pathfinder
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈpæθˌfaɪndɝ// UK //pˈɑːθfaɪndɐ// pathfind·er
n. a person who goes ahead of others to find a way or a new path. It can also describe a project or person that shows others how to do something new.
n. a person who goes ahead to discover or show others a route; figuratively, a pioneer in a specific field or endeavour. Often used in organizational contexts to describe pilot projects that test new methods.
The pathfinder led the group through the thick forest.
This pilot program serves as a pathfinder for future digital transformation projects across the entire company.
As a pathfinder in the field of renewable energy, the researcher developed several patents that later became industry standards for solar efficiency.