Joby Aviation Named One of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026
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Santa Cruz's electric aviation pioneer joins a growing list of local innovators recognized by TIME.
Santa Cruz-based Joby Aviation has been named to TIME's Best Inventions of 2026, earning national recognition for its all-electric air taxi and its potential to transform urban transportation.
The aircraft, designed to carry four passengers and a pilot, uses six tilting propellers to take off vertically before transitioning into forward flight. TIME highlighted its potential to dramatically reduce travel times, pointing to a recent test flight that covered the journey from Midtown Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport in just 10 minutes. Joby is continuing to pursue Federal Aviation Administration certification before launching commercial passenger operations.
Joby joins a growing list of Santa Cruz-area innovators recognized by TIME. In 2023, Cruz Foam's sustainable packaging and CIONIC's Neural Sleeve, developed by a company with operations in Scotts Valley, earned places on the annual list. In 2025, Santa Cruz startup Surf Skull and CIONIC's second-generation Neural Sleeve received special mentions. Two additional inventions recognized in 2025 benefited from significant contributions by UC Santa Cruz researchers.
For Joby, which began its work in the Santa Cruz Mountains more than 15 years ago, the honor adds to a growing record of aviation milestones. For the region, it is another example of locally developed technology earning international attention.
Santa Cruz Works congratulates the entire Joby team on this well-deserved recognition.
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