In the vast universe of Mobile Suit Gundam 00, few entities spark as much debate as the Innovators. Presented as messianic figures of a new age, their story is a blend of thwarted idealism, technological manipulation, and philosophical conflict over humanity’s future. But who were the Innovators, really? Misunderstood visionaries—or pawns of a system that lost its way?
As with many things in Gundam, the answer is complex.
Born from Algorithms: Humans of the Next Generation
The origin of the Innovators—more precisely, the Innovades—lies at the core of Aeolia Schenberg’s grand vision, the mastermind behind Celestial Being. Seeking to prevent humanity’s self-destruction, Schenberg designed a multi-layered system aimed at guiding human evolution toward a deeper mutual understanding. To accomplish this, he entrusted Veda, a quantum supercomputer capable of modeling humanity’s future on a massive scale.
It was Veda that began creating the Innovades: genetically enhanced human beings with superior cognitive and physical abilities. These beings were meant to serve as bridges between ordinary humans and the future of their species—capable of quantum brainwave communication, deep empathy, and direct data integration with Veda.
But what began as a tool for peace would eventually be twisted into a weapon.
The Messiah Who Wanted to Be God
Ribbons Almark was the first Innovade. The prototype closest to Aeolia’s intent… and ironically, the one who deviated the furthest. Having direct access to Veda, Ribbons quickly developed a god complex, seeing himself as humanity’s true chosen guide. This belief led him to betray his human overseer, Alejandro Corner, and seize control of Veda for himself.
Now in control, Ribbons began “awakening” other Innovades—each one created with a specific function. Some were designed for combat, others for espionage, and some simply to replace influential human figures. But all shared one trait: unwavering obedience to Ribbons’ twisted ideology.
He no longer wished to guide humanity to a better future—he wanted to rebuild it in his own image.
Peace, Draped in Shadows
Ribbons and his followers played a central role in the formation of the Earth Sphere Federation, a global organization founded to end war and bring about peace. But behind this noble mission hid an authoritarian regime, enforced by the A-Laws—an autonomous military force that committed atrocities in the name of order.
Innovades held key positions within this new world structure. They controlled satellites, manipulated media, sabotaged governments. Yet at the same time, they were ghosts—blending in with society as seemingly normal people until Veda activated them. This duality—between human and programmed agent—was a recurring tragedy in their existence.
For all their power, they were never truly free.
The True Innovator
The arrival of the 00 Gundam marked a turning point. Its pilot, Setsuna F. Seiei, was not an Innovade. He was a human, scarred and flawed. Yet he became the first to undergo natural evolution into a true Innovator.
Unlike the genetically engineered Innovades, Setsuna reached this new state through his connection with the 00 Gundam’s Twin Drive system. The system expanded his consciousness, allowing him to perceive emotions, communicate telepathically, and experience time more fluidly.
Setsuna became living proof that Aeolia’s plan could still succeed—not through manipulation, but through choice. He didn’t dominate or command—he chose to understand.
Fall of the Self-Proclaimed Chosen
As Setsuna evolved, the foundations of Ribbons’ empire began to crumble. Control over Veda and advanced mobile suits was no longer enough. Real change was happening within individuals, from their growing empathy and awareness.
In the final battle, Ribbons piloted the powerful Reborns Gundam, desperate to reassert his dominance. But his confrontation with Setsuna was more than just a clash of weapons—it was a battle of ideologies. On one side, control from above; on the other, evolution from within.
Ribbons’ defeat was not just a military loss—it was the collapse of an illusion.
Redemption or Reinvention?
After Ribbons’ fall, the world didn’t return to its old self—but it began to move forward. The knowledge and technology left by the Innovades were used by the Earth Sphere Federation to create new mobile suits like the Gadelaza and GN-XIV—powerful, yet no longer dependent on mental domination.
Some surviving Innovades, now disconnected from Veda, began to question their purpose. Could they be more than puppets without strings? Could they become individuals with free will?
These questions, left partly unanswered in the series, open new philosophical territory within the Gundam 00 universe. The battlefield may have gone quiet, but the real struggle—within the soul—had only begun.
The story of the Innovators in Gundam 00 is a modern fable about the dangers of pride disguised as progress. Through their failures and downfalls, they confront us with an uncomfortable truth: we cannot force evolution. It doesn’t come from imposed systems or artificial selection—it comes from our willingness to connect.
In that sense, the true Innovators aren’t the ones designed by Veda. They are the ones, like Setsuna, who choose to change—from within.