PRESS RELEASE | Jun 12, 2025

Forward Networks Co-founder Nikhil Handigol Named to Silicon Valley Business Journal's 2025 40-Under-40-List

Forward Networks is proud to announce that Co-founder Nikhil Handigol has been named to the Silicon Valley Business Journal's prestigious 2025 40-Under-40-list.

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Nikhil Handigol - 40-under-40 in Silicon Valley

Industry Recognition

2025 Globee Golden Cybersecurity Award - Forward Networks

Forward Networks is revolutionizing the way large networks are managed. Forward's advanced software delivers a digital twin of the network, enabling network operators to ensure the network is secure, reliable, and agile. The platform supports devices from all major networking vendors and cloud operators, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

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Forward Networks is proud to announce that Co-founder Nikhil Handigol has been named to the Silicon Valley Business Journal's prestigious 2025 40-Under-40-list. The annual award honors young leaders who are making outstanding contributions to the business community across Silicon Valley.

As one of the original architects of Forward Networks' network digital twin technology, Handigol has led key innovation initiatives in networking, security, and AI. Most recently, he spearheaded the integration of agentic AI into the company's platform, making Forward Networks a recognized voice in the future of AI-driven infrastructure. He also led the formation of the company's India engineering hub during the pandemic, personally interviewing and hiring over 50 engineers to ensure world-class technical talent and culture. Today, that office is a major engine of innovation.

Handigol's leadership has also been recognized globally. He was named Most Influential Young Leader 2022 by AsiaOne's Greatest Brands & Leaders – Asia, Middle East & Africa, spotlighting his role as a global innovator under 40 who is shaping the future of networking and enterprise IT. Forward Networks was also featured in ET NOW – Greatest Brands & Leaders 2020–21 Asia, ME & Africa.

Additionally, Handigol was the first recipient of the Young Alumni Achiever Award (2022) from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), India's top-ranked and most prestigious technical university. The award honors alumni who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and global impact.

Handigol, an internationally recognized researcher and entrepreneur, is the second Forward Networks co-founder to receive this distinction. CEO and Co-founder David Erickson was named to the list in a previous year, underscoring the company's exceptional leadership bench.

Commenting on the announcement, Erickson said, "I've had the privilege of working alongside Nikhil since our days as graduate students at Stanford, and from the start, it was clear he was a standout leader and innovator. Co-founding Forward Networks together with Nikhil and our fellow classmates has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I'm incredibly proud to see him recognized in this way—it's a well-deserved honor that reflects his dedication, vision, and global impact."

The 40-Under-40-list recognizes individuals across all industries who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to community impact. Handigol's work continues to influence how global enterprises and government agencies approach critical challenges in automation, risk management, and security.

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