MIT Reveals 35 Young Scientists Changing the World

Every year, the world's brightest young minds are quietly working on solutions that will shape our future, and MIT Technology Review just found 35 of them.

On September 8, the publication will reveal its 2026 Innovators Under 35 list, celebrating young scientists and engineers tackling everything from climate change to artificial intelligence. These aren't just dreamers with ideas. They're researchers and builders who have already made real progress toward solving some of humanity's toughest challenges.

The selection process was intense. Editors sifted through 550 nominations from around the world, narrowing them down to 110 semifinalists. Candidates submitted applications, collected reference letters, and recorded videos explaining their work.

Then 44 expert judges, including past Innovators themselves, evaluated each application. Many of these judges return year after year, volunteering their time to spot the next generation of problem solvers.

The winners work across four categories: biotechnology, artificial intelligence, computing and robotics, and climate and energy. Each one is pushing science forward with bold ideas designed to improve life for everyone.

This tradition started in 1999, and the list has become a remarkable predictor of who will shape technology and culture. Lisa Su, featured in 2002, transformed AMD into one of the world's top chipmakers. Daniel Ek, honored in 2012, co-founded Spotify and changed how billions of people listen to music.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this list special isn't just recognizing talent. It's a window into what's coming next. By identifying where the brightest young minds are focusing their energy, we get a preview of the breakthroughs that will touch our lives in the coming years.

Costa Samaras, a judge and director of Carnegie Mellon's Scott Institute for Energy Innovation, puts it perfectly: "These Innovators represent some of the best aspects of science and technology research, pushing forward bold ideas to improve the future for everyone."

The 35 winners will be revealed to subscribers on September 8 and published in the September/October issue hitting newsstands worldwide on August 31. Nominations for the 2027 list open in December, giving everyone a chance to spotlight the next wave of world changers.

The future is being built right now by people under 35, and their work gives us every reason to feel hopeful.