In 1824, English stone mason Joseph Aspdin invented Portland Cement in his kitchen and patented what has remained the primary material used in concrete ever since. Trouble is, global demand for cement;a $130 billion annual business;is skyrocketing but the process used to make it already produces an estimated 5 percent of the world's man-made carbon dioxide emissions. It took 184 years, but now another English company, Novacem, has come up with a different formula;one that actually absorbs more carbon than it releases.
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Every year since 2000, the World Economic Forum has chosen  anywhere from 25 to 50 startups as Technology Pioneers. To be selected, companies must be developing life-changing innovations and have the potential to bring about long term changes to business and society. They must also demonstrate visionary management, show signs of becoming enduring market leaders, and offer proven technology. Click  to read about the Class of 2011.Read more