The European edition of MIT Technology Review’s global innovation programme opened applications on October 23, 2026, seeking outstanding young innovators whose work has the potential to create meaningful impact across science, technology and society.
MIT Technology Review Italia officially launched Innovators Under 35 Europe 2027 on October 23rd at Maker Faire Rome – The European Edition, opening a Europe-wide search for the next generation of scientific, technological and entrepreneurial talent. The initiative is promoted by MIT Technology Review Italia in collaboration with eFM and Opinno, with the support of ROAD – Rome Advanced District and Eni.
Taking place at Rome’s Gazometro Ostiense, the launch marks the beginning of the European edition of Innovators Under 35, MIT Technology Review’s internationally established programme dedicated to identifying and recognising outstanding young innovators. For the first time, the award ceremony will take place in Italy, in autumn 2027, bringing together a new cohort of innovators from across the eligible European countries.
The programme recognises individuals developing breakthrough technologies, products, services and applications with the potential to address significant challenges and create meaningful impact for society, the economy and the environment. Its scope spans scientific research, engineering, advanced technologies and entrepreneurship, with a focus on innovations that have progressed beyond the initial idea and demonstrate a credible path towards real-world application.
Over the years, the global Innovators Under 35 programme has recognised individuals including Larry Page, Linus Torvalds, Mark Zuckerberg, Helen Greiner and Kostya Novoselov, highlighting its longstanding commitment to identifying promising talent and innovative work at an early stage.
Building a European community of innovators
The launch at Maker Faire Rome reflects the ambition to connect the different communities that contribute to technological progress. The event brings together academic research, maker culture, industry and investment, offering a setting in which new ideas and emerging technologies can meet the people and organisations capable of helping them develop.
“With Innovators Under 35 Europe, we want to build a European community of innovators capable of identifying and bringing to light the talent that will shape the future of our society,” said Daniele Di Fausto, CEO and Chairman of MIT Technology Review Italia and CEO of eFM.
The initiative aims to extend recognition beyond individual achievements by strengthening connections among researchers, founders, companies, investors, institutions and other participants in the innovation ecosystem. By bringing promising innovators into a wider international network, Innovators Under 35 Europe seeks to increase the visibility of their work and create opportunities for collaboration and further development.
Applications open on October 23
Applications for Innovators Under 35 Europe 2027 will open on October 23, 2026, and close on May 15, 2027. The programme is open to individuals who will be under 35 on December 31, 2027, and who live or work in one of the countries eligible for the European edition.
Candidates may apply directly or be nominated by a third party, including colleagues, peers, universities, investors and other members of the innovation community. In either case, nominated individuals must complete their own application.
The selection process will involve experts and judges from across the innovation ecosystem, assessing candidates and their work across a range of fields, including biotechnology, artificial intelligence, climate technology and cybersecurity, alongside other areas of science and engineering.
The 35 selected innovators will be recognised as MIT Innovators Under 35 Europe 2027 and celebrated at the award ceremony in Rome in autumn 2027. They will join an international community of innovators whose work spans disciplines, industries and technologies, gaining opportunities to increase the visibility of their achievements and connect with a broader network of organisations and professionals.
Join the search for Europe’s next generation of innovators
Innovators Under 35 Europe invites researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers, technologists and other emerging talents to put forward their work, while encouraging universities, companies, investors and members of the innovation community to nominate individuals whose contributions deserve wider recognition.
The initiative also welcomes organisations and professionals interested in contributing to the community as partners, judges or ambassadors, helping identify promising talent and strengthen connections across Europe’s innovation ecosystem.
The next generation of innovators is already developing the technologies and ideas that could shape the future. Innovators Under 35 Europe aims to help ensure that their work is discovered, recognised and connected with the opportunities it needs to go further.
