Most Innovative Companies

In this special episode of Most Innovative Companies, host David Salazar goes behind the scenes of Fast Company’s flagship franchise to unpack how this year’s list comes together—and what it takes for a company to truly stand out.

Joined by Fast Company contributor Clint Rainey and restaurant technology expert Kristen Hawley, the conversation explores how innovation shows up across the food and restaurant industries—from rethinking agriculture and supply chains to reinventing convenience and sustainability.

You’ll hear how companies like Row 7 are reshaping the way we grow and experience vegetables, how Kraft Heinz is using AI to modernize a pantry staple, and why QuikTrip is turning gas stations into unexpected destinations for premium beverages. Plus, a look at Shia, a small but ambitious nonprofit restaurant proving that sustainability and profitability don’t have to be at odds.

Along the way, the group breaks down what makes a strong Most Innovative Companies pick, how editors balance applications with industry expertise, and why impact—not just novelty—is the ultimate measure of innovation.

Whether it’s a global brand or a 22-seat restaurant, this episode reveals how bold ideas in food are shaping the future of how—and what—we eat. 

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news

To see the Most Innovative Companies 2026 list:https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/list

In this special miniseries, host David Salazar goes behind the scenes of Fast Company’s 2026 Most Innovative Companies list with two of the journalists who helped shape its AI coverage: senior writer Mark Sullivan and global technology editor Harry McCracken.

Together, they break down why Fast Company separates AI from applied AI, and what that distinction reveals about the companies building the future of the category. The conversation spotlights three major players—Anthropic, Sierra, and Google—and explores what made each one stand out on this year’s list.

Along the way, they discuss Anthropic’s rise in the enterprise market through Claude Code, Sierra’s push to reinvent customer service with AI agents, and Google’s comeback story as Gemini becomes central to its broader product ecosystem. They also dig into the editorial judgment behind the list itself: how Fast Company weighs innovation, business impact, momentum, and controversy in one of the most closely watched sectors in business.

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news

To see the Most Innovative Companies 2026 list:https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/list

In this special episode of Most Innovative Companies, host David Salazar goes behind the scenes of Fast Company’s flagship recognition program to unpack how the 2026 list comes together—and what separates true industry changers from the rest.

Focusing on the Television, Streaming, and Film category, Salazar is joined by Fast Company editorial director Jill Bernstein and contributor Thom Geier to break down the intersection of creativity, technology, and business shaping Hollywood today. From bold, genre-defying storytelling to new distribution strategies and cutting-edge production tools, they explore how innovation is redefining what—and how—we watch.

The conversation highlights standout companies, including Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media, IMAX’s big-screen resurgence, AI dubbing startup Flawless, John Wells Productions’ real-time hit The Pitt, and Apple TV+’s evolving prestige strategy. Along the way, the group unpacks the key criteria behind the list—innovation and impact—and why the most meaningful shifts in entertainment often happen behind the scenes.

More than just a list, this discussion reveals how storytelling itself is evolving—and why it still matters as much as ever.

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news

To see the Most Innovative Companies 2026 list, go to:https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/list

On today’s episode of the Most Innovative Companies podcast, our host, Josh Christensen, Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan, and executive editor Amy Farley break down this year’s Most Innovative Companies list. They discuss why companies like Anthropic, Unwell, Rimas Entertainment, Proximity Media, Google, Diplo’s Run Club, and the Professional Women's Hockey League made the list. They also unpack the themes that emerged and the biggest takeaways from a year in innovation.  

To read more about the most innovative companies of the year, go to: Fastcompany.com 

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

On today’s episode of Most Innovative Companies, Josh Christensen and guest cohost Sarah Whittle discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the war in Iran, the FFC’s threats to broadcasters covering the war critically, and the meatpackers’ strike in Colorado. 

Next, Sarah and Josh talk with Fast Company contributor Lilly Smith about how low-rise jeans have come back into style and what differentiates them today from denim in the early 2000s.

Finally, Sarah tells Josh about the lessons she’s learned over her long career in social media.

To read Lilly’s reporting, go to: fastcompany.com/91480581/ultra-low-rise-denim For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news