Next Gen

For the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

Empowering the future of our industry through education, mentorship, and hands-on experience

Our Programmes

Paving the Way for Industry Innovators

At SubOptic Foundation, we empower the next generation of submarine cable professionals through impactful programmes designed to inspire, educate, and connect.

SubOptic Association

Mentorship Programmes

The DIB working group mentorship programmes bring together experienced industry professionals to guide and support aspiring talent, fostering meaningful connections.

Learn more

SubOptic Foundation

Educational Programmes

In partnership with universities such as UC Berkeley and UNiGE, the SubOptic Foundation offers subsea telecom certificates and transferable credits, providing students with valuable skills and recognition.

Learn more

SubOptic Foundation

WAVE Symposia

Connecting young professionals and industry experts, to discuss the key issues in subsea telecoms. These symposia, which are tailored to local language and regions, encourage networking and create reusable educational content.

Learn more

Real Impact, Real Stories

Our programmes pave the way for aspiring professionals to explore diverse pathways and careers in the submarine cable industry. From WAVE, which introduces students to subsea telecom careers, to the SubOptic Certificate in Global Digital Infrastructure, and onward to undergraduate qualifications through UNiGE, we provide a structured journey for the next generation.  

Explore inspiring stories and milestones that highlight the impact of SubOptic Foundation’s Next Gen initiatives:

"Growing up in rural Kenya I saw the struggles with connectivity: this inspired me to be part of the solution"

Wenslaus Kajirwa Agaro

Technical Assistance Centre Engineer, WIOCC

“I’ve been actively involved in reducing the subsea industry’s carbon footprint for over a year now; it’s hands-on, dynamic and meaningful - I love it!”

Quynh Nguyen

Head of Sustainability, Oceanic Environmental Cables

"WAVE is all about engaging early career professionals, and students - introducing them to our diverse and dynamic industry"

Frankie Targett

Senior Subsea Cable Engineer, Vodafone Group

"What I really like about working in this industry is the global reach: subsea fibre optic cables stretch all around the world, connecting people from the busiest places to some of the most remote"

James Francis

Marine Data Support Engineer

Mentorship Programmes

Our mentorship programmes foster connections between mentors and mentees, driving personal and professional growth.

Are you interested in becoming a mentor or mentee in future mentorship programmes? Email dib@suboptic.org

I’m thankful to the DIB Working Group of the SubOptic Association for this mentoring scheme, which has given the opportunity for a young and aspiring talent such as myself to become the next generation of workforce for the industry

Paul Iroegbu

R&D Engineer Hengtong Marine Cable Systems/Former SubOptic Mentee

Being a mentor in the submarine cable industry is a unique experience, very rewarding and satisfying. Seeing, discussing, learning, teaching, etc. interested and enthusiastic mentees the “ropes” of this “secret” community, which serves billions of people with the essential “online” connectivity

Eckhard Bruckschen

Mentor

CrewTube

CrewTube is a SubOptic Foundation initiative that brings the submarine cable industry to life through real stories from the experts who’ve been there. These short videos share exciting adventures, unexpected challenges, and firsthand insights—giving the next generation a glimpse into the highs, lows, and hidden world of undersea networks

“Reducing the Digital Divide: Serving the Brazilian Amazon Region”

Erick Contag

SubOptic CrewTube

"Those Were the Days"

Pierre Tremblay

SubOptic CrewTube

"Pirates – Addressing the Escalating Threat to Cable Route Surveys"

Graham Evans

SubOptic CrewTube

"Cable Landing Site Visits - Crossing the Maldives' 1.5° Channel”

Graham Evans

SubOptic CrewTube

"An Interisland Network to the Rescue in Fiji"

Paul McCann

SubOptic CrewTube

"Making a Difference in People's Lives"

Robert Richardson

SubOptic CrewTube

"A Journey I Did Not Believe Possible"

Jean Devos

SubOptic CrewTube

"Reconnecting a Country"

Craig Carter

SubOptic CrewTube

"Getting Ashore with an HDD"

Chris Brungardt

SubOptic CrewTube

"An Amazing Subsea Adventure"

Elaine Stafford

SubOptic CrewTube

"PTC: It's a Great Place for Submarine Cables"

Yali Liu

SubOptic CrewTube

"Recovering and Re-laying a Cable"

John Hibbard

SubOptic CrewTube

"Coming Together Against Covid"

Mike Rieger

SubOptic CrewTube

"Connecting Solomon Islands to the World"

Keir Preedy

SubOptic CrewTube

"A Unique Industry"

Nigel Bayliff

SubOptic CrewTube

"From Africa ONE to 2Africa"

Paul Gabla

SubOptic CrewTube

"Fun at Sea"

Stephen Holden

SubOptic CrewTube

"Queen of Submarine"

Jayne Stowell

SubOptic CrewTube

"The Storm"

Alasdair Wilkie

SubOptic CrewTube

"Cut off from the World"

Dean Veverka

SubOptic CrewTube

"A Journey to Happy Valley-Goose Bay"

Peder Nærbø

SubOptic CrewTube

Empower the Next Generation

Join the movement shaping the future of the submarine cable industry and ensuring its benefits serve the global public good. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or an organisation, there’s a way for you to make a meaningful impact:

For Students: Discover educational opportunities and resources that open doors to diverse roles in the submarine cable industry, helping to shape a more inclusive and resilient digital future.
For Professionals: Become a mentor and share your expertise to guide the next generation of leaders committed to fostering fair competition and sustainable infrastructure development.
For Organisations: Sponsor initiatives that empower emerging talent, support underserved regions, and help align network resilience and development with the broader public good.

Donate Now