[San Francisco, February 17, 2024] – Jitong Yao (Gates Yao), a visionary entrepreneur, scholar, and technology innovator, has been named to Silicon Valley Today’s Top 100 Global Tech Innovators of 2024. This prestigious accolade recognizes individuals who are driving transformative breakthroughs across emerging technology sectors, setting new standards for innovation, scalability, and global impact.

With an extensive background in metaverse technologies, artificial intelligence, and smart hardware, Yao has positioned himself at the intersection of cutting-edge research, entrepreneurship, and social impact. As the founder and CEO of Meta X Innovations Inc., he has spearheaded the development of metaverse-integrated interactive toys and AI-driven learning platforms, securing multiple international patents in immersive education technology and next-generation consumer electronics. His pioneering work has been instrumental in redefining how AI and extended reality (XR) can enhance user engagement, particularly in education and entertainment.

Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Yao serves as the Chairman of Mutong Capital, a technology-focused venture capital firm specializing in early-stage AI, robotics, and smart manufacturing startups. Under his leadership, the firm has backed over 30 high-growth technology companies across North America, Europe, and Asia, many of which have gone on to secure unicorn status. His investment philosophy emphasizes not only financial returns but also environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, ensuring that technological advancement aligns with ethical and sustainable development.

Yao is also a strong advocate for education and philanthropy, playing a leading role in Dream Get Education, a global education consultancy that has guided thousands of students in securing placements at top-tier universities, including Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. His contributions extend to International Commonweal Support Organization (ICSO), a UN-affiliated NGO he co-founded, which has mobilized over 10,000 volunteers and raised more than $3 million for global humanitarian initiatives.

Driving Innovation at the Intersection of Technology and Social Responsibility

Recognized as a thought leader in emerging technologies, Yao has actively contributed to academic research, authoring peer-reviewed papers on AI-driven decision-making, machine learning optimization, and smart infrastructure. His work has been published in high-impact journals, influencing the discourse on how AI can be ethically and efficiently deployed across industries. His research collaborations with MIT, Harvard Medical School, and Columbia Universityhave further solidified his reputation as a multidisciplinary innovator bridging academia and industry.

In response to his recognition, Yao stated:
“Innovation should not exist in a vacuum. The next generation of technology must be built with the principles of inclusivity, sustainability, and real-world applicability. At Meta X Innovations and Mutong Capital, we are not just creating products—we are shaping ecosystems that redefine how humans interact with AI, data, and immersive experiences.”

With his inclusion in Silicon Valley Today’s Top 100 Global Tech Innovators of 2024, Jitong Yao joins an elite group of visionaries shaping the future of AI, blockchain, quantum computing, and extended reality (XR). His ongoing commitment to technological excellence, social good, and global economic impact cements his position as one of the most influential technology leaders of this generation.