MIT 10 Breakthrough Technologies 2026: Salt Batteries and AI Code

Ten giant leaps are about to redefine our world. MIT Technology Review has unveiled its annual list for 2026, marking the 25th year of predicting the breakthroughs that will drive progress or incite profound change.

Inside the MIT 10 Breakthrough Technologies 2026

This year's selection highlights a shift toward sustainability and highly personalized AI. From salt-based energy storage to AI models that understand their own reasoning, the MIT 10 Breakthrough Technologies 2026 list serves as a roadmap for the next industrial era.

• 1st: Sodium-ion batteries (Cheaper, safer lithium alternative made from salt)
• 2nd: Generative coding (AI tools revolutionizing software and game development)
• 3rd: Next-gen nuclear (Molten salt and TRISO fuel for zero-emission power)
• 4th: AI companions (Chatbots forming personal bonds with millions)
• 5th: Base-edited baby (First personalized gene-editing treatment for a 7-month-old)

Energy Grids and the Future of Work

The emergence of sodium-ion batteries is a game-changer for affordable EVs and smart house energy systems. Meanwhile, Generative coding is making high-speed application building accessible to all, though it requires a new level of human oversight to fix AI-generated errors.