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TIME Best Inventions
200 innovations changing how we live

Genius ideas, recognized.

For over two decades, TIME Best Inventions has recognized the products, software, and services shaping our world – from breakthroughs in science and technology to innovations that make daily life smarter, easier, and more sustainable. Each year, TIME editors assemble a collection of the world’s most groundbreaking inventions, and yours could be among them.

2025 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

Previous TIME Magazine cover being used as a decorative element
Previous TIME Magazine cover being used as a decorative element
Previous TIME Magazine cover being used as a decorative element
Previous TIME Magazine cover being used as a decorative element
Previous TIME Magazine cover being used as a decorative element
Previous TIME Magazine cover being used as a decorative element
Previous TIME Magazine cover being used as a decorative element
Previous TIME Magazine cover being used as a decorative element
Previous TIME Magazine cover being used as a decorative element
Previous TIME Magazine cover being used as a decorative element

THE BENEFITS OF ENTERING

Get guaranteed consideration

Every entry is carefully evaluated by TIME’s editorial team, ensuring your invention is seen by experts in your field.

Gain global recognition

The Best Inventions list is published and promoted across TIME’s print magazine, website, and social media platforms, reaching a global audience of 120 million.

Generate sales opportunities

Being named a TIME Best Invention boosts your visibility and credibility, driving new interest from customers and investors, and helping propel your business to the next level.

Grow your network

Winners become part of an exclusive group of industry leaders that TIME editors return to throughout the year for coverage, expertise, and events.

The Categories

TIME Best Inventions are evaluated across a wide range of sectors and features – from accessibility to sustainability, healthcare to fashion – and thoughtfully assessed on their impact, innovation, and success.

Accessibility

Innovations improving life for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Apps & Software

Digital tools powering productivity, creativity, and communication.

Artificial Intelligence

Breakthrough AI tools that transform industries and daily life.

Experimental

Concept inventions and prototypes showing future potential.

Immersive Technology

Advancements in AR, VR, and immersive digital experiences.

NEW

Sustainability

Innovations integrating elements to reduce environmental impact.

Wearable Technology

Tech designed to be worn, enhancing health, fitness, and daily life.

Aerospace

Advancing space travel and exploration.

Agriculture

Transforming farming, crop cultivation, and animal rearing.

Beauty

Developments in cosmetics, skincare, and beauty tech.

Connectivity & Communication

Transforming how we connect, communicate, and collaborate.

Consumer Electronics

Everyday gadgets improving daily life.

Crypto & Blockchain

Transforming finance, security, and digital ownership.

Design

Elevating form and function.

Education

Enhancing learning and educational access.

Entertainment & Gaming

Revolutionizing how we play, create, and consume content.

Fashion

Shaping the future of personal style and apparel.

Finance

Improving financial services and personal finance.

Food & Drink

Revolutionizing food production, preparation, and consumption.

Green Energy

Advancing cleaner energy solutions.

NEW

Green Tech

Tackling environmental challenges and building a sustainable future.

Health & Wellness

Improving physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Household

Improving home life and household efficiency.

Logistics

Optimizing delivery and supply chain operations.

Manufacturing & Materials

Advancing manufacturing efficiency, material science, and production.

Medical & Healthcare

Life-saving innovations in medical treatment and patient care.

Outdoors

Enhancing outdoor experiences and adventures.

Parenting

Making family care easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Privacy & Security

Improving online security and data protection.

Productivity

Enhancing personal and professional productivity and efficiency.

Reuse & Recycle

Circular economy solutions promoting sustainable resource use.

Robotics

Advancements in automation, AI, and robotics.

Social Impact

Addressing global challenges and improving society.

Sports & Fitness

Enhancing athletic performance and recovery.

Toys & Play

Creative toys and games shaping play and learning.

Transportation

Improving transit, mobility, and transportation systems.

Travel

Reshaping how we travel, explore, and experience the world.

Entry Deadlines & Fees

Early Deadline

April 25, 2025

($535 per entry)
Standard Deadline

May 23, 2025

($745 per entry)
Final Deadline

June 20, 2025

($895 per entry)
Honoree Announcement

October 2025

Questions? Check out our FAQs, Official Rules, and Privacy Policy.

You can also contact our Support team at any time.

FAQs

Any company, organization, agency, or individual involved in creating or marketing an invention that has – or will hit – a major milestone between October 2024 and October 2025 is eligible to submit an invention. More details about eligibility are available in our official rules.

If you have been honored in the past, we encourage you to apply again. Submit a new invention or the same invention again if it will reach – or you expect it to reach – a major milestone between October 2024 and October 2025.

Yes, the application fee is $535 from March 26, 2025 through April 25, 2025 (Early Deadline); $745 from April 26, 2025 through May 23, 2025 (Standard Deadline); $895 from May 24, 2025 through June 20, 2025 (Final Deadline). The application fee applies to each category entered.

All applications must be received and fully completed by the relevant deadline: Early Deadline is April 25, 2025 at 11:59:59 p.m. PT; Standard Deadline is May 23, 2025 at 11:59:59 p.m. PT; Final Deadline is June 20, 2025 at 11:59:59 p.m. PT.

Yes, multiple inventions can be submitted by the same company, organization, agency or individual, but each invention requires its own application.

Yes, you can submit your invention in multiple categories, but a separate application fee will apply to each one. Your invention can only be recognized once. However, entering it in multiple categories ensures it will be evaluated against its peers. If your invention is a top contender in multiple categories, TIME's editors will choose the most suitable category.

Yes, even if your invention did not debut in 2025, you can apply if your invention has hit – or is expected to hit – a major milestone between October 2024 and October 2025. Examples of major milestones include: surpassing a sales goal, winning a major industry accolade, securing an important partnership, unveiling a working prototype, and/or announcing an expansion.

Yes, you can submit your invention if you can prove it has moved beyond the concept stage and is nearing completion. If your invention will stay in the prototype or concept stage for the foreseeable future, you can submit it in the Experimental category.

Yes, you can submit your invention provided it will be publicly announced on or before October 2025.

The Best Inventions list will be published in October 2025. The exact timing will be announced at a later date.

The list will appear and be promoted to TIME's global audience of 120 million across TIME's print magazine, website, and social media channels X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

All inventions chosen for the list receive a short write-up outlining its function and significance. Select inventions may also be featured on the cover of TIME.

While TIME cannot guarantee external promotion, the TIME Best Inventions list has historically garnered substantial global media attention. Additionally, you and/or your company can license TIME Best Inventions content and seal for use in your own marketing and promotional materials.

To compile the list of Best Inventions, TIME solicits nominations through an online application process, and conducts research via our global network of expert contributors and editors. The TIME editorial team then evaluates each contender on a number of key factors, including originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact.

The list is not ranked. All 200 inventions are considered TIME's Best Inventions of 2025. There are also an additional 50 Special Mention inventions named.

We will notify applicants on a rolling basis in October 2025, prior to the list publication.

If you have additional questions, please reach out to help.timebestinventions@awards-support.com.