Who will make the final 40? SA’s top judges face toughest year yet

South Australia’s most closely watched celebration of emerging leadership returns in 2026 as this year’s high-calibre judging panel convened last month to assess the state’s most promising young entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers.

Each year, the InDaily 40 Under 40 program brings together senior leaders from across business, law, investment, health, education, the arts and the not-for-profit sector to decide which young South Australians will make the final 40 – a process known for being as rigorous as it is highly anticipated.

This year’s panel reflects that breadth of expertise more than ever, combining commercial acumen, creative leadership and deep sector knowledge to evaluate a field that continues to grow in both size and quality.

The judging process was again chaired by growth specialist Joel Abraham, who has played a leading role in mentoring and scaling early-stage ventures and now works closely with founders and emerging business leaders through advisory and investment roles.

Abraham was joined by a cross-section of influential voices including KWP+Partners managing director Sam Davies; Community Corporate founder Carmen Garcia AM; William Buck partner, business advisory, Matthew Illman; CMAX chief business development officer Dr Shu Lam; InDaily business and deputy editor David Simmons; Credit Union SA executive manager brand and partnerships Joann Skene; and Adelaide Oval general manager of partnerships and sales Jo Thomson.

Also on the panel were senior figures from the legal, governance, education and cultural sectors, including Piper Alderman special counsel Sam Morphett; director, programming Adelaide Festival Centre, Alex Sinclair; lecturer, College of Business and Law Adelaide University, Dr Peta Spyrou; and director, Terrace Floors + Furnishings, Sally Pottharst, reinforcing the program’s commitment to assessing leadership in its broadest sense – not just commercial success but impact, influence and long-term potential.

Simmons notes that the strength of the program lies in its ability to identify emerging leaders making tangible contributions to the state.

“It’s not based on how much money someone earns,” he says. “It’s about how much impact they’re making on the state and their potential to go even further. We give these people a springboard.”

That philosophy continues to underpin the 2026 program, which has become one of South Australia’s most significant platforms for recognising early-career achievement and leadership potential.

The judging process itself is known for its intensity, with hundreds of nominations narrowed down to just 40 finalists. Judges consistently describe the process as challenging due to the exceptionally high calibre of applicants.

“We assess leadership maturity, measurable impact, clarity of vision and the ability to balance growth with integrity,” Abraham says. “Strong candidates demonstrate not only what they have achieved, but how they have achieved it and the influence they have on others.”

The event will showcase this year’s finalists across a range of industries — from high-growth start-ups and family enterprises to purpose-driven organisations and emerging innovators shaping the state’s future economy and culture.

Attendees will also gain access to one of the most significant networking opportunities in the state, with the chance to connect directly with finalists, judges and alumni spanning multiple industries.

For those in business, investment, government or the not-for-profit sector, the event offers a rare snapshot of the leaders set to shape South Australia’s next decade.

Following the judging session, anticipation is now building around who will make this year’s final 40 – and which emerging leaders will be added to a growing alumni network that continues to influence the state long after the awards are announced.

The 40 finalists and category award winners will be unveiled at the Awards dinner on Thursday, June 11, at Adelaide Oval.

Early Bird tickets for the 2026 InDaily 40 Under 40 SA Awards are on sale now.