.png)
The Young Global Leaders program, run by the World Economic Forum, honors individuals under the age of 39 (a maximum of 38 at the time of nomination) who are making an exceptional global impact in their fields – from business and politics to science and technology. Each year, the WEF selects 100 laureates from thousands of nominees.
The title of Young Global Leader is considered one of the most important and prestigious honors that can be awarded before the age of 40, across business, academic, and political circles.
This also marks the first time in history that a Pole representing the technology (deep tech) and artificial intelligence sector has been honored with inclusion in this elite group. The recognition comes at a time of global tensions, rising geopolitical challenges, and rapid development of AI-based tools. It is also the first time since 2019 that a representative from Poland has been included, and one of only a handful of Poles in the program’s 20-year history.
Each year, thousands of candidates from around the globe are evaluated based on strict eligibility criteria. Only the most outstanding individuals are selected, with particular attention given to ensuring a diverse and representative group. In the initial stage, shortlisted candidates are assessed by Heidrick & Struggles, a firm recognized as one of the world’s leaders in executive search. The final decision rests with the Selection Committee, which conducts a thorough review of the candidates.
Jarosław Królewski has been affiliated with the AGH University in Kraków for 15 years, being one of the youngest lecturers in the university’s history. He has contributed to the creation and development of many academic programs, particularly in artificial intelligence, data analysis, and digital business. He is also the author of two books published by PWN, including the most recent one titled “ALGOKRACJA: How and Why Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Everything.”
Synerise, which he co-founded and leads as CEO, is one of the most technologically advanced AI and Big Data companies in Europe, operating in the deep tech sector and creating proprietary foundational AI models. The Synerise platform makes over one billion autonomous decisions daily, supporting complex analytical and recommendation processes in real time. The company employs some of the most talented engineers and AI specialists in Poland and is heavily engaged in R&D.
Technologies developed by Synerise are also applied in science – including open-source solutions like Cleora, used in graph analysis, data relationship discovery, and research in bioinformatics, such as aiding in the discovery of potential replacements for cancer drugs (drug discovery).
In 2018, Jarosław Królewski initiated the first AI education program in Poland for kindergartens, primary schools, and high schools – a pioneering educational initiative that sparked a nationwide debate about AI in the educational system.
In 2019, Królewski co-led a rescue effort for Wisła Kraków – one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in Poland – saving it from collapse. He currently oversees its rebuilding process, which led to the club winning the Polish Cup in 2024 and qualifying for European competition playoffs in the 2024/2025 season.
Jarosław Królewski has received numerous awards for his social, business, and scientific contributions – recognized by organizations such as Google, Microsoft, Deloitte, EY, and the Financial Times. He has been honored both individually and alongside the organizations he helped build, especially for contributions to technology, innovation, education, digitization, and sustainable development.
Notable past laureates of the program include:
The YGL program has been described by Bruce Nussbaum of BusinessWeek as “the most exclusive private social network in the world” and “perhaps the most important networking organization on the planet.” The organization presents its participants as “the voice of the future and the hope of the next generation,” and the program itself is described as a community of leaders who “lead efforts to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.”
In the 2025 edition of the Young Global Leaders program, alongside Jarosław Królewski, the list includes:
The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization that works with leaders from the public and private sectors to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. The Forum is best known for organizing its annual meetings in Davos, which are among the most important platforms for dialogue on global economics, innovation, technology, politics, and sustainable development.
Jarosław Królewski was born on September 26, 1986, in Gorlice, Poland. He holds degrees in programming (B.Eng.) and sociology (M.A.). He is a member of the Lemko ethnic minority. He graduated from Marcin Kromer High School in Gorlice and is an alumnus of AGH University (honored during its centennial anniversary) and the Higher School of Management and Banking in Kraków. He received academic scholarships from the AGH Rector and the Ministry of Higher Education. Currently, he serves as the president and majority shareholder of the Wisła Kraków football club, founder and CEO of Synerise S.A., and lecturer at AGH in Kraków.