National Data Centre Day launches #BackToSchool campaign

National Data Centre Day (NDCD), an awareness initiative founded to recognise the critical role data centres play in powering the UK’s digital economy and AI ambitions, has officially launched its 2026 theme: #BackToSchool, placing a renewed focus on inspiring the next generation of digital talent to step into the industry.

Established to help change the public perception of the data centre and digital infrastructure industries, National Data Centre Day continues its mission to champion the vital role of technology in everyday life. This initiative represents a key opportunity for the industry to take measurable action to address three of the key challenges it faces: the skills shortage, education and understanding. 

This year’s campaign is shifting the industry’s focus towards education and long-term engagement from an early stage. “#BackToSchool” responds directly to three of the sector’s most pressing challenges: limited public awareness, gaps in education, and a growing skills shortage. By engaging students at both primary and secondary school, NDCD is inspiring future talent to learn more about data centres and the infrastructure behind it. 

The campaign calls on data centre operators, developers, and technology providers across the UK to take an active role in engaging with schools and local communities, and calls on public and private sector educators to make data centres part of the curriculum. Ideas inspired by the video could include encouraging data centre operators to host student tours at their facilities and delivering educational sessions, while providing critical insight into the infrastructure that powers the digital world. 

By encouraging data centre companies to provide hands-on learning opportunities, the industry can offer a new and more informed understanding of the sector, and engage students at earlier stages of their education. 

The awareness day and campaign is supported by a growing coalition of industry organisations, including AVK, AtlasEdge, CUDO Compute, EfficiencyIT,  Kao Data and Schneider Electric, all of whom are committed to playing an active role in shaping the future workforce. 

“This year’s National Data Centre Day is about turning talk into action,” says Rory Flashman-Wells, Co-Founder, National Data Centre Day, and Managing Director at Spa Communications, “The ‘Back to School’ campaign takes the conversation back to where education and understanding about technology takes place – the classroom. By starting education at an earlier stage, we have an important opportunity to change the narrative of how data centres are understood and help a new generation recognise the technology that powers data in their lives.”

A note from National Data Centre Day’s supporters:

“National Data Centre Day isn’t just about industry recognition, it’s about responsibility,” added Giuseppe Caltabiano, VP of Marketing at AVK, “on 12th September, we recommit to giving back by helping young people understand the vital role data centres play in everyday life, supporting education in classrooms and at home, and showcasing how our industry is powering tomorrow's data.”

“Data centres are the digital engine rooms of the UK’s future, and at AtlasEdge we’re proud to be part of this critical community,” said Duncan White, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing at AtlasEdge. “National Data Centre Day is a brilliant opportunity not only to celebrate the people behind this progress, but to inspire the next generation, shining a light on the infrastructure and innovation shaping Britain’s digital ambitions.”

Vince Howard, CMO at CUDO Compute added: “With the digital infrastructure evolving and our industry racing to meet AI innovation, solving the UK’s technical and engineering skills shortages is vital. As one of the country's fastest-growing AI infrastructure operators, we’re proud to be part of National Data Centre Day – turning talk into action."  

“At EfficiencyIT, we’re proud to support NDCD, not only highlighting the essential role our industry plays in enabling everything from AI innovation to the digital services, but helping to build greater understanding among the next generation.” added Nick Ewing, Managing Director, EfficiencyIT

“National Data Centre Day is a vital reminder of the crucial role data centres play in supporting the UK’s digital economy,” said Lizzy McDowell, Director of Marketing at Kao Data. “Through initiatives like Critical Careers, the Kao Academy and NDCD, we’re committed to inspiring more young people and diverse talent to explore opportunities in the sector, ensuring the next generation can help shape the UK’s digital future.”

Khristina Atwal, Strategic Communications Manager, Secure Power Europe at Schneider Electric added: “From powering AI to supporting healthcare, data centres are the backbone of our digital world. At Schneider Electric, we’re proud to support this campaign, celebrating the people driving innovation while helping to inspire and educate, and build a more sustainable, connected future together.”

As data centres continue to underpin the global digital economy, ensuring communication and inspiring future talent is essential. National Data Centre Day 2026 represents a key opportunity for the industry to take measurable action to engage and highlight the importance data centres have in powering everything from communication and streaming to AI and cloud computing.