ArmInfo. The name of the 2026 laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Armenia for Global Contribution to High Technologies was announced at a press conference held on October 6. This year, the prize was awarded to Kam Ghaffaryan, the founder and co-founder of IBX, Axiom Space, Intuitive Machines, X-energy, and Quantum Space, an engineer, and businessman.
During the press conference, RA Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence David Tadevosyan, Viva CEO Armen Avetisyan, and the coordinator of the Executive Board of the Award Committee and the International Selection Committee, Director of Synopsys Armenia Hovik Musaelyan spoke about the significance of the award, its mission, and this year's laureate.
The Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence noted that the award fulfills several important goals: it increases Armenia's visibility in the international technology sector and highlights the country's role in the global technology agenda.
"It is also extremely important that this awards ceremony gives young people the opportunity to interact with legendary figures and learn firsthand about developments and trends in this field. The real value of innovation is determined by the positive changes it brings to people's lives, and this award underscores precisely this idea." "I'm glad that these initiatives have been around in Armenia for 17 years now, and I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported this exceptional initiative over the years," the minister said.
Viva CEO Armen Avetisyan noted that at the heart of every great achievement lies a person who believed in their idea and had the courage to take the first step. "We want the children and youth of Armenia to grow up with the same self-confidence. So that, seeing the achievements of world leaders, they think, 'I can do this too,' and so that Armenia becomes a place for them where their talents are in demand, their ideas are valued, and a great journey can begin right here. That's why Viva has supported this award for 17 years, connecting Armenia with people who push the boundaries of what's possible," said Armen Avetisyan.
Synopsys Armenia Director Hovik Musaelyan emphasized that Kam Ghaffarian fully embodies the award's ideology. "His remarkable journey—from a child inspired by humanity's first steps on the moon to a leader in space exploration—demonstrates how bold vision and innovation can advance human progress," noted Hovik Musaelyan.
During the press conference, it was also announced that Kam Ghaffarian will visit Armenia in November.
Kam Ghaffarian is a leading figure in the space and high-tech industries. His company, Axiom Space, co-founded with NASA, implements commercial space missions and orbital infrastructure projects. In 2024, the Odyssey spacecraft will launch into orbit.
Intuitive Machines made a historic landing in the lunar south polar region, becoming the first American spacecraft to reach the lunar surface since Apollo 17 and the first such commercial mission.
The State Prize of the Republic of Armenia for Global Contribution to High Technologies was established by decree of the President of the Republic of Armenia in 2009. The prize is awarded to individuals whose technological, educational, organizational, or financial achievements have received international recognition and have had a significant impact on the progress of humanity.
The initiator and sponsor of the prize is Synopsys. Viva has been the prize's main partner for 17 years, and the initiative is supported by the Union of ICT Employers and the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund.
