Education Award

Nabeel Mahmood

Nomad Futurist

Nabeel Mahmood is a technologist, futurist and executive leader who is dedicated to developing talent and expanding career pathways in the digital infrastructure industry, particularly among underserved and underrepresented communities. His work results in measurable outcomes that are transforming how the industry attracts, educates and empowers its future workforce.

At the heart of Nabeel’s efforts is the Nomad Futurist Academy, a free, globally accessible educational platform designed to bridge the talent gap in digital infrastructure. Nabeel founded and built the academy as a structured environment that introduces learners to the critical roles of data centers, cloud and connectivity. Programs and learning modules are open and available to all – from kindergarten through 12th grade students and adults seeking career changes.

Nabeel also forged strategic partnerships with global organizations including iMasons and the Open Compute Project Foundation to expand the reach and impact of the Nomad Futurist Academy. These alliances enable the academy to scale globally while remaining community rooted. Through joint programs and global outreach efforts, iMasons and Nomad Futurist now introduce thousands of students and professionals to new career paths. In addition, in partnership with iMasons, the academy has developed a job placement ecosystem that allows learners to directly access employment opportunities.

In every initiative, from the academy and hands-on mentorship to conference keynotes and weekly podcasts, Nabeel’s work reflects a simple, powerful mission: to educate, empower and inspire the next generation of leaders in digital infrastructure.