Boston Globe Names 50 Tech Power Players, Spotlighting 8 MIT Affiliates
Updated
Updated · MIT News · Jun 18
Boston Globe Names 50 Tech Power Players, Spotlighting 8 MIT Affiliates
2 articles · Updated · MIT News · Jun 18
Summary
The Boston Globe’s 2026 “Tech Power Players” list recognized 50 Massachusetts technology and business leaders, including eight MIT affiliates led by President Sally Kornbluth and CSAIL director Daniela Rus.
The coverage cast MIT as a pillar of the state’s next tech wave, highlighting new free online AI classes, an applied “AI+X” push, and a campus “dorm-to-startup” pipeline backed by more than 150 courses and 85 entrepreneurship programs.
Student and startup activity is rising around that effort: applications to the Martin Trust Center accelerator have doubled from a year earlier, and about 800 undergraduates—nearly one-fifth of MIT’s total—attended a recent startup career fair.
The Globe also pointed to commercialization examples beyond campus, including Liquid AI’s Mercedes-Benz deal and GE Vernova’s $50 million, five-year alliance with MIT that will place 80 students in summer internships and jobs.
Across AI, energy and quantum, the report argued Massachusetts can keep its tech edge by turning university talent and research into companies, industrial partnerships and applied breakthroughs.
Can Boston's unique talent culture outmaneuver Silicon Valley's high-risk, high-reward model in the AI race?
With AI's immense promise, why do top economists disagree on its actual economic benefit?
MIT Leaders Dominate 2026 Boston Globe Tech Power Players List: AI, Innovation, and Inclusive Growth Drive Boston’s Tech Future
Overview
The Boston Globe unveiled its 2026 'Tech Power Players' list, meticulously compiled by business journalists to spotlight individuals making significant contributions to Greater Boston's tech ecosystem. The list acknowledges and celebrates innovators, leaders, and visionaries driving progress in the region. Each featured person was engaged by the Globe, offering readers direct insights from the industry's forefront. Candidates were prioritized based on economic impact, influence, mentorship, diversity, equity, inclusion, and recent achievements. This approach provides a comprehensive view of the region's top tech talent and highlights the dynamic forces shaping Boston's technology landscape.