Innovation has become an endeavor without borders. And nowhere is that more evident than in this years TR100Technology Reviews selection of 100 top innovators under 35a group that demonstrates that the barriers to innovation, both geographical and disciplinary, are crumbling. The TR100 for 2004, the fourth year that Technology Review has named its list of innovators, hail from places as varied as Singapore, Boston, South Korea, Israel, China, and Indiaand many are developing technologies that defy easy classification, often fusing recent advances in computing, medicine, and nanotech. On the list, youll find leading academic researchers, entrepreneurs, social advocates for technology, and even experts in high-tech entertainment. In short, the TR100 represent the diversity of those using technology to transform the world around us.

Choosing the top young innovators is a challenging joband not something we take lightly. Beginning more than a year ago, TR began scouring the world for nominees. As in years past, our editors then relied heavily on an expert panel of judges (see TR100 Judges 2004) who carefully whittled down the list, initially more than 600 entries, to the very best and brightest. These are incredibly talented and hardworking people, youll read about their achievements and visions. Collectively this group provides an eye-opening picture of the future of technology. Youll also read of past TR100 members, many of whom have continued to make world-transforming contributions to technology.