enabled transformation. The resulting, unranked list highlights how emerging technologies and customer-focused leadership are reshaping business. The 40 honorees on the [2026 Pacesetters](https://www.fastcompany.com/pacesetters-2026) have met our high bar for demonstrating innovation in using new technology to transform how their companies operate internally and interact with customers. Contributors: Jeff Beer, Morgan Clendaniel, Yasmin Gagne, Louise Imber, Steve Melendez, Adele Peters, Mark Sullivan Coordinator: Shealon Calkins Design/Photo: Alice Alves, Jeanne Graves, Alexandra Pak, Maja Saphir