This is today's edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter delivering a daily dose of what's happening in the world of technology.
How We Selected 35 of the World's Top Young Scientists and Engineers
On September 8, 2026, MIT Technology Review will unveil its annual Innovators Under 35 list, honoring 35 young individuals from across the globe who are pushing the boundaries of scientific research and engineering innovative solutions to complex challenges.
By scouting the brightest young minds in technology, we provide readers with a forward-looking glimpse into the breakthroughs that will shape the coming years. This process also allows our editorial team to identify emerging talent and connect with some of the most promising early-career researchers in the fields we cover.
This year, we received a record 550 nominations. Discover how we narrowed the field to 35 innovators who are redefining the future of technology, and browse last year's honorees for additional context.
—Amy Nordrum
How the “Censorship-Industrial Complex” Is Reshaping the Internet
In a related development, recent reports highlight an emerging “censorship-industrial complex” that is fundamentally altering the digital landscape. As governments and corporations ramp up content moderation, the internet is becoming more fragmented, with implications for free expression and access to information.
Additionally, security experts have warned of an “unprecedented” AI-powered cyberattack targeting Taiwan, linked to China-based hackers. This incident underscores the growing intersection of geopolitics, advanced technology, and cybersecurity, a trend likely to intensify through 2026 and beyond.
Stay tuned to The Download for ongoing coverage of these evolving stories.