Security Industry Association Named 2026 RISE Honorees
The annual program recognizes emerging talent through six distinct categories for early-career professionals.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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The Security Industry Association has named 25 emerging professionals as the 2026 recipients of its 25 on the RISE Awards. Now in its fourth year, the program highlights contributors under age 40 or those with less than two years of experience in the security field.
Why it matters
The program serves as a formal mechanism to identify and elevate early-career talent, ensuring the next generation of security professionals is recognized for their contributions. It highlights the industrys focus on cultivating specialized leadership across diverse operational areas.
The awards span six specific categories including Branding, Culture, Frontline, Growth, Innovation, and Leadership. Nominees must meet strict eligibility requirements of being under age 40 or having under two years of industry experience.
The players
Security Industry Association
A trade association representing global security solution providers and manufacturers that sets industry standards and advocacy agendas.
Axis Communications
A manufacturer of network cameras and video surveillance systems that provides the technical infrastructure for the security industry.
Genetec
A developer of open-architecture security software, specifically unified IP-based physical security and business intelligence systems.
HID
A global manufacturer of secure identity products including RFID and biometric authentication systems used in enterprise access control.
The details
The RISE community, managed by the Security Industry Association, oversees the annual selection process for these emerging professionals. Honorees receive funding to attend the Securing New Ground conference, where they will participate in a formal recognition ceremony. This initiative is supported by industry sponsors including Axis Communications, Genetec, Grid Squared Systems, and HID.
Timeline
The Security Industry Association named the 2026 award recipients in 2026.
The Tech Race
This program functions as a talent pipeline initiative designed to sustain the security industry's human capital. It follows the precedent established by the RISE community to integrate new cohorts into the broader ecosystem at the annual Securing New Ground conference.
Eligible professionals and industry observers can track the honorees' contributions as they gain recognition at the upcoming Securing New Ground conference. The awards highlight key skill sets in growth and innovation that may define future industry standards and operational best practices.
The takeaway
The program underscores the competitive necessity of identifying high-potential talent early in their careers to maintain technical leadership. Industry observers should watch for the official recognition ceremony held at the Securing New Ground conference to identify the key innovators shaping the sector.
Further reading
For broader trends in industry professionalization, see Cybersecurity.
More information
View Program information and award details for a full overview of the selection criteria.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Security Info Watch.
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