Computing platforms don’t evolve on their own. They need to be shaped by inspired technologists. That’s the Rising Stars class of 2026: the tinkerers, explorers and questioners who aren’t just ready for what’s next, they are what’s next.
As the IBM Z and Power ecosystems embrace more technologies and concepts from the wider IT world, these practitioners and platform advocates come from an appropriately diverse range of disciplines—from web development to chemistry. Whether they’re using those backgrounds to build AI infrastructure, streamline development processes or introduce paradigm-shifting open-source frameworks, these emerging talents are already making an impact within their companies and communities.
To be named a Rising Star, a nominee can have no more than five years of experience on their platform. And what this group has accomplished in that short time should encourage anyone invested in the future of the foundational enterprise systems that global commerce depends on.
We don’t know exactly what that future looks like, but if the 2026 Rising Stars are any indication, we know it’s bright.
Andrew Wig
Senior Editor, TechChannel
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