Aiir Audio Academy 30 Under 30 2026: Applications Now Open
Sixteen years in, the audio industry's most coveted list for emerging talent is back - and this year's cohort could include you.
The Aiir Audio Academy 30 Under 30 is now open for nominations, with the 2026 list set to be revealed later this year.
The 30 Under 30 exists to shine a light on the people shaping the future of sound: UK audio’s ones to watch. Every year, 30 individuals under the age of 30 are recognised for their exceptional talent, tenacity and ambition. They are the people whose careers are already moving fast. Their understanding of audio, innovative approach, and already soaring achievements make those around them take notice.
The list reflects the full picture of the UK audio and radio industry. Content creators, producers, presenters, engineers, editors, brand strategists, journalists - from independent podcasters and freelancers to major broadcasters and global platforms - all have a place in the annual cohort. If you're making a mark in audio, this is where that mark gets made official and gets seen by the rest of the world.
Nominations are now open and close at 23.59 on 21st August. You can nominate yourself, or Audio Academy members can put forward someone who has caught their eye over the past 12 months.
The 2026 list is once again supported by headline sponsor Aiir, the creative broadcast technology company powering radio stations across the world. Proudly partnering with the Audio Academy to present 30 Under 30, the company actively looks to the list each year as a source of the industry's brightest emerging talent, and counts several past alumni amongst its own team.
With alumni including Nicole Logan (leading Development for Goalhanger), Darby Dorras (Chief Content Officer at Platform Media), Sam Jackson (Controller of BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms), Emma-Louise Amanshia (presenter on BBC Radio 1 and Newsround), and Joseph Zubier (Managing Editor at Classic FM), the Aiir Audio Academy 30 Under 30 has a track record of spotting the people who go on to lead the industry.
Audio Academy MD, Aradhna Tayal Leach, says:
Over sixteen years, the Aiir Audio Academy 30 Under 30 has proven that our industry knows how to back its own talent. Every year I look at the list and am awed and inspired by the breadth of skills and achievements, all the more so because this is just the start. These are the people who are going to define what the future of audio looks and sounds like. If you love audio and have something to say, it all starts with you putting yourself forward. Don’t wait for someone else to nominate you.”
Chair of the 30 Under 30 Judging Committee, Jimmy Buckland, Director of Strategy & Operations at News Broadcasting, says:
"30 Under 30 celebrates the brightest young minds shaping the future of audio and is truly a showpiece event in the Audio Academy's calendar. If you're under 30 and driving innovation in radio or audio – whether in a commercial, creative, production, digital, or technical role – we want to hear about you!"
Ricki Lee, CEO at Aiir says:
“We are incredibly proud to partner with the Audio Academy to present 30 Under 30. We keenly await the list each year to meet the brightest minds in audio today, and feel lucky to have several 30 Under 30 alumni in our own team.”
Marnie Woodmeade, Class of 2025 says:
“30U30 has had a huge impact - from getting a new job, to feeling a sense of community within audio, it has rocket fuelled every element of my work. Moving forward it's something I'll always be proud to have on my CV, but most importantly the confidence it's given me will last a lifetime.”
Entries for the Aiir Audio Academy 30 Under 30 are now open via the Audio Academy’s award site (https://audioacademy.awardsplatform.com/) and close at 23:59 on Friday 21st August. Individuals can put themselves forward or be nominated by another Audio Academy Member. It is free to enter and Members can nominate as many people as they like. For entries, more information and to find previous 30 Under 30 alumni lists, visit www.audioacademy.org.uk/30-under-30/