Extended Entry Deadline is July 12th. ENTER NOW
Genius ideas, recognized.
TIME Best Inventions recognizes products, software, or services that are revolutionizing the world – from a faster running shoe to a groundbreaking surgical robot. Curated by a network of TIME editors, our annual list recognizes inventions big and small from around the globe.
THE 2024 APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED
THE BENEFITS OF ENTERING
GUARANTEED CONSIDERATION BY TIME EDITORS
Our editorial team reviews each and every entry. By entering, you ensure that the team is aware of your incredible invention and the impact it is making on the world.
Even if your invention is already on our radar, entering is an important way to highlight new features or use cases.
BE SEEN BY THE WORLD
The full TIME Best Inventions list will be published in the fall of 2024, and will be promoted to the entire TIME print and digital readership of 120 million across the globe. Placements include:
- TIME’s print magazine
- TIME’s website
- TIME social media accounts, including: X, Instagram, and Facebook
NEW SALES OPPORTUNITIES
The credibility boost and global exposure that come with being named a Best Invention of can yield increased interest from potential customers and investors.
ONGOING COVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES
Companies chosen for the list will become part of a networking group that TIME business editors return to throughout the year for coverage, expertise, and events.
The Categories
TIME Best Inventions evaluates a multitude of sectors, from Consumer Electronics to Education, Sustainability to Robotics. Categories are organized by sector and invention features.
Click to see Categories
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Industry & Sector
Categories for the sector your invention was created for
Aerospace
Advancements across innovations in space exploration
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Agriculture
Innovations in the way we grow our food
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Automotive
Developing safer, cleaner cars and trucks
Beauty
Developments in cosmetics, skin care, and more
Connectivity & Communication
Upgrading communications and keeping our relationships strong
Consumer Electronics
Technology that improves everyday life
Crypto and Blockchain
Disrupting and decentralizing money—and more
Design
Products with innovative physical designs
Education
Elevating how we learn
Entertainment & Gaming
New Ways to Consume music, movies, TV, games and more
Fashion
Updates to what we wear and how we dress
Finance
Helping us save, manage, and invest our money
Food & Drink
Shaking up how we eat and drink
Green Energy
Innovations in cleaner fuels, better batteries and alternative power
Health & Wellness
Making it easier to live a healthier life—both mentally and physically
Home Health
Inventions used in the home to safeguard and monitor your health
Household
Helping users perform tasks around the home
Logistics
Shipping and supply chain innovations
Manufacturing & Materials
Advancements and new technologies in the way we build products & goods
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Medical Care
Inventions used in doctors' offices and in the hospital that alleviate discomfort, illness and injury (including pharmaceuticals)
Outdoors
Options that make for better, safer outdoor activities
Parenting
Aids for parents as they raise children
Privacy & Security
Keeping private information private
Productivity
Streamlining the way we work
Reuse & Recycle
Reducing overconsumption
Robotics
Building smarter machines
Social Impact
Supporting underprivileged communities
Sports & Fitness
Propelling exercise and the athletic experience forward
Sustainability
Innovations that help the environment
Toys & Play
Inventions that improve how we play
Transportation
Advancements that help people and/or things move from one place to another
Travel
Accessories that aid explorations
Invention Features
Categories that highlight the unique feature or approach of your invention
Accessibility
Improvements for the elderly and people living with disabilities
Apps & Software
Tools that power our digital world
Artificial Intelligence
Breakthroughs in business AI
Experimental
Inventions (including concept inventions) that illustrate what's possible
Immersive Technology
Advancements in AR and VR
Wearable Technology
Innovations in technology designed to be used while worn
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Questions? Check out our FAQs, official rules, and privacy policy.
You can also contact our Support team at any time.
Past Winners
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Lunar Excursion Vehicle 2
S'well Ice Cream Chiller
Nant de Drance Pumped Storage Power Plant
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Headset
So-VITS-SVC
Permobil Explorer Mini
Flo Anonymous Mode
LEGO Braille Bricks
FAQs
Who is eligible to submit a Best Invention?
Any company, organization, agency, or individual involved in creating or marketing an invention that has hit—or will hit—a major milestone between Nov. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024. Please see our official rules for more details about eligibility.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. The general application fee is $495 through May 17, 2024 (Early Entry); $695 from May 18, 2024 through June 21, 2024 (Final Entry Deadline); $845 from June 22 through July 12 (Extended Entry Deadline). An application fee applies to each category entered.
Can I submit my invention to be considered in more than one category?
Yes, you can select additional categories at an incremental cost of $495 during the Early Entry Deadline and $695 through the Final Deadline. Keep in mind that inventions can only be recognized once per year. In the event that your invention receives high marks in multiple categories, TIME’s editors will determine which category is the best fit.
Can I submit more than one invention?
Yes, provided that you complete a separate application for each one.
My invention did not debut in 2024. Can I still apply?
Yes, provided that your invention has hit—or is expected to hit—a major milestone between Nov. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024. 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.
My invention is in the prototype or conceptual phase. Can I still apply?
Yes, provided that your invention can demonstrate proof of concept and is well on its way to becoming reality. If your invention will remain in the prototype or conceptual phase for the foreseeable future, please apply under the Experimental category. If you have other questions about eligibility, please contact [email protected].
My invention has not been publicly announced. Can I still apply?
Yes, provided it will be publicly announced on or before Oct. 15, 2024. If you have specific questions about confidentiality, please contact [email protected].
When will the list be published?
October 2024. Exact timing will be announced at a later date.
Where will the list be published?
The list will appear and be promoted across the following TIME channels, reaching our global audience of 120 Million:
- TIME’s print magazine
- TIME’s website
- X (Formerly known as Twitter)
Is the list ranked?
No, the list is not ranked. All 200 inventions are designated TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024. An additional 50 Special Mention inventions will be named, and all 50 will be designated as Special Mentions.
How will my invention be recognized by TIME?
At minimum, if we select your invention to appear on the list, it will receive a short write-up outlining what it does and why it’s groundbreaking. Select Best Inventions may also appear on the cover of TIME.
How could my invention be promoted in connection with the list?
TIME cannot make guarantees about external promotion. However, in the past, TIME’s Best Inventions list has received extensive global media coverage. You and/or your company will also have the option to license TIME’s Best Inventions content and seal for use in your own marketing and promotional materials.
What’s the application deadline?
All applications must be received and fully completed on or before May 17, 2024 at 11:59:59 p.m. P.T. to be eligible for Early Entry pricing, June 21, 2024 at 11:59:59 p.m. P.T to be eligible ahead of the Final Entry Deadline, and July 12, 2024 at 11:59:59 p.m. P.T. to be eligible for Extended Entry Deadline pricing.
When will I know if my invention has been named to the final list of Best Inventions?
We will notify applicants on a rolling basis in October 2024, prior to the list publication.
