MIT Technology Review will publish its 2025 list of Innovators Under 35, highlighting 35 people under the age of 35 working across startups, hardware, robotics, materials science, biotechnology, climate work, and applications of Artificial Intelligence. The editors preview that the Innovator of the Year accelerates diagnosis and treatment for critically ill patients and even set a world record as a consequence of that work. The list traces back to a first publication in 1999 and remains a long-term signal the magazine follows closely.
The process begins with an open call for nominations, which this year produced 420 entries from about 40 countries. Two thirds of candidates were nominated by others and one third self-nominated. Nearly 70 percent were based in the United States, with the United Kingdom, Switzerland, China, and the United Arab Emirates having the next-highest concentrations. Editors first review nominees for practical solutions, scientific advances that can translate into technology, clear novelty, and potential for broad impact rather than incremental or niche work.
From the initial pool the staff selected 108 semifinalists and requested more materials to evaluate them. Semifinalists were asked to provide three letters of reference, a résumé, and short answers about their work, with the option to share a video or relevant publications and links. That additional documentation helps editors and judges understand both technical contributions and practical application.
Next, 38 volunteer expert judges evaluated semifinalists, with at least two judges reviewing each entrant and most receiving three independent reviews. Judges are matched to fields when possible. Longtime contributors to the judging panel include Yet-Ming Chiang, Julia Greer, Ed Boyden, and Ben Zhao. John Rogers, a judge for more than a decade and a member of the inaugural 1999 list, emphasized that the award recognizes work of both fundamental and practical significance.
In the final stage, specialized editors covering biotechnology, climate and energy, and Artificial Intelligence review top-scoring semifinalists and may add staff nominees. A small team of senior editors then selects 35 honorees, aiming for disciplinary and regional variety, and staff members vote to name an Innovator of the Year. The editors describe the process as rigorous and open, and they will reveal the full list on September 8.
