pioneer

Meanings

• someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art
• one the first colonists or settlers in a new territory
  • "they went west as pioneers with only the possessions they could carry with them"
• open up an area or prepare a way
  • "She pioneered a graduate program for women students"
• take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of
  • "This South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants"
• open up and explore a new area
  • "pioneer space"

Synonyms

groundbreaker, initiate, innovator, open up, trailblazer