Europe’s next generation of innovators is being invited to step forward, with 35 outstanding researchers, founders and inventors set to be recognised at an awards ceremony in Rome in autumn 2027.
The search is on for Europe’s next generation of innovators, as applications open for MIT Technology Review Italia’s Innovators Under 35 Europe 2027.
The programme recognises young researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers and inventors developing technologies with the potential to make a meaningful difference to society, science and the economy. Its 2027 edition will have a special European milestone, with Italy hosting the awards ceremony for the first time. Thirty-five innovators will be honoured in Rome in autumn 2027.
Launched at Maker Faire Rome on 23 October, the initiative is part of MIT Technology Review’s global Innovators Under 35 programme, established in 1999. This year’s European edition is promoted by MIT Technology Review Italia in collaboration with eFM and Opinno, with support from ROAD – Rome Advanced District and Eni.
Its guiding principle is ‘Tech for Humanity’: recognising technology that responds to human needs and environmental challenges.
“With Innovators Under 35 Europe, we want to build a European community of innovators that can identify and bring to the fore the talented people who will shape the future of our society,” said Daniele Di Fausto, CEO of eFM and Chairman of MIT Technology Review Italia.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to people working across universities, research centres, start-ups, established businesses and independent projects. Candidates can apply themselves or be nominated by someone else, including a colleague, university, research organisation, company or investor. Anyone nominated must complete their own application to be considered.
Applicants must be at least 18 by the closing date, remain under 35 throughout 2027, and hold a passport or residence permit from one of the eligible countries.
The selection process will assess candidates across nine areas of impact, including biotechnology and medicine, artificial intelligence, energy, advanced materials, robotics and mobility, climate technology and cybersecurity. Judges will consider the innovation itself, its potential impact and the contribution made by the individual behind it.
Applications are open until 15 May 2027.
Recognising the innovators shaping tomorrow
The global Innovators Under 35 programme has a history of identifying people whose work goes on to influence major areas of technology and business. Its past honourees include Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, recognised in 2007; Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek, in 2012; and Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom, in 2015. AI researcher Ilya Sutskever was also recognised in 2015 for his work in deep learning at Google Brain.
The European programme has highlighted talent from across the continent, too. Among its previous honourees are Croatian entrepreneur Mate Rimac, recognised in 2018 for electric hypercars and electric mobility technologies, and Czech founder Josef Průša, honoured that same year for making open-source 3D printing more accessible.
Other recognised innovators include Oxford researcher Yarin Gal, whose work on uncertainty in artificial intelligence was highlighted in 2019; Alfons Carnicero Carmona, co-founder of Spanish rehabilitation technology company ABLE Human Motion, in 2022; and Bárbara Oliveira, co-founder of Ireland’s Luminate Medical, in 2023, for medical devices designed to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
Building a connected European innovation community
Beyond the awards, Innovators Under 35 Europe aims to connect researchers, businesses, universities, institutions and professionals across the continent. The programme also offers innovators visibility through its editorial and media channels, helping bring their work to a wider audience.
Recognising emerging talent matters not only because of what these individuals have already achieved, but because of the possibilities their ideas represent. From healthcare and climate technology to AI and advanced engineering, the innovations being developed today will help shape the choices and challenges facing Europe tomorrow.
With the 2027 awards coming to Rome, the programme offers a platform for the people working to turn those possibilities into reality.
Applications close on 15 May 2027. Find eligibility criteria, application and nomination details, and information about joining the community at iu35europe.com.
