Best Inventions 2022
Every year, TIME recognizes products, software and services that are solving compelling problems in creative ways. We look for inventions across all categories—including technology, beauty, health care, food, home and entertainment—that are making the world better, smarter or even a bit more fun. This prestigious list, curated by the editors of TIME, has generated more than 650 million global media impressions.
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Best Inventions from past years have included everything from a faster running shoe and plant-based pork to smarter electric cars and groundbreaking robots. (See our full list of categories here.) To be considered, your invention must have achieved—or be expected to achieve—at least one major milestone between November 2021 and September 2022. These could include debuting as a product, surpassing a sales goal, winning a major industry accolade, securing an important partnership, or unveiling a working prototype, among other accomplishments. We're featuring several new categories this year, including Automotive, Green Energy, Metaverse and more.
Entries are considered by TIME’s editors and evaluated on a number of criteria. The final, unranked list will include inventions sourced from applications as well as from TIME’s independent reporting. All told, TIME will recognize 200 inventions.
The full Best Inventions list will be published in fall 2022. It will appear in TIME’s print magazine and on TIME’s website (combined global audience of 100 million). It will be promoted across TIME’s social channels, including on Twitter (18 million followers), Facebook (13 million fans) and Instagram (11 million followers). There is a possibility that one or more of the Best Inventions will be featured on the cover of TIME, as well. For more information, check out our past winners, privacy policy, official rules and FAQs.
The Selection Process
Categories
Accessibility
Improvements for the elderly and people living with disabilities
Artificial Intelligence
Breakthroughs in AI
Augmented & Virtual Reality
Advancements in AR and VR
Consumer Electronics
Technology that improves everyday life
Connectivity
Upgrading communications and keeping our relationships strong
Beauty
Developments in cosmetics, skin care, and more
New ways to consume music, movies, TV, games and more
Entertainment & Gaming
Elevating how we learn
Education
Products with innovative physical designs
Design
Propelling exercise and the athletic experience forward
Fitness
Helping us save, manage, and invest our money
Finance
Inventions (including concept inventions) that illustrate what's possible
Experimental
Inventions used in the home to safeguard and monitor your health
Home Health
Inventions used in doctors' offices and in the hospital that alleviate discomfort, illness and injury (including pharmaceuticals)
Medical Care
Shaking up how we eat and drink
Food & Drink
Aids for parents as they raise children
Parenting
Options that make for better, safer outdoor activities
Outdoors
Helping users perform tasks around the home
Household
Supporting underprivileged communities
Social Good
Streamlining the way we work
Productivity
Building smarter machines
Robotics
Advancements that help people and/or things move from one place to another
Transportation
Innovations that help the environment
Sustainability
Updates to what we wear and how we dress
Style
Inventions that improve how we play
Toys & Play
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
Please send all inquires to bestinventions@time.com.
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Best Inventions from past years have included everything from personal air purifiers and low-calorie ice cream
to smarter electric cars and groundbreaking robots. (See our full list of categories here.) To be considered, your invention must have achieved—or be expected to achieve—at least one major milestone between Oct. 1, 2019, and Sept. 30, 2020. These could include debuting as a product, surpassing a sales goal, winning a major industry accolade, securing an important partnership, or unveiling a working prototype, among other accomplishments.
Making it easier to live a healthier life—both mentally and physically
Wellness
Advancements that help people and/or things move from one place to another
Transportation
Accessories that aid explorations
Travel
Tools that power our digital world
Apps & Software
New
New
New
New
Applications Now Closed
2022
Developing safer, cleaner cars and trucks
Automotive
New
Disrupting and decentralizing money—and more
Crypto and Blockchain
New
Innovations in cleaner fuels, better batteries and alternative power
Green Energy
New
Expanding what's possible in virtual worlds
Metaverse
New
The latest and greatest phones, tablets, and other on-the-go gadgets
Mobile
New
Developing safer, cleaner cars and trucks
Automotive
Disrupting and decentralizing money—and more
Crypto and Blockchain
Innovations in cleaner fuels, better batteries and alternative power
Green Energy
New
The latest and greatest phones, tablets, and other on-the-go gadgets
Mobile
Expanding what's possible in virtual worlds
Metaverse
New
New
New
New
