2024 Innovators Under 35: Celebrating Young Talent
Each year, this list lifts up young visionaries who turn bold ideas into solutions you can touch, test, and use. The 2024 cohort is no exception. Their work doesn’t sit on a whiteboard—it moves into labs, factories, clinics, and studios, and it nudges the future a little closer to the present.
A New Class of Change-Makers
MIT Technology Review has released its annual Innovators Under 35 list, recognizing 35 standout individuals pushing their fields forward. They’re not just imagining what’s next; they’re building it, tackling urgent problems and translating breakthroughs into tools and services the world can actually deploy.
A Wide Range of Breakthroughs
This year’s honorees drive progress across robotics, energy efficiency, biotechnology, and information technology. One innovator is making robots more adaptable so they can handle the messiness of the real world, not just neat lab demos. Another is moving thermal batteries from concept to market, laying groundwork for cleaner energy in industrial settings and trimming emissions where they’re hardest to cut.
Spotlight: Innovator of the Year
The Innovator of the Year sets a high bar for impact and clarity of purpose. In 2024, that distinction goes to Shawn Shan, a PhD candidate at the University of Chicago, whose tools help artists shield their work from unauthorized use by tech companies. His efforts sit at the intersection of art and artificial intelligence, giving creators practical ways to protect their style and intent while the technology races ahead.
How Past Honorees Shaped the Present
Across its history, the 35 Innovators Under 35 list has highlighted people who went on to reshape modern technology. Think of pioneers like Andrew Ng and Mark Zuckerberg, or design icon Jonathan Ive. Many past honorees became household names, but the through line is simpler: they built things that changed habits, companies, and expectations.
Building Toward a Greener, Healthier Future
This year’s group leans into climate action and human health. Their work points to cleaner processes, smarter systems, and more resilient communities. Amy Nordrum, executive editor at MIT Technology Review, notes that these innovators are just getting started. The signal is clear: sustained, focused effort—on decarbonization, on better living standards, on practical solutions—will define the years ahead.
Staying Informed and Engaged
To follow how these ideas move from prototype to practice, MIT Technology Review shares reporting and analysis across its website and digital newsletters. If you want a steady view of where technology meets daily life—what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next—staying connected there helps you track the progress without the noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Innovators Under 35 list?
It recognizes young builders and thinkers whose work is already making a difference, highlighting advancements that push technology—and everyday life—forward.
How are honorees chosen each year?
Candidates are evaluated on the impact of their work, the originality of their ideas, and the promise their projects hold for future influence. The process emphasizes concrete results and clear potential.
Who is the 2024 Innovator of the Year?
Shawn Shan, a PhD candidate at the University of Chicago, earned the title for developing tools that help artists protect their work from unauthorized use in the age of AI.
Which fields are represented in the 2024 cohort?
Honorees work across robotics, energy efficiency, biotechnology, and information technology, with projects ranging from adaptable robots to the commercialization of thermal batteries.
Where can I learn more about the innovators and their projects?
You can dive into detailed stories and profiles in MIT Technology Review, including coverage that traces each innovator’s journey and the challenges they’ve worked through.
