pioneer

Take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of.

“This South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants”

Open up an area or prepare a way.

“She pioneered a graduate program for women students”

Open up and explore a new area.

“pioneer space”

Someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art.

One of the first colonists or settlers in a new territory.

“they went west as pioneers with only the possessions they could carry with them”