THE 2026 LIST
10 BreakthroughTechnologies
THE 2026 LIST
Our reporters and editors constantly debate which emerging technologies will define the future. Once a year, we take stock and share some educated guesses with our readers. Here are the advances that we think will drive progress or incite the most change—for better or worse—in the years ahead.
Climate change and energy
Sodium-ion batteries
Sodium-ion batteries, made from abundant materials like salt, are emerging as a cheaper, safer alternative to lithium. Backed by major players and public investment, they’re poised to power grids and affordable EVs worldwide.
artificial intelligence
Generative coding
AI coding tools are revolutionizing how we write, test, and deploy code, making it easier and faster to build sophisticated websites, games, and other applications than ever before. Just be sure to double-check what they come up with.
climate change and energy
Next-gen nuclear
Nuclear power already provides steady electricity to grids around the world, without producing any greenhouse-gas emissions. New designs rely on alternative fuels and cooling systems or take up less space, which could get more reactors online faster.
artificial intelligence
AI companions
Every day, millions of people interact with AI chatbots. Some of them form what feel like close, personal bonds with the bots. There’s mounting evidence that this can be dangerous, and politicians are finally waking up.
biotechnology
Base-edited baby
When he was just seven months old, baby KJ became the first person to receive a personalized gene-editing treatment. A clinical trial is now planned, and bespoke gene-editing drugs could be approved within the next few years.
biotechnology
Gene resurrection
Growing banks of gene information on extinct creatures are providing clues to new treatments and suggesting solutions to climate change—and may help save endangered species.
artificial intelligence
Mechanistic interpretability
Nobody knows exactly how large language models work, which means we don’t have a clear idea of their limitations. But that’s changing: Clever research techniques are giving us the best glimpse yet of what’s really going on inside the black box.
space
Commercial space stations
Space tourism may seem fanciful, but this might be the year paying customers can finally check into a room with a galactic view. The shiny new modules will also support research missions by scientists and space agencies.
biotechnology
Embryo scoring
Screening embryos for genetic diseases is relatively common practice in fertility clinics today, and it can give potential parents some peace of mind. Now, though, new startups are making bold claims about using similar techniques to predict certain traits, including intelligence.
artificial intelligence
Hyperscale AI data centers
The race for AI supremacy has supercharged data centers. Hyperscale AI data centers pack powerful computer chips into synchronized clusters that work like giant, high-speed supercomputers—sizzling hot, power-hungry behemoths pushing infrastructure to its limits.
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11th breakthrough
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Humanoid robots
Machines designed in our image have sparked public fascination and substantial investments.
10 Breakthrough Technologies
About the List
MIT Technology Review’s annual list of 10 Breakthrough Technologies aims to help our audience know which emerging technologies are really worth paying attention to right now. Our editors and reporters pitch advances that they think should make the list, and we discuss and debate the merits of each over the course of several months.
We look for breakthroughs that will have a broad impact and make meaningful differences in our lives and work. We give equal consideration to those that we think will have a positive effect or bring negative consequences. Every year, we have to pass on many worthy candidates. Here’s what didn’t make the list this year.
This is the 25th year we’ve produced this list. Predicting the future is tough and we don’t always get it right. Look back through our archives to see what’s worked out—and what hasn’t. Or read this special analysis by an MIT researcher about some of the flops.
Explore the archivesCredits
Editorial
Special projects editor: Amy Nordrum
Editing: Rachel Courtland, Niall Firth, Mary Beth Griggs, Mat Honan, Charlotte Jee, Amy Nordrum, Adam Rogers, Amanda Silverman
Copy editing: Linda Lowenthal, Teresa Elsey
Engagement: Juliet Beauchamp, Abby Ivory-Ganja
Fact checking: Ena Alvarado, Lauren Colella, Kelsey Kudak, Rachael Lallensack
Art
Illustration: Vichhika Tep, Daniel Liévano, Stuart Bradford
Art direction: Mariya Sitnova, Stephanie Arnett, Eric Mongeon
Design & Technology
Lead developer: Andre Vitorio
Design: Vichhika Tep
Product management & analytics: Allison Chase
Creative direction & product strategy: Mariya Sitnova
CTO: Drake Martinet