We have thrilling news: Nominations are currently open for the MIT Technology Review’s 2026 Innovators Under 35 contest. This yearly compilation highlights 35 of the globe’s finest young scientists and inventors, and our editorial team has curated it for over 20 years.
Nominating yourself or someone you know is free and takes just a few moments. Submit your nomination by 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
We seek individuals who are making significant scientific breakthroughs and utilizing that insight to create new technologies. This includes those who are designing new systems and algorithms that will enhance our work or expand our capabilities.
Annually, many awardees concentrate on bettering human health or addressing significant challenges like climate change; others are paving the future of artificial intelligence or crafting the next wave of robots.
The most accomplished candidates will have achieved a noticeable advancement likely to produce a beneficial influence beyond their own discipline. Candidates should be the main scientific or technical force behind the relevant work, and we appreciate seeing clear evidence that a nominee’s innovation is gaining genuine momentum. You can refer to last year’s list for an idea of what we prioritize.
We welcome self-nominations, and if you’ve nominated someone previously who did not get selected, you are encouraged to nominate them again. Please remember: To qualify for the 2026 compilation, nominees must be under 35 years old as of October 1, 2026.
Semifinalists will receive notifications by early March and will be requested to complete an application at that point. Winners are subsequently determined by the editorial team of MIT Technology Review, with contributions from a panel of expert judges. (Here’s additional information regarding our selection method and schedules.)
If you have any inquiries, please reach out to [email protected]. We eagerly anticipate reviewing your nominations. Best of luck!
