MIT Tech Review: Innovators Under 35 Nominations Open

What’s Happening

We’ve got some big news for all you forward-thinkers out there: Nominations are officially open for MIT Technology Review’s 2026 Innovators Under 35 competition. This is your prime opportunity to shine a light on the next generation of scientific and inventive superstars who are pushing boundaries.

This highly anticipated annual list is a global showcase, recognizing 35 of the world’s most brilliant young scientists and inventors each year. It’s a truly prestigious honor, one that MIT Technology Review’s newsroom has proudly produced for over two decades, consistently highlighting notable talent from diverse fields.

The best part? The nomination process is designed to be accessible and straightforward. It’s completely free to nominate someone you know who’s doing incredible work, or even yourself if you fit the age and achievement criteria.

Don’t miss this chance to put deserving innovators on the world stage.

Why This Matters

Being named an Innovator Under 35 by MIT Technology Review isn’t just a fancy title; it’s a significant career milestone that can catapult a young professional’s trajectory. This recognition provides unparalleled global visibility, connecting emerging talent with a powerful network of peers, potential investors, and influential industry leaders.

For over twenty years, this competition has acted as a crucial barometer for future trends, identifying individuals whose innovations are actively shaping our collective future. Past honorees have gone on to achieve even greater scientific and entrepreneurial successes, often leading to tangible impacts on society.

From breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and advanced biotechnology to pioneering work in sustainable energy, new materials, and space exploration, these honorees are at the forefront. Their notable work inspires, transforms, and consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

The impact extends far beyond individual accolades. This platform fosters a vibrant, collaborative community of brilliant minds, encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration and accelerating the development of world-changing technologies.

It helps ensure that vital research and new approaches receive the critical attention and resources they truly deserve to scale and make a difference.

The Bottom Line

This is more than just a competition; it’s a global call to action to find, celebrate, and empower the minds that will define tomorrow’s world. If you know someone under 35 who’s making significant waves in science, engineering, or invention, now is absolutely the time to give them the spotlight and recognition they deserve.

Who will be among the 35 trailblazers shaping our world in 2026, and could one of those transformative innovators be someone you know, or even yourself? The future is waiting for your nominations.