Corporations and researchers have a critical responsibility to prioritize sustainability, safety, and real-world impact in every innovation. At ZincFive, we believe the next generation deserves technologies that not only advance performance but also address the environmental and societal challenges ahead. By putting sustainability and safety at the forefront of product development, companies can deliver solutions that meet increasing demand for resilient, responsible technology—especially as industries like ICT and data centers face mounting pressures from AI, electrification, and energy demands. Moreover, integrating cross-disciplinary research and real-world collaboration into product design ensures that technologies remain practical, scalable, and beneficial across industries. The next generation will inherit the infrastructure we build today. It’s our duty to ensure it’s smarter, cleaner, and safer.

The integration of AI-driven network intelligence will have one of the greatest impacts on the ICT and data center industries. As data traffic surges and edge computing becomes more critical, traditional network management approaches cannot keep pace with the complexity, speed, and resilience demands of tomorrow’s digital infrastructure. AI-enabled systems will allow networks to self-optimize, predict failures before they happen, and dynamically adapt to changing conditions—all while enhancing security and energy efficiency. At ZincFive, we see this evolution as tightly linked to smarter, more sustainable infrastructure, including intelligent power solutions that align with AI-optimized environments. Resilient backup power and energy storage will no longer be reactive; they will become an integrated, predictive part of network health and uptime. Companies that embrace this shift toward intelligent, adaptive networks will be best positioned to meet the performance, sustainability, and reliability expectations of a hyperconnected, AI-driven world.

Innovation isn’t optional—it’s essential for survival in industries as dynamic as ICT and data centers. Take AI as an example: its exponential growth has dramatically reshaped infrastructure demands, requiring higher energy density, greater reliability, and smarter integration at the edge and the core. At ZincFive, we recognize that while legacy solutions still have an important role, the industry’s future demands new technologies that deliver higher performance and sustainability. Our nickel-zinc battery technology delivers sustainable, high-power solutions and is built to support the massive compute needs of tomorrow. Companies that fail to innovate risk falling behind in meeting customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and competitive pressures. Innovation drives better performance, efficiency, and resilience—ensuring that partners and end-users receive forward-looking solutions that not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate future challenges.

Joining PTC offers far more than access to events—it offers access to one of the most connected, forward-thinking communities in the ICT and digital infrastructure industries. As a member, you benefit from year-round engagement opportunities with leaders across technology, telecom, data centers, and investment sectors. PTC consistently delivers high-value content, fosters global partnerships, and provides a platform for driving critical discussions on innovation, sustainability, and future infrastructure needs. From executive roundtables to market trend analysis, the insights and relationships gained through PTC are unmatched. Whether you are a start-up, a global corporation, or a researcher shaping tomorrow’s infrastructure, PTC membership provides a powerful avenue for influence, collaboration, and growth in an increasingly interconnected world.

If you’re serious about building meaningful relationships and shaping the future of ICT and digital infrastructure, attending PTC’26 in Honolulu is a must. Unlike other conferences, PTC’s Annual Conference uniquely combines executive-level discussions, emerging market insights, and strategic networking in an environment that fosters real business outcomes. It’s where decisions are made, partnerships are forged, and future directions are set. The event’s thoughtful programming and curated audience create a level of interaction that is hard to replicate elsewhere—whether through formal sessions or informal meetings by the beach. PTC isn’t just another event; it’s a cornerstone of the industry calendar that consistently delivers value for companies like ZincFive seeking to lead through innovation and collaboration.

Start by getting into the field—save the office cubicle for later. Hands-on experience is invaluable, especially in industries like ICT, data centers, and energy infrastructure. Seek opportunities that allow you to “get your hands dirty,” whether through internships, site visits, or entry-level technical roles. Absorb as much knowledge as possible from those doing the work and take the time to build relationships with people across different disciplines. The lessons learned on the ground provide a perspective and depth of understanding that cannot be replicated behind a desk. When you eventually transition into office-based or leadership roles, your field experience will set you apart, giving you the practical knowledge and credibility needed to make better decisions, lead effectively, and innovate confidently. At ZincFive, we value people with well-rounded experience because it directly translates into building better solutions for real-world challenges.

I am an SCCA-licensed amateur race car driver and have competed in both time trials and wheel-to-wheel racing across various platforms. My favorite was racing in a Formula 1000 open-wheel car, where I still hold three track records at circuits in Colorado. Although racing has taken a back seat to family and career in recent years, it remains one of my greatest passions. The precision, focus, and commitment required in racing have many parallels to the professional world—especially in industries like ICT and energy infrastructure, where performance, speed, and resilience matter. Just like in racing, success in business is often about preparation, adaptability, and knowing when to push for more. Whether behind the wheel or leading a team at ZincFive, that mindset of continuous improvement and strategic execution continues to drive me.