London, 23rd April 2026 – Kao Data, the specialist developer and operator of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing, has today announced its sponsorship of Discover Tech, a flagship work experience programme led by Cisco and supported by techUK.
As an Employer Member, Kao Data joins a line-up of leading names including founding partners Adobe, Accenture UK&I, IBM and World Wide Technology, and fellow employer members CDW, FDM, BBC, Highpoint and Softcat, all working together to open up access to technology careers for underrepresented young people.
A successful pilot of the programme, engaging 100 students, was launched in February 2026 with 93% of participating students agreeing that they are now more likely to consider a career in the tech industry and 91% said they are more likely to consider working for one of the participating companies while every volunteer involved said they would take part again.
Now Discover Tech is scaling in July to deliver a two-day immersive experience for around 600 underrepresented young people across London and Manchester. On day one, the students will come together for a shared introduction to the sector. On day two, they spend time on site with one of the programme’s employer partners, gaining practical exposure to areas such as AI, cyber security and cloud computing.
Kao Data will host approximately 40 students at its Harlow campus on 15th July, giving students a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the physical infrastructure that powers the internet, AI and the digital economy, while introducing them to the heritage of Kao Park, the birthplace of fibre optic cable networks thanks to the pioneering research of Sir Charles Kao.
Kalay Moodley, Chief People Officer at Kao Data, said: “Discover Tech is exactly the kind of initiative the sector needs. The data centre industry is facing a significant skills shortage, and if we are serious about closing that gap we have to reach into communities that have historically been overlooked and show young people what a career in our industry can look like.
“Hosting these students at Kao Park is a real privilege. This is the birthplace of fibre optic networks, the technology that carries the modern internet, and we want every young person who walks onto our campus to leave understanding that the digital world they use every day is built by people, and that those people could be them.
“We are proud to stand alongside our customer Cisco and our fellow partners in opening doors, widening horizons and helping to build a more diverse and sustainable talent pipeline for the UK technology sector.”
Rachel Morar, Managing Director at Connectr Early Engagement, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Kao Data to the Discover Tech family. This group of employers has come together with the ambition of positively impacting 7,000 young people over the next three years, myth-busting about the sector and getting students excited about where they fit into the ecosystem.
“Kao Data shares our passion for making sure young people are informed about the tech sector at this pivotal decision-making age in their school and college careers. With women making up just 29% of the UK tech workforce, we are especially excited to showcase to the female students attending what a fantastic career digital infrastructure can provide.
“Data centres will play a vital role in the UK’s economic growth, and Kao Data joining the programme will bring invaluable insights for our Y12s to learn from in July.”
Discover Tech forms part of Kao Data’s wider commitment to education and skills development, which includes the recently relaunched Kao Academy, a curriculum-based learning resource for primary schools, and its ongoing Critical Careers initiative aimed at inspiring the next generation of data centre professionals.
The programme supports national ambitions to grow the UK’s AI and digital economy, ensuring young people from all backgrounds are equipped to step into the roles that will define the country’s technology future.