Definitions:

1. one the first colonists or settlers in a new territory noun
   • they went west as pioneers with only the possessions they could carry with them
2. open up an area or prepare a way verb
   • I pioneered a graduate program for low income students.
3. open up and explore a new area verb
   • pioneer space

Synonyms:

• groundbreaker
• initiate
• innovator
• open up
• trailblazer