Lunar New Year 2026 - The Year of the Fire Horse
On 17 February, the Year of the Fire Horse begins. As we stride into this dynamic year, we reflect on the innovations that emerged in previous Fire Horse years and look ahead with anticipation to what 2026 may reveal. Happy Lunar New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai.
This rare 60-year alignment combines the Horse’s strength, independence and momentum with the Fire element’s ambition and intensity — signalling a year defined by decisive action and confident forward movement.
When innovation accelerates
Previous Fire Horse years have coincided with moments when innovation gathered pace and industries were reshaped.
In 1966, NASA’s Lunar Orbiter missions began mapping the Moon, providing critical data that enabled future Apollo landings and advancing space exploration. That same year, Surveyor 1 achieved the first successful American soft landing on the lunar surface, transmitting thousands of images that transformed understanding of the Moon’s terrain.
Earlier in the Fire Horse cycle, 1906 marked a period of rapid advancement in wireless communication. Reginald Fessenden’s Christmas Eve broadcast demonstrated the practical transmission of voice and music via radio waves, an important step toward modern broadcasting and global communications networks.
These milestones reflect the dynamic spirit of the Fire Horse — bold, forward-moving and transformative.
Innovation and IP in 2026
The Year of the Fire Horse favours momentum — but sustained progress requires clarity and protection.
For organisations advancing science, technology and emerging industries, intellectual property plays a vital role in turning innovation into lasting impact. Strong IP strategy helps ensure bold ideas not only gather pace, but maintain their lead.
As Lunar New Year 2026 unfolds, we look forward to seeing the innovation this dynamic year will bring.
Happy Lunar New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai.