SPECIAL MENTION: Fair-trade focused companies face a dilemma: how can they prove their product comes from where they say it does? Enter BanQu, a blockchain-based technology that digitally logs every single transaction—from the small-scale farmer that sells raw materials to the broker who buys them from the middleman. Companies can trace their supplies back to the farm they came from, ensuring not just quality, but that the farmers got a fair price. —Aryn Baker
Best Inventions
Full List
Consumer Electronics
Better Bike NavigationA Phone, Plain and SimpleBreathing EasierPro Video Made EasyListen to Your LensesSuperior ListeningFinding Peace, with BeatsThe World’s Most Advanced MattressExperimental
Sailing on SunlightA More Lifelike ProstheticA More Flexible PCFully Recyclable SneakersCutting-Edge Data StorageFood & Drink
Agriculture, UpdatedMeal Delivery, ModernizedVending VeggiesProtein-Packed CerealA Better Plant BurgerA New Breakfast BarHealth Care
Learning from Medical MistakesReducing False DiagnosesZapping MigrainesRelieving Sinus PainUltrasound to GoAn Easier ExamStopping Food PoisoningHelping HospitalsAn Easy-Access DoctorCaring for the ElderlyParenting
A Better Way to Connect with KidsA More Subtle Breast PumpHands-Free ParentingScreen Time, OutsideKeeping Kids CloseA Doll for EveryoneSocial Good
No-Wait MedsPortable PowerVitamins for AllConscious HygieneInternet, AccessiblePower to the PeopleWater, Out of Thin AirSustainability
Tracking Water PollutionGreener FlightHarnessing Wind, More EfficientlyReducing WasteKeeping Food FreshRecycling PollutionRepurposing PlasticTransportation
Cleaning Up PickupsAn Extra-Powerful Electric BicycleA Solar-Power FirstAn Easier E-SkateboardHacking the E-BikeA Serious ScooterAd Dollars for Uber DriversSpecial Mentions
Waterproof, But BreathableTracking Clean WaterPain-Free SkiingFinding A Quiet PlaceNo Key Left BehindAn Assistant for the ElderlyA Simpler Universal RemoteA Delicious Non-Dairy DessertCutting Lawn ChemicalsA Digital SneakerSex Ed, Via TextStopping Workplace DiscriminationA Personalized PadlockStylish Smart GlassesA Sustainable SnackVerifying Fair TradeA Double-Duty SweatshirtHealthier CaninesA Better FitA Robocall RoadblockMaking Fulfillment More EfficientRecycled ShoesImproving The Hospital ExperienceA Fitting Room, OnlineSafer School ExperimentsCleaning Up NylonA New Way To ConnectA Better Eco-Friendly FabricA Fun And Functional Phone CaseInsurance For GoodAccessibility
Augmented & Virtual Reality
Beauty
Consumer Electronics
Design
Education
Entertainment
Experimental
Food & Drink
Gaming
Health Care
Home
Parenting
Productivity
Social Good
Sports
Style
Sustainability
Transportation
Wellness
Special Mentions
TIME may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.