KTH student named Tech Girl of the Year

Naher Islam is studying for a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Economics, specialising in computer engineering, at KTH’s Flemingsberg campus. Microsoft’s justification for naming her Tech Girl of the Year 2026 states:

“With a strong voice, a clear commitment to society, and an impressive drive, she demonstrates why inclusion is not a side project but a prerequisite for creating real change in the tech industry.”

For a year, the winner will have the opportunity to act as an ambassador, serving as a role model and inspiring more young women to choose a career in the tech industry. This is something Naher Islam is truly passionate about. Among other things, she volunteers with the Datatjej association, an organisation for women and non-binary people in IT and data. There, she helps organise conferences to strengthen links with companies in the tech sector.

According to a report by TechSverige 2025, only a third of employees in the Swedish tech industry are women. That figure has remained unchanged in recent years. Naher Islam wants to play a part in bringing about change.

Culture changes more slowly

“During my interview with Microsoft in the selection process, I said, ‘Technology can develop rapidly, but culture usually changes more slowly.’ That’s something I stand by and want to pass on to the tech industry. That is precisely why it is so important to keep talking about inclusion, regardless of global circumstances and the resistance to highlighting these kinds of issues that we see in various places today,” she says.

In the future, she wants to lead initiatives in social entrepreneurship to help promote greater inclusion in the male-dominated industry.

“This award feels like a confirmation that all the work I’ve put in – both in my studies and in my voluntary work – has paid off. That someone who looks like me gets to take up space in this world.”

"I’ve really felt included"

Naher Islam had initially planned to become a doctor but changed her mind after a stint where she got to work with IT-related tasks at her job. Choosing KTH is something she has never regretted.

“At KTH, I’ve gained a solid foundation to stand on. I’ve also truly had the opportunity to be visible, take space, and represent KTH in various ways. I’ve really felt included and that KTH welcomes everyone, regardless of background.”

Text: Åsa Karsberg ( asakars@kth.se )

Tech Girl of the year

Tech Girl of the year has been awarded by Microsoft since the early 2000s and has, over the years, engaged hundreds of young women from across Sweden. Its purpose is to lower the barriers to entering tech, increase awareness of the industry’s breadth, and contribute to a more gender-equal talent supply in the long term.