The future prospects of the data center community rely on the emergence of a new generation, ready to pick up the baton and take the sector on towards undreamt-of achievements. Past winners have gone on to build successful careers while raising the profile of the companies that employ them.

New technologies and new platforms require new skills, so this category is open to the whole mission critical stack, including not only M&E but also systems, architecture and software professionals. Judges will be looking for a track record of achievement in project leadership and delivery as well as a higher profile in our industry than their years would suggest.

What the judges are looking for

The judging panel will be looking to shortlist young engineers that have demonstrated successful project leadership and delivery and have burgeoning profiles that belie their age. Perhaps they have been involved in key company successes or are progressing through their organization unusually quickly or are already technical innovators in their own right.

Who can enter

This category is open to any individual actively involved in the mission critical domain whether they work in data center design, operations, management, systems architecture or even software engineering. To qualify, the individual must be aged 30 or under on December 1, 2024.