MIT Technology Review has named nine young innovators in its 2026 climate and energy category, focusing on AI, critical materials, and industrial sustainability.
Key facts
- •MIT Technology Review’s 2026 list includes nine innovators in the climate and energy category.
- •Jae-Won Chung is working to make AI models more energy-efficient.
- •Lithium shortages could potentially occur within this decade as demand for batteries increases.
- •Steel production currently accounts for about 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- •Jinyoung Seo is developing solid refrigerants that could lower energy use by 20%.
MIT Technology Review has released its 2026 list of innovators under 35, featuring nine individuals in the climate and energy category. These researchers and inventors are addressing global challenges ranging from AI energy efficiency and lithium extraction to industrial decarbonization. The selection highlights how young innovators are utilizing machine learning and material science to tackle climate change across diverse economic sectors.
By the numbers
AI and Energy Efficiency
Artificial intelligence plays a dual role in the work of these innovators, serving as both a tool for climate research and a sector requiring its own sustainability improvements. Jae-Won Chung is developing software to measure and reduce the energy demands of open-source AI models. Meanwhile, Jing Wei is using machine learning to integrate data from satellites and weather stations to track pollution, and Zhonghua Zheng is creating climate models specifically designed for city-scale analysis.
Critical Mineral Extraction
As demand for lithium-ion batteries grows, innovators are seeking more efficient ways to secure critical minerals. Mohammad Alkhadra, CEO of Lithios, is working to accelerate lithium extraction from brine, while Benjamin Mowbray of Rock Zero is focused on making the extraction of lithium from hardrock ore more cost-effective.
Industrial and Material Innovation
Several innovators are targeting emissions in heavy industry and manufacturing. Laureen Meroueh is developing a furnace to simplify steel production, a sector responsible for approximately 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Other projects include Joseph Nguthiru’s bioplastics made from invasive weeds, Diana Orembe’s fish food derived from food waste, and Jinyoung Seo’s solid refrigerants, which aim to reduce energy consumption by 20% compared to conventional technology.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by MIT Technology Review.
