Category 15
Tech Education & Academia
University professors, bootcamp instructors, EdTech innovators, researchers bridging academia and industry, mentors building the next generation of tech leaders.
Opens Sunday, September 13, 2026 ← All categories
Who should apply
- University professors teaching CS, IT, AI, or cybersecurity
- Bootcamp instructors and coding academy trainers
- EdTech innovators building learning platforms or tools
- Researchers bridging academia and industry with practical impact
- Mentors and coaches developing the next generation of tech talent
What judges look for
- Measurable impact on student or mentee career outcomes
- Curriculum or teaching innovations adopted by others
- Research with real-world industry applications
- Community building — workshops, talks, open courses
- Evidence of developing leaders, not just technically skilled graduates
Eligibility
Universal criteria
Experience & leadership
3–5+ years in technology, mid-tier (non-CXO) roles, proven leadership and impact.
Innovation & creativity
Demonstrated problem-solving and creative solutions within your field.
Growth & mentorship
Continuous learning plus developing others through mentorship or training.
Adaptability & resilience
Proven resilience through crises or significant organizational change.
Ethics & responsibility
High ethical standards, diversity & inclusion, community and sustainability work.
Candidates
Nominees in Tech Education & Academia
Showing 21 of 129 applicants
Sara Khan
NomineeShahzaib
NomineeSheikh Muhammad Munaf
⭐ FinalistSher Jan
NomineeSumbul Mohammad saleem
NomineeSwaiba Mazahir Zaidi
NomineeSyed Abdul Wajid
NomineeSyed Ali Shiraz
NomineeSyed Atir Iftikhar
⭐ FinalistSYED IRFAN ALI KAZMI
NomineeSyeda Komal Rizvi
NomineeSyeda laiba fayaz
NomineeTahir Baloch
NomineeTalal Tanveer
NomineeTooba Khan
NomineeUmna iftikhar
⭐ FinalistUrooj Seemeen
NomineeUzma Noorulhaq
NomineeWasil Gulraiz
NomineeZahid Hussain
NomineeZAIN ALI
NomineeCommon questions
FAQ
I teach at a university but also run a startup. Which category do I apply to?
Choose the category that best represents your primary impact. If your teaching and mentoring is your main contribution, apply here. If your startup is the main story, apply to Tech Entrepreneurship.
I am a teaching assistant, not a professor. Can I apply?
Yes. If you are actively mentoring and developing students, you qualify. The award is about leadership and impact, not job title.
My research has not been published yet. Can I apply?
Yes. If your work has practical impact on students or the industry, it qualifies. Published research strengthens the application but is not required.
Applications open Sunday, September 13, 2026
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