TIME has unveiled its 2026 TIME100 Next list, recognizing 100 emerging leaders across business, technology, artificial intelligence, entertainment, sports, science, politics and other fields whose work is influencing the next generation of global leadership.
The 2026 edition features three worldwide covers highlighting singer-songwriter Raye, actor Ashley Padilla and comedian Druski.
TIME launched TIME100 Next in 2019 as an extension of its annual TIME100 franchise, with a focus on emerging figures whose influence is developing both within and outside traditional institutions.
TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs said the publication’s editorial team spent months working with colleagues around the world to identify individuals connected to some of the major issues shaping society. This year’s themes include access to education, artificial intelligence, immigration and emerging forms of political leadership.
AI, Technology and Business Leaders Gain Recognition
Business and technology have a significant presence on the 2026 list, reflecting the growing influence of entrepreneurs and executives building companies across AI, financial technology and other emerging industries.
Among those selected are Luana Lopes Lara, Tarek Mansour, Yang Zilin, Max Jaderberg, Lauren Ireland, Marianna Hewitt, Michael D. Ratner, Michael Truell, Tosin Eniolorunda, Rati Sahi Levesque, Pawan Kumar Chandana, Hosam Arab, Yotam Segev, Brendan Foody, Julia Reichelstein and Cristina Etcheberry.
The inclusion of AI and technology leaders comes as investment, infrastructure development and competition around artificial intelligence continue to reshape businesses and industries globally.
Entertainment, Music and Sports Represent a New Generation of Influence
The entertainment category includes Druski, Ashley Padilla, Charles Melton, Eiza González, Joey King, Chase Sui Wonders, Molly Gordon, Cooper Hoffman and Himesh Patel, among others.
Musicians recognized this year include Raye, Troye Sivan, PinkPantheress, Megan Moroney, Conan Gray, Alex Warren and Sombr.
In sports, TIME selected figures including Arch Manning, Tyrese Maxey, Naomi Girma, Alexandra Eala, Folarin Balogun, Olivia Miles and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
At 15, Indian cricket player Sooryavanshi is the youngest person included in the 2026 list. TIME does not impose an age requirement for TIME100 Next.
Science, Space and Global Leadership Featured
The list also recognizes scientists and innovators working across space, health and other research fields, including Anna Menon, Yu Deng, Jane Burston, Mathilde Poyet, Mathieu Groussin, Katherine Dafforn, Adrien Bilal and Olivier Nsengimana.
Political and public figures from the United States include Andy Kim, Jake Auchincloss, Maxwell Frost, Katie Britt, James Blair and Andrew Ferguson.
International policymakers and political figures include Peter Magyar, Heidi Reichinnek, Rob Jetten, Shamma Al Mazrui, Naama Lazimi, Martha Wangari Wanjira, Siviwe Gwarube, Luis Carlos Rúa, Shoko Kawata and Anika Wells.
TIME100 Next Event Set for New York
TIME will bring together members of the 2026 list at its sixth annual TIME100 Next event on Oct. 29 in New York City.
The program is scheduled to include a musical performance by Raye and appearances by Druski, Conan Gray and Eiza González. Ashley Padilla is also expected to deliver remarks.
TIME will additionally present its TIME Earth Award to Saie founder and CEO Laney Crowell during the event.
The TIME100 Next format also pairs honorees with established figures who write tributes about their work. This year’s contributors include LeBron James, Matthew McConaughey, Natalie Portman, Rafael Nadal, Anya Taylor-Joy, Trevor Noah, Kylie Minogue, Bill Nye and Alex Morgan.
