Key Takeaways
- The 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2026, as listed by MIT Technology Review, have the potential to reshape industries and solve global problems
- The list includes technologies such as hyperscale AI data centers, next-gen nuclear, embryo scoring, AI companions, and commercial space stations
- These technologies represent the most informed predictions about the future of technology and its potential impact on various industries and society
- The list highlights important advances in biotech, space, and climate technology, in addition to AI
- The full list and accompanying stories are available online at TechnologyReview.com/TR102026
Introduction to the 10 Breakthrough Technologies
The MIT Technology Review has released its list of the 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2026, which represents the team’s most informed predictions about the future of technology. These technologies have the potential to reshape industries, solve urgent global problems, and create immense progress. The list is the result of months of rigorous reporting, analysis, and research by the MIT Technology Review’s expert editorial team. According to Amy Nordrum, an executive editor at MIT Technology Review, the list highlights important advances in biotech, space, and climate technology, in addition to AI, and is intended to bring attention to technologies that are really worth paying attention to right now.
The Technologies on the List
The 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2026 include hyperscale AI data centers, which are now powering AI models with a revolutionary architecture, but at a staggering energy cost. Next-gen nuclear reactors are also on the list, using novel materials and compact designs to make nuclear power safer and cheaper. Embryo scoring, which involves genetic testing to allow parents to pick their future baby’s best traits, is another technology on the list. AI companions, which are chatbots that people are forging intimate relationships with, are also included, although this technology raises concerns about safety. Commercial space stations, which are scheduled to launch this May, are also on the list, representing a significant advancement in space technology.
The Importance of the List
The list of the 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2026 is significant because it represents the most informed predictions about the future of technology. The technologies on the list have the potential to reshape industries and solve global problems, and are therefore worth paying attention to. The list is also important because it highlights the diversity of technological advancements, including biotech, space, and climate technology, in addition to AI. According to Amy Nordrum, the list is intended to bring attention to technologies that are really worth paying attention to right now, and to empower a global audience to navigate the emerging technologies shaping our future.
About MIT Technology Review
MIT Technology Review is the world’s leading authority on technology and its influence. Founded at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1899, the publication has a long history of breaking down complex innovations and analyzing their commercial, social, and political impact. Through award-winning journalism and premium events, MIT Technology Review delivers trusted insights and expert analysis, empowering a global audience to navigate the emerging technologies shaping our future. The publication is available online at TechnologyReview.com, and subscribers can access the complete package, including compelling stories, as well as receive a complimentary tote bag, and an in-depth digital report on one of the featured innovations.
Accessing the Full List
The full list of the 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2026, along with accompanying stories, is available online at TechnologyReview.com/TR102026. Readers can subscribe to access the complete package, which includes compelling stories, as well as receive a complimentary tote bag, and an in-depth digital report on one of the featured innovations – hyperscale AI data centers. Members of the press may obtain additional information and access by emailing [email protected]. By subscribing to MIT Technology Review, readers can stay up-to-date on the latest technological advancements and gain a deeper understanding of the emerging technologies shaping our future.
