MIT Technology Review Reveals Details of 2026 "Innovators Under 35" Selection Process
MIT Technology Review reveals the selection process for its 2026 "Innovators Under 35" list, out September 8, and how 35 are chosen from 550 nominations.
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MIT Technology Review has announced that it will publish its 2026 “Innovators Under 35” list on September 8. The list recognizes 35 young scientists and engineers from around the world, under the age of 35, who are engaged in groundbreaking scientific research and building technological solutions to difficult problems. In reporting by Amy Nordrum of MIT Technology Review AI, the details of the selection process were revealed ahead of the list’s publication.
Overview of the Selection Process
The selection for the 2026 edition was a process spanning several months. This year, a total of 550 nominations were submitted through staff nominations and an open nomination process. From these, the editorial team selected 110 semifinalists. The selection criteria were candidates who had undertaken work to solve major problems or address urgent scientific questions and who had shown clear progress toward their goals. All semifinalists were required to submit detailed applications, collecting and uploading recommendation letters, videos, and résumés.
These applications were evaluated by 44 expert judges, some of whom are past honorees of the “Innovators” list. They volunteered their time and expertise, providing scores and comments on the applications. In the end, the editorial team reviewed all judges’ evaluations comprehensively and selected 35 winners.
Past Honorees and Impact
The list was first published in 1999 and has become an annual tradition at MIT Technology Review. Many past honorees have shaped the technology industry and broader culture. For example, Lisa Su, named to the list in 2002, led AMD’s dramatic turnaround, helping it become one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers. Daniel Ek, selected in 2012, was introduced for co-founding Spotify, which was then described as a “jukebox in the cloud.” A database of past honorees is available to subscribers.
Selection Categories and Criteria
The 35 individuals selected for the 2026 list are categorized into four areas: biotechnology, artificial intelligence, computing & robotics, and climate and energy. Costa Samaras, director of the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at Carnegie Mellon University and a judge for 2026, said, “These innovators represent the best of science and technology research, advancing bold ideas to improve everyone’s future.” The list will be published online for MIT Technology Review subscribers on September 8, and a print edition will appear in the September/October combined issue, on sale September 30. Nominations for the 2027 edition have already opened.
Editorial Opinion
The announcement of this year’s list could raise the profile of young technology talent over the next three to six months and promote collaboration with investors and research institutions. In particular, in fields such as AI and climate change countermeasures, the research of selected innovators is likely to accelerate, sparking new joint research and funding opportunities. Once the list is published, the activities of each innovator will be reported in detail, and discussions are expected to intensify both inside and outside the industry.
In the long term, the list can serve as an indicator for predicting the future of technology. Given the track record of past honorees in leading the industry, the 2026 honorees could provide clues for forecasting market and social transformation, including which fields they will influence over the next one to three years. Innovations in biotechnology and energy, in particular, are directly linked to advances in sustainability and medicine, and could accelerate fundamental changes in society.
The issue the editorial board considers is the geographic and disciplinary balance of the selection process. While the 550 nominations are numerous, it remains necessary to examine whether the final selections are overly skewed toward specific regions or research institutions.
References
- “How we picked 35 of the world’s top young scientists and engineers”, by Amy Nordrum — MIT Technology Review AI, 2026-08-12T09:08:40.000Z (ARR)
- Source URL: https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/08/12/1141605/2026-innovators-under-35-top-young-scientists-engineers/
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is the "Innovators Under 35" list selected?
- Nominations are collected through open and staff nominations, from which the editorial team selects semifinalists. Semifinalists submit detailed applications, which are evaluated by expert judges. Ultimately, the editorial team integrates all evaluations to select 35 honorees. The process takes several months and emphasizes fairness and expertise.
- In what fields do the selected innovators work?
- The 2026 edition is divided into four categories: biotechnology, artificial intelligence, computing & robotics, and climate and energy. Each innovator is required to have shown clear progress in solving major problems or addressing urgent scientific questions as a selection criterion.
- Who are some prominent past honorees?
- Many past honorees have led the technology industry. For example, 2002 honoree Lisa Su led AMD's turnaround, making it one of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers. 2012 honoree Daniel Ek is the co-founder of Spotify, which transformed the music streaming market. The list has been published annually since 1999 and serves as an indicator for predicting the future of technology.
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