Every year, our editorial team engages in a rigorous selection process to identify ten technological breakthroughs that we believe will shape the future. This collaborative effort is both enjoyable and challenging, as we sift through numerous proposals and engage in extensive discussions to evaluate their potential impact and uniqueness.
With the 2026 breakthroughs list set to unveil on January 12, we thought it might be insightful to share a glimpse into some of the innovative technologies that were considered but ultimately did not make the cut. These four technologies, while not selected, are noteworthy and reflect important advancements in their respective fields.
One area seeing significant progress is male contraceptives, with several new options under clinical investigation. Notably, Contraline is conducting trials on a gel that men can apply daily to inhibit sperm production, as well as a device designed to block sperm during ejaculation. In addition, the company YourChoice Therapeutics is exploring a once-daily pill for this purpose. Although these advancements are promising, they will require several years of testing before they can be widely available.
Another emerging concept is that of world models in artificial intelligence. These models are trained on spatial data and videos to create 3D virtual environments based on simple input prompts, capturing the physical world’s fundamental laws like gravity. This technology has garnered attention, with prominent figures in AI, including Yann LeCun and Fei-Fei Li, launching companies focused on this frontier. While the potential applications are exciting, including enhanced game design and improved robot navigation, the technology is still in its infancy, and further validation is needed before it can be classified as a true breakthrough.
The topic of digital identity is also gaining traction with the rise of AI-generated avatars and digital agents. To combat concerns about authenticity online, there is a push towards developing ‘personhood credentials’—digital tokens that would verify a user’s identity during critical online actions, such as banking. Initiatives by organizations including OpenAI and Tools for Humanity are exploring various methods for establishing these credentials, but with multiple competing projects underway, it remains uncertain which, if any, will emerge as a standard.
Finally, the intriguing case of the ‘oldest baby’—an infant born from an embryo that had been frozen for over three decades—has highlighted advancements in IVF technology and the concept of embryo adoption. Although this milestone showcases remarkable medical progress, it reflects a shift in societal norms rather than a singular technological breakthrough, which is why it did not qualify for our list.
In conclusion, while these technologies may not make our 2026 breakthroughs list, their ongoing development is indicative of a rapidly evolving tech landscape. As we continue to monitor these fields, we recognize that today’s ‘rejects’ could very well become tomorrow’s game-changers.
Source: 4 technologies that didn’t make our 2026 breakthroughs list via MIT Technology Review