Time unveils its 2026 list of the 100 most influential people in artificial intelligence

Time magazine has published the cover of its latest issue announcing the 2026 TIME100 AI project, a ranking of the hundred individuals shaping artificial intelligence worldwide. The list is split into three categories — Leaders, Innovators and Shapers — a structure intended to reflect the range of roles that researchers, executives and policymakers play in steering the technology.

Ayesha Javed oversaw the project as editor-in-chief, supported by an editorial team that included Alex Altman, Merrill Fabry, Dan Maxai, Kate Matius, Gabriella Riccardi, Lily Rothman, Diana Sarkisova and Karl Vick. 16 reporters carried out the research and writing: Harry Booth, Charlie Campbell, Andrew Chow, Steve Pris, Natasha Frost, Aimee Gutt, Alex Heath, Amrita Khalid, Jeffrey Kluger, Megan McCluskey, Alice Park, Billy Perrigo, Tharin Pillay, Simon Shah, Chris Stokel-Walker, Justin Worland and Javeria Wright.

Skye Quinn and Lon Tweeten led design and art direction. Audience and distribution were handled by Diana Albasha, Helen Ray, Cary Sonde and Alena Uvarova. Eric Torres and Javeria Wright managed the digital operation. Naomy Pedroza directed photography. Video production was overseen by Brian Braganza, Man Sam Lai, Joey Lautrup and Alex Robson.