Seattle-area innovators made a strong showing on Time’s 2026 Best Inventions list released Thursday, claiming spots for breakthroughs ranging from a tactile sports tablet for low-vision fans to an ultrasonic chef’s knife.
The annual roundup — featuring 300 innovations, with Apple CEO John Ternus and the new iPhone Duo gracing the cover — includes startups like Yoodli, Tin Can, and OneCourt, alongside major regional hardware operations like SpaceX’s Redmond-based Starlink team and Bellevue’s Valve.
While the main headline focused on Apple’s leadership transition and new flagship hardware, the Pacific Northwest’s outsized presence on this year’s list highlights the region’s growing influence across everything from consumer AI and assistive hardware to outdoor gear.
Among the region’s tech giants, Amazon landed two spots on the list, for both its Amazon Pharmacy Kiosk in the medical category and its voice-directed Proteus warehouse robots in logistics. But Microsoft was shut out entirely, missing a placement in both the main 300 list and special mentions.
“These are creations changing how we live, work, play, and think about what’s possible,” Time’s editor’s wrote, adding that each contender was evaluated on key factors, including originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact.
Here’s a breakdown of regional innovations honored by Time:
OneCourt (Accessibility): Developed a tactile tablet that translates real-time player and ball data into physical vibrations, allowing blind and low-vision fans to track live sports action with their fingertips.
Yoodli (Education): Recognized for its AI platform for human skills, which uses realistic AI roleplays and real-time coaching to help users build and practice workplace communication skills.
Tin Can (Parenting): Earned a spot for its landline-style home phone built specifically for kids, offering a safe way for families to stay connected without screens.
Seattle Ultrasonics C-200 (Food & Drink): Created by Modernist Cuisine alum Scott Heimendinger, this ultrasonic chef’s knife vibrates tens of thousands of times per second to slice effortlessly through food.
SpaceX Starlink V5 (Connectivity): Engineered by SpaceX’s team in Redmond, the newest internet terminal is roughly 35% smaller and 52% lighter than its predecessor, making on-the-go satellite connectivity easier to mount and deploy.
Valve Steam Machine (Entertainment & Gaming): The Bellevue-based gaming giant made the list for its latest hardware push to bring PC gaming into the living room.
NBBJ (Architecture): The legendary Seattle-founded architecture firm was recognized for its design of the Life and Mind Building at the University of Oxford.
Pebblebee Halo (Privacy & Security): Created by the Issaquah-based startup founded by former Boeing engineers, earning a special mention for its latest tracking and safety hardware.
Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft (Outdoors): Honored for its ultra-comfortable sleeping pad, designed under Seattle-based parent company Cascade Designs.
Superfeet ME3D (Sports & Fitness): Selected for its personalized 3D-printed insoles, crafted by the Ferndale, Wash.-based footwear innovation company.
Several other Pacific Northwest companies made the cut. Three Vancouver, B.C., startups earned recognition: 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 real-time coaching goggles. And in Oregon, Nike secured a spot in apparel for its innovative ACG cooling running shirt.
The Oct. 26 issue of Time goes on sale on Friday.