Forbes has announced the opening of nominations for its 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 Local Arizona List. The list will highlight young founders, creators, business leaders, and changemakers under the age of 30 from across Arizona. This marks the first time Forbes will recognize young leaders statewide in Arizona as part of its expanding Under 30 Local franchise.
The list aims to showcase individuals who are influencing business, culture, and community in sectors such as technology, healthcare, consumer goods, sports, food, fashion, and social impact. The honorees will be selected by Forbes editors with input from expert judges based on criteria including impact, innovation, and entrepreneurial potential.
“Forbes lists capture some of the most influential people and companies at the moment of publication, while also elevating emerging visionaries poised to become tomorrow’s leaders,” said Steven Bertoni, Assistant Managing Editor of the Forbes Founders team. “Arizona’s rapid growth, entrepreneurial energy and creative ambition make it a compelling environment for young builders, and this local list allows us to shine a national spotlight on the talent calling the state home.”
The announcement follows Forbes’ recent decision to host its Under 30 Summit in Phoenix from 2026 through 2028. The summit is scheduled for April 19-22 in Phoenix and will bring together young leaders from Arizona and around the world for four days of programming.
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), commented on the partnership: “Arizona’s Under 30 founders and creators are driving our economic momentum—launching companies, building breakthrough products, and making a difference across our state,” she said. “We’re proud to partner with Forbes to spotlight our talent and elevate their impact on a national stage.”
This initiative builds upon ongoing economic development efforts in Arizona. In September 2022,the ACA reported that job creation in Fiscal Year 2022 reached record levels, with projected new jobs totaling over 24,000—well above initial goals—and investments exceeding $10 billion.
To be eligible for nomination to the list, candidates must be under age 30 as of February 15, 2026; have never appeared on an Under 30 list before; and reside or have their business based in Arizona. Nominations close at midnight Eastern Time on February 15.
Forbes reporters review online submissions along with recommendations from industry sources and previous honorees. Candidates are evaluated by a panel that considers factors such as funding raised, revenue generated, social impact achieved, scale reached by their work or company, inventiveness demonstrated in their field or enterprise model, and future potential.
For more information about how nominees are chosen or to submit nominations for consideration this year visit Forbes’ official methodology page or access nomination forms online.
Past notable honorees from Arizona include Phoenix Suns Guard Devin Booker; Lectric ebike Co-Founders Levi Conlow and Robert Deziel; venture capitalist Yuechen Zhao; advocate Deja Foxx; and Toronto Maple Leafs Center Auston Matthews.
