It is challenging to definitively rank the top 10 technological breakthroughs of a given year, as advancements can vary across different industries and disciplines. However, here are some notable technological breakthroughs of 2021 based on their impact and significance:

1. mRNA Vaccines (COVID-19): The development and successful deployment of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, marked a major milestone in vaccine technology and revolutionized the fight against the pandemic.

2. Quantum Computing: Several significant advancements in quantum computing were made, including breakthroughs in error correction, increasing qubit counts, and achieving longer coherence times. Companies like IBM, Google, and others contributed to these developments.

3. Neuralink Brain-Machine Interface: Elon Musk’s Neuralink demonstrated their brain-machine interface technology, enabling direct communication between the brain and computers. This breakthrough has potential applications in healthcare, prosthetics, and artificial intelligence.

4. CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing: CRISPR continued to be refined and improved, allowing for precise gene editing and potential treatment of genetic diseases. Researchers made progress in using CRISPR to develop innovative therapies and improve its efficiency.

5. Sustainable Energy Technologies: The renewable energy sector witnessed advancements with the development of more efficient solar panels, next-generation wind turbines, and improved energy storage systems. These technologies contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

6. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advancements: AI made significant strides with breakthroughs in natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning. GPT-3, OpenAI’s powerful language model, and other AI-based applications demonstrated considerable potential.

7. 3D Printing Innovations: The field of 3D printing continued to evolve with breakthroughs in new materials, faster printing technologies, and larger-scale applications. 3D bioprinting also progressed, allowing for the creation of functional human tissues.

8. Robotics and Automation: Robots and automation made significant progress in various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. Advancements in machine learning and sensor technologies heightened their capabilities, making them more adaptable and intelligent.

9. Space Exploration Developments: 2021 witnessed milestones in space exploration, including the successful landing of NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars and the launch of SpaceX’s Inspiration4 mission—the first all-civilian crew mission to orbit.

10. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR technologies experienced advancements in terms of hardware, software, and applications. These technologies found broader applications in fields like gaming, training, healthcare, and design.

These breakthroughs represent just a few examples of the many advancements in technology that occurred in 2021. Numerous other innovations in diverse fields, including materials science, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and more, also contributed to the year’s technological progress.