50 Smartest Companies 2014

After a drop in sales last fall, unveiled a new machine, NovaSeq, that will be capable of sequencing 48 entire human genomes in two and a half days—and could one day push the cost of genome sequencing down to $100.

While advancing autopilot technology in its Model S and X cars, the company is taking electric vehicles mainstream with its $35,000 Model 3 car, which already has 400,000 pre-orders.

Building out its advertising business by partnering with Viacom to sell ads and with Nielsen for marketing campaign data.

Changing the economics of space travel with its successful landing and recycling of rockets to be recycled for multiple trips

Moving to incorporate AI into its businesses as it focuses on technological innovation in wind and renewable energy, data-driven services, and other business lines.

Using RNA interference to create alternatives to conventional GMOs.

Exploring new technologies like blockchain and cloud AI while continuing work on important long-term challenges like quantum computing.

Its innovative batteries for the power grid make this startup unusually successful in a tough industry.

Creating an AI-powered store of the future with Amazon Go while expanding intelligent voice assistant Alexa into phones, cars, and more.

Turning its insanely popular chat platform WeChat into a virtual operating system featuring mini programs.

Despite the high-profile loss this year of its well-regarded head of AI, Andrew Ng, the company is doing important work in the field, including leading China’s National Engineering Lab of Deep Learning Technology and Application.