On September 8, MIT Technology Review will unveil its highly anticipated 2026 Innovators Under 35 list, celebrating 35 exceptional young scientists and engineers from across the globe. This annual recognition highlights individuals who are not only advancing scientific understanding but also developing innovative solutions to complex challenges. The initiative aims to provide insight into future technological advancements while also identifying emerging talent in various fields.
Since its inception in 1999, the Innovators Under 35 list has evolved into an esteemed tradition, running alongside other notable compilations like the 10 Breakthrough Technologies and 10 Climate Tech Companies to Watch. Past honorees, such as Lisa Su, who revitalized AMD into a leading chip manufacturer, and Daniel Ek, co-founder of Spotify, have significantly influenced both the tech landscape and broader cultural trends. This year, the selection process involved a rigorous evaluation of 550 nominations, which were narrowed down to 110 semifinalists. Candidates were assessed based on their potential to tackle pressing scientific challenges and their tangible progress toward achieving their objectives.
The evaluation process included a comprehensive application where semifinalists provided reference letters, videos, and resumes. Forty-four expert judges, including former Innovators, contributed their expertise to assess the applications. Ultimately, the editors compiled the judges’ feedback to finalize the 35 winners, who span four key categories: biotechnology, artificial intelligence, computing and robotics, and climate and energy. “These Innovators embody the spirit of scientific inquiry and technological advancement, striving to enhance our collective future,” remarked Costa Samaras, a judge and director at Carnegie Mellon’s Scott Institute for Energy Innovation. Subscribers to MIT Technology Review can expect to access the full list starting September 8, with a detailed feature also appearing in the September/October issue available on newsstands from August 31. Nominations for the 2027 list will open in early December, inviting the next wave of innovators to be recognized.
Source: How we picked 35 of the world’s top young scientists and engineers via MIT Technology Review