Atlanta, Georgia – The seventh annual class of 40 Under 40 includes Niall Brown, ME 13, a former U.S. Air Force instructor pilot who trains and mentors the next generation of aviators, Ziyi Gao, IE 17, the co-founder of the world’s leading alcohol reduction app, and Brennan Torstrick, MS BioE 17, PhD ME 17, who is advancing medical diagnostics with innovative wearable technology for sleep apnea and cardiac care.
“This year’s 40 Under 40 honorees are redefining what it means to lead and make an impact. They are driving progress, solving critical challenges, and improving lives in countless ways. Their accomplishments are both inspiring and transformative, setting new standards of excellence,” says Alumni Association President Dene Sheheane, Mgt 91. “I am proud to recognize these outstanding Yellow Jackets, whose leadership is shaping the future of our communities, our industries, and our world.”
“It was incredibly humbling to review this year’s Georgia Tech Alumni Association 40 under 40 nominees,” says Christopher Valenta, MS ECE 10, PhD ECE 14, a former 40 under 40 honoree and a member of this year's selection committee. “Reading through all of the nominees’ stories, their accomplishments, their impact, and their commitment to advancing technology and improving the human condition was incredibly inspirational. It brought me immense pride in seeing the leadership my fellow alumni have had in their respective fields across government, industry, academia, and nonprofits, as well as the innovation, they’re bringing to both their local and global communities.”
Nominees, who must have completed at least one semester at Georgia Tech and be under the age of 40 as of June 30, 2026, were scored using a 25-point rubric by a committee of over 28 faculty, staff, and volunteer leaders, who collectively represented all Georgia Tech colleges.
To learn more about this year’s nominees and their accomplishments, please visit GTalumni.org/40under40.
“This year’s 40 Under 40 honorees are redefining what it means to lead and make an impact. They are driving progress, solving critical challenges, and improving lives in countless ways. Their accomplishments are both inspiring and transformative, setting new standards of excellence,” says Alumni Association President Dene Sheheane, Mgt 91. “I am proud to recognize these outstanding Yellow Jackets, whose leadership is shaping the future of our communities, our industries, and our world.”
“It was incredibly humbling to review this year’s Georgia Tech Alumni Association 40 under 40 nominees,” says Christopher Valenta, MS ECE 10, PhD ECE 14, a former 40 under 40 honoree and a member of this year's selection committee. “Reading through all of the nominees’ stories, their accomplishments, their impact, and their commitment to advancing technology and improving the human condition was incredibly inspirational. It brought me immense pride in seeing the leadership my fellow alumni have had in their respective fields across government, industry, academia, and nonprofits, as well as the innovation, they’re bringing to both their local and global communities.”
Nominees, who must have completed at least one semester at Georgia Tech and be under the age of 40 as of June 30, 2026, were scored using a 25-point rubric by a committee of over 28 faculty, staff, and volunteer leaders, who collectively represented all Georgia Tech colleges.
To learn more about this year’s nominees and their accomplishments, please visit GTalumni.org/40under40.