Image Credits∔
Best Inventions 2019
Image Credits∔
Best Inventions 2019
Every year, TIME highlights the Best Inventions that are making the world better, smarter and even a bit more fun. It’s a widely recognized and prestigious designation, generating over 250 million global media impressions1 each year. And now, TIME is accepting applications.

While the entry period for the 2019 edition is now closed,
you can sign up to be notified about Best Inventions 2020.
So, what makes a Best Invention? TIME is looking for products, software and services that are solving compelling problems in creative ways. 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 Nov. 1, 2018, and Sept. 30, 2019. These could include debuting, expanding, reaching a key sales target and/or securing an important partnership, among other accomplishments.
Entries will be considered by TIME’s editors and evaluated on a number of criteria. The final list, which is unranked, will include inventions sourced from applications as well as inventions sourced from TIME’s independent reporting. All told, TIME will recognize 100 inventions across a wide array of categories—double the amount we featured last year.
The full Best Inventions list will be published in mid-November. It will appear in TIME’s print magazine (18 million weekly readers2) and on TIME’s website (32.5 million monthly unique visitors3). It will be promoted across TIME’s social channels, including on Twitter (16 million followers), Facebook (12.9 million fans) and Instagram (7.2 million followers). There is a possibility that one or more of the Best Inventions will be featured on the cover of TIME, as well.


The entry period for Best Inventions 2019 is now closed. If you would like to be notified about Best Inventions 2020, please click here.
Categories
Accessibility
Inventions that improve life for the elderly and people living with disabilities
Artificial Intelligence
Inventions that break new ground in AI
Augmented & Virtual Reality
Inventions that break new ground in AR or VR
Automotive
Inventions that improve the driving experience
Beauty
Inventions that break new ground in cosmetics, skin care and more
Consumer Electronics
Inventions that use technology to improve everyday life
Design
Inventions with particularly innovative physical designs
Education
Inventions that improve learning
Entertainment
Inventions that help us consume music, movies, TV and more
Experimental
Inventions designed to spark imagination and illustrate what’s possible (including concept inventions)
Food & Drink
Inventions that improve what and how we eat and drink
Gaming
Inventions that improve how we play
Health Care
Inventions that alleviate discomfort, illness and injury (including pharmaceuticals)
Home
Inventions that help users perform household tasks
Outdoors
Inventions that enable better, safer outdoor activities
Parenting
Inventions that help parents raise children
Pets
Inventions aimed at dogs, cats and other animal companions
Productivity
Inventions that streamline the way we work
Security
Inventions that protect homes, phones, networks and more
Social Good
Inventions that help underprivileged communities
Sports
Inventions that improve the athletic experience
Style
Inventions that improve what we wear and how we dress
Sustainability
Inventions that help the environment
Transportation & Travel
Inventions that help move people and/or things from one place to another (excluding cars)
Wellness
Inventions that make it easier to live a healthier life, both mentally and physically
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to submit a Best Invention?
Any company, organization, agency or individual involved in creating or marketing an invention that has hit —or will hit—a major milestone between Nov. 1, 2018, and Sept. 30, 2019. Please see our official rules for more details about eligibility.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. The general application fee is $350 through May 31, 2019 (early bird price); $450 from June 1, 2019 through July 14, 2019 (standard price); and $650 from July 15, 2019 through July 31, 2019 (late price). Each application allows you to submit your invention to be considered in one category.
Can I submit my invention to be considered in more than one category?
Yes, you can select up to five (5) additional categories at an incremental cost of $100 per category. Keep in mind that inventions can only be recognized once per year. In the event that your invention receives high marks in multiple categories, TIME’s editors will determine which category is the best fit.
Can I submit more than one invention?
Yes, provided that you complete a separate application for each one.
My invention did not debut in 2019. Can I still apply?
Yes, provided that your invention has hit—or is expected to hit—a major milestone between Nov. 1, 2018, and Sept. 30, 2019. Examples of major milestones include: surpassing a sales goal, winning a major industry accolade, securing an important partnership, unveiling a working prototype and/or announcing an expansion.
My invention is in the prototype or conceptual phase. Can I still apply?
Yes, provided that your invention can demonstrate proof of concept and is well on its way to becoming reality. If your invention will remain in the prototype or conceptual phase for the foreseeable future, please apply under the Experimental category.
If you have other questions about eligibility, please contact bestinventions@time.com.
My invention has not been publicly announced. Can I still apply?
Yes, provided it will be publicly announced on or before Nov. 4, 2019. If you have specific questions about confidentiality, please contact bestinventions@time.com.
When will the list be published?
November 2019. Exact timing will be announced at a later date.
Where will the list be published?
The list will be published in TIME’s print magazine (18 million weekly readers) and on TIME’s website (32.5 million monthly unique visitors). It will also be promoted across TIME’s social channels, including on Twitter (16 million followers), Facebook (12.9 million fans) and Instagram (7.2 million followers).
Is the list ranked?
No, the list is not ranked. All 100 inventions are designated TIME’s Best Inventions of 2019.
How will my invention be recognized by TIME?
At minimum, if we select your invention to appear on the list, it will receive a short write-up outlining what it does and why it’s groundbreaking. Select Best Inventions may also appear on the cover of TIME.
How could my invention be promoted in connection with the list?
TIME cannot make guarantees about external promotion. However, in the past, TIME’s Best Inventions list has received extensive global media coverage, including segments on NBC’s Today show and CBS This Morning ; articles in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the L.A. Times and USA Today; and posts on numerous industry blogs.
You and/or your company will also have the option to license TIME’s Best Inventions content and seal for use in your own marketing and promotional materials.
What’s the application deadline?
All applications must be received on or before Jul. 31, 2019, at 11:59:59 p.m. P.T.
Update: we have extended the deadline to Aug. 5 at 11:59:59 p.m. P.T.
When will I know if my invention has been named to the final list of Best Inventions?
We will notify applicants on a rolling basis beginning on or around Nov. 4, 2019.
I have more questions. Who should I contact?
Please send all inquiries to bestinventions@time.com.
Sources: 1Muck Rack, 22019 Fall GfK MRI, 3comScore Multi Platform January 2019
Image Credits: ∔Kim Bubello for TIME; Andrew Myers for TIME (3); Lucas Zarebinski for TIME