Seattle-area innovators made a strong showing on Time’s 2026 Best Inventions list, released Thursday. The annual roundup features 300 innovations, with Apple CEO John Ternus and the iPhone Duo on the cover. While the main headline focused on Apple’s leadership transition and new flagship hardware, the Pacific Northwest’s presence highlights its influence across sectors like consumer AI, assistive hardware, and outdoor gear.
OneCourt developed a tactile tablet that translates live sports data into physical vibrations, helping blind and low-vision fans track games by feeling real-time player and ball movements with their fingertips. Yoodli earned recognition for its AI platform, which uses realistic roleplays and real-time coaching to improve workplace communication skills, focusing on human skills development.
From Kids’ Phones to Ultrasonic Knives
Tin Can created a landline-style home phone for kids, offering families a screen-free way to stay connected safely. In culinary advancements, Seattle Ultrasonics C-200, created by Modernist Cuisine alum Scott Heimendinger, introduced an ultrasonic chef’s knife that vibrates tens of thousands of times per second, enabling effortless slicing through food.
The list also highlights SpaceX’s Redmond-based Starlink team, which engineered the Starlink V5 internet terminal, roughly 35% smaller and 52% lighter than its predecessor, making on-the-go satellite connectivity easier to mount and deploy. Valve, located in Bellevue, was recognized for its Steam Machine, designed to bring PC gaming into the living room as part of its latest hardware push.
Beyond Tech: Architecture and Outdoors
Seattle’s influence extends beyond technology. The renowned architecture firm NBBJ was honored for designing the Life and Mind Building at the University of Oxford. In outdoor innovations, Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft, developed under Seattle-based parent company Cascade Designs, earned recognition for its ultra-comfortable sleeping pad.
For sports enthusiasts, Superfeet ME3D offers personalized 3D-printed insoles, crafted by the Ferndale, Wash.-based company. Additionally, Pebblebee Halo, created by Issaquah-based startup founded by former Boeing engineers, received a special mention for its tracking and safety hardware.
Regional Impact and Broader Recognition
Beyond Washington, three Vancouver, B.C. startups stood out: Moment Energy for its clean energy storage made from second-life EV batteries, Glüxkind for its AI-powered self-pushing stroller, the Rosa, and Form for its Smart Swim 2 Pro goggles, which offer real-time coaching. In Oregon, Nike earned a spot for its ACG cooling running shirt, an innovative apparel solution for athletes.
Time’s editors emphasized that these inventions are “changing how we live, work, play, and think about what’s possible.” Each contender was evaluated on originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact. The October 26 issue of Time goes on sale on Friday.