Sustainable Subsea Networks Wins Special Recognition at Tech Capital Global Awards 2026

Published on
May 15, 2026

The SubOptic Foundation (US) is proud to announce that the Sustainable Subsea Networks (SSN) initiative has been honored with the Special Recognition Award at the 5th annual Tech Capital Global Awards.

This award recognizes initiatives that go beyond traditional infrastructure delivery to shape a more resilient and sustainable digital ecosystem.

From Research to Industry Standard

What began in 2021 as a SubOptic Foundation (US) research project, initially launched with seed funding from the Internet Society Foundation, has successfully evolved into a robust SubOptic Working Group. This transition has allowed the initiative to scale its impact, delivering critical technical tools, peer-reviewed research, and sustainability frameworks for the global submarine cable sector.

This milestone is a testament to the leadership of the Sustainable Subsea Networks Working Group, co-chaired by Nicole Starosielski (UC Berekeley), Emmanuel Danjou (Alcatel Submarine Networks), and Shereen Eltayeb (Telecom Egypt), alongside the invaluable contributions of SubOptic members and partners from across the industry.

A Legacy of Impactful Deliverables

Since its start in 2021, the initiative has reached several major milestones, including:

  • Carbon Modeling: Development of the first peer-reviewed Carbon Footprint for subsea cables and a Marine Vessel Emissions Worksheet for transoceanic planning.
  • Technical Best Practices: Publication of comprehensive reports on Th Best Practices in Subsea Cable Sustainability and The Best Practices in Cable Landing Station Sustainability
  • Industry Mapping: The launch of the Sustainable Subsea Networks Map, in partnership with TeleGeography, documenting sustainability practices across 20+ companies.
  • Global Collaboration: Hosting the first and second Congress on Sustainability at SubOptic Bangkok (2023) and SubOptic Lisbon (2025), along with the creative "Case of the Missing Emissions" showcased in Lisbon (2025).

Looking Ahead: Phase 3

The recognition comes as SSN enters its third phase. Over the next two years, the Working Group will focus on expanding carbon footprint models and establishing long-term support structures to enhance sustainability across the submarine cable sector.

The SubOptic Foundation invites all industry stakeholders to explore these award-winning resources and participate in the upcoming workstreams.

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