The list of technological breakthroughs for 2026 will be released on January 12. In preparation for this announcement, a selection of technologies that were not included on the list has been highlighted, providing insight into the evaluation process.
One notable area under consideration is male contraceptive methods. Various new treatments are developing as alternatives to conventional options like condoms and vasectomies. For instance, Contraline is conducting clinical trials on two distinct treatments: a gel that men apply daily on their shoulder or upper arm to inhibit sperm production, and a device aimed at blocking sperm during ejaculation. Additionally, a daily pill is under early-stage trials by YourChoice Therapeutics. Despite the advancements, it may take several years for these treatments to navigate the clinical trial process and become available, contingent on successful outcomes.
Another technology gaining prominence is the concept of “world models” in artificial intelligence. These models are designed to generate 3D virtual environments based on videos or spatial data, reflecting essential physical principles such as gravity. Applications for these models include enhancing game design and improving robotic navigation in real-world settings. Although the exact definition of world models remains debated within the AI community, their development is gaining traction. Notable figures in the field, including Yann LeCun and Fei-Fei Li, are involved in startups focused on this technology, with Li’s company, World Labs, releasing its initial version recently. Google also made significant strides with its Genie 3 world model. While these developments indicate a promising direction for AI, they have not yet reached the level of recognition needed to be classified as breakthroughs at this time.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/12/08/1128969/2026-breakthroughs-list-leftovers/