The upcoming announcement of the 2025 Innovator of the Year will spotlight an individual whose expertise is enhancing the speed at which physicians diagnose and treat critically ill patients, contributing to a noteworthy world record in the process.
Established in 1999 by MIT Technology Review, the Innovators Under 35 initiative highlights individuals advancing technology and science. This tradition has continued for over two decades, with recognitions influenced by ongoing observations of past innovators.
The selection process begins with a call for nominations, typically issued in the latter months of the preceding year. Nominations are open globally to anyone, encouraging both self-nominations and third-party submissions. In the recent round, 420 nominations were received, with two-thirds coming from nominators and one-third from the nominees themselves. The candidates hailed from approximately 40 countries, predominantly from the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, Switzerland, China, and the United Arab Emirates.
Following the closing of nominations, editors embark on a comprehensive review, narrowing the pool to 108 semifinalists based on their ability to develop impactful solutions to societal challenges or significant scientific breakthroughs. The criteria demand that the work be broadly relevant and that its distinctiveness is evident.
The semifinalists are then requested to provide additional information, including three letters of reference, a résumé, and responses to questions about their initiatives. They may also submit videos or other materials to further illustrate their contributions.
The evaluation process continues as a panel of expert judges assesses these semifinalist applications. This year, 38 judges, matched to candidates based on their fields of expertise, will evaluate and score each submission, with a minimum of two judges reviewing every entry.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/09/01/1122458/innovators-under-35-2025/