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”

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”

open up and explore a new area

“pioneer space”