To highlight the most promising young talent advancing the digital frontier, the German Datacenter Association (GDA) recently held a glamorous gala event where four trailblazers were awarded its prestigious Young Talent Award.
Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus, the Hessian Minister for Digital Strategy and Development, four different categories of prizes were given out during the event. These new categories, which join the three from previous year, demonstrate the growing importance and variety of developing ideas.
This prestigious prize ceremony took place against the background of the German Datacenter Conference, which took place in Bad Vilbel on September 18–19. The GDA, which started the awards, was honored to have an esteemed guest list that included notable figures from the worlds of business, politics, and society at large.
Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus stressed the critical role data centers play in the global digital transformation during her remarks to the distinguished visitors. “The foundation of the digitalization architecture is the data center. But innovation is a need rather than a luxury in Hessen, the German region known for its data centers. We want quick-witted, creative brains that put sustainability and innovation first right away,” she said.
Similar comments were expressed by Prof. Dr. Peter Radgen, the visionary behind the prize and a prominent member of the GDA Executive Board. “The Young Talent Award seeks to motivate the following generation of intellectuals to propel long-term development in the digital sector.
A group of eminent specialists oversaw the selecting procedure. The jury, which included members of industry heavyweights Microsoft, HPE Europe, and Digital Realty, was led by Prof. Dr. Peter Radgen and carefully examined each entry to find ground-breaking solutions.
Examining the Recipients
- Philipp Riegger won the University of Stuttgart student thesis competition. He investigated prediction models for various data center waste heat use situations
- Ruben Glowczak – In Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Ruben Glowczak’s master’s thesis demonstrated how machine learning and artificial intelligence may be used to optimize power monitoring readings in data centers
- Dr. Dirk Turek of the University of Stuttgart received recognition for creating an extensive cost model that takes both constant and changing elements into account when forecasting and choosing data center locations
- Julian Hauber won awards in the Start-up/Sustainability category for leading the design and management of a climate-neutral, sustainable data center
These winners received monetary awards from Mainova WebHouse, which ranged from €1,500 to €2,500.
The Horizon Calls Out for New Pioneers
The next round of prizes is already being put up by the GDA. The fact that aspiring innovators may enter for the 2024 edition is evidence of the importance and success of the prize.
Applicants may submit their work in either German or English, and the projects must be finished between July 31, 2024, and August 1, 2023. The GDA is anticipating yet another wave of clever entries; the deadline is August 25, 2024.
Interested parties may visit the official GDA website to learn more about the requirements for applications, possible themes, and required papers.
An award is not the only thing the GDA’s program offers to companies and IT enthusiasts. It would be a confirmation of the next generation’s boundless creative potential and transformational ability in the digital sphere. It’s quite evident what this means: competent hands will lead the way in technology.
