Today marks the publication of the third annual edition of the , our comprehensive overview of the most influential individuals in artificial intelligence. This list was first introduced in 2023, following OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT, a pivotal moment when many recognized AI’s capacity to rival and surpass human abilities. Our objective was to demonstrate that AI’s future trajectory would be shaped by people—innovators, advocates, artists, and all those invested in this technology’s evolution—rather than by machines alone. TIME’s goal is to serve as your reliable guide throughout this transformative period.
This year’s list further underscores our focus on people. A major AI narrative in 2025 has been the fierce competition for talent. Investors have channeled hundreds of millions into startups, reflecting the perceived worth of founders, and leaders of major tech companies, such as Meta’s , have reportedly extended nine-figure offers to recruit highly sought-after technologists. These hires, often accompanied by intense rumors, have transformed the previously niche competition for AI researchers into something akin to professional sports free agency. The stakes in this race are so high that leading researchers are courted much like NBA All-Stars. (Notably, two of Zuckerberg’s significant hires, , are also featured on the 2025 TIME100 AI alongside him.)
Since the launch of the TIME100 AI, spending on AI-related technologies has surged, making it a critical engine of the global economy. While it’s too early to determine if this trend is beneficial or detrimental, investment in computer-processing equipment is currently expanding at nearly four times the rate of GDP. A computer scientist and 2025 honoree estimates that the projected expenditure could be 25 times the amount spent on the Manhattan Project, even when adjusted for inflation. This represents an unprecedented deployment of capital, and the decisions regarding its allocation are being made by many individuals who are part of this year’s TIME100 AI community, including Softbank CEO , OpenAI CEO , xAI founder , the White House AI Czar , and the E.U.’s .
Also in this issue, we highlight how the decisions made by these individuals are transforming not only the technology industry but also our daily lives and potentially the strategies for future conflicts. Justin Worland and photographer Elliot Ross journeyed to Atlanta to illustrate how physical spaces, such as data centers, which enable AI, are . Meanwhile, Billy Perrigo reports from Paris on the significant implications and inherent risks associated with the intense pursuit of artificial general intelligence.
Behind the Cover:
The AI industry is evolving at a rapid pace. (Only 16 of the TIME100 AI honorees have appeared on previous lists, which were overseen by Ayesha Javed.) As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, the number of voices cautioning about its developments has also grown. These critical voices are recognized on this year’s list, including , researcher , and French Minister . The list also features artists who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and exploring the synergy between humans and AI, such as , who designed this issue’s cover image, and actor . “I understand the excitement that AI ignites in people. Life is daunting,” Lyonne shared with TIME. “The reality is, it’s upon us. I believe it’s best we embrace it.”
TIME is also actively embracing this evolution. In addition to fostering the TIME100 AI community, we are expanding our team of reporters dedicated to covering the individuals and concepts driving AI. Some of their work can be found in a new newsletter, “[Newsletter Name],” authored by Perrigo and Andrew R. Chow. We are also exploring how AI can enhance the distribution of TIME’s coverage. Our collaborations with AI companies like OpenAI have helped establish TIME as one of the most frequently cited sources of information on platforms such as ChatGPT. Furthermore, this summer, in partnership with Scale AI, we introduced our first AI audio briefings. We are eagerly anticipating the debut of the TIME AI Agent soon, which is designed to deliver the most interactive and personalized reading experience ever for TIME’s trusted reporting.