Nominations are now open for SME’s 2026 30 Under 30 program, which recognizes talented young leaders in manufacturing. For more than a decade, SME’s 30 Under 30 program has recognized trailblazers in manufacturing who help shape the future of the industry.

Honorees will be highlighted in a special publication distributed in autumn 2026 in SME Media’s flagship Manufacturing Engineering & Technology magazine. SME is a leading nonprofit organization committed to accelerating new manufacturing technology adoption and building North America's talent and capabilities.

To be eligible, nominees must be no older than 30 as of Dec. 31, 2026, and must be either:

• A young professional in the manufacturing industry, conducting manufacturing research or teaching trades or manufacturing engineering; or
• A K-12 or older student making an impact in or through manufacturing via volunteering, internships, community organizations or school activities.

The nomination deadline is April 17, 2026. To submit a nomination, including self-nominations, visit www.advancedmanufacturing.org/30-under-30/call-for-nominations/.

“Through 30 Under 30, SME spotlights the significant talent, contributions, educational achievements and innovation of individuals who have contributed to the future of manufacturing,” said Jake Volcsko, SME's vice president of integrated media. “Each nominee reflects the best and brightest of the next generation in manufacturing.”

Past honorees have included entrepreneurs, high school and college students, community college instructors and engineers with some of the world’s most successful and transformative firms in aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, energy, and other manufacturing sectors.

To learn more about past 30 Under 30 honorees, please visit https://www.advancedmanufacturing.org/special-reports/30-under-30/.