NTT's "Lightning Drone" Named to TIME's Best Inventions of 2025

NTT's demonstrated technology, the Lightning Drone^1,2 has been selected for TIME's Best Inventions of 2025, in the "Experimental" category, which highlights concept inventions and prototypes showing future potential. This marks the first time that an NTT technology has been recognized on the list.

Photography by Spencer Lowell for TIME

The Best Inventions of 2025 features 300 extraordinary innovations changing our lives. To compile this year's list, TIME solicited nominations from TIME editors and correspondents around the world, paying special attention to growing fields such as health care and AI. Each entry was then evaluated on a number of key factors, including originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact.³

In December 2024, NTT became the first in the world to successfully conduct an experiment that artificially triggered and guided lightning using a drone. This technology has attracted attention as an innovative approach distinct from conventional lightning protection methods. Once deployed in practice, it is expected to significantly reduce lightning-related damage and enhance public safety, even in areas without traditional lightning rods.

NTT will continue to advance its research and accelerate practical applications, taking on social challenges and delivering world-leading technologies that help shape the future.

Concept image of the Lightning Drone