Kam Ghaffarian, a great contributor to the advancement of space science and new technologies, is the 17th laureate of the State Award of Republic of Armenia for Global Contribution to Humanity through High-Tech (Global High-Tech Award)
The list of laureates of the State Award of RA for Global Contribution to Humanity through High-Tech continues to grow. The 2026 laureate of the Global High-Tech Award, which has gained prestige both in Armenia and internationally, is Kam Ghaffarian, founder and co-founder of five companies: “IBX”, “Axiom Space”, “Intuitive Machines”, “X-energy” and “Quantum Space”. Video
Having witnessed the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing as a child, Kam was so deeply inspired by the event that he dedicated his entire professional life to the advancement of space technologies. In February 2024, more than half a century after the last American Moon landing under the Apollo program, Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus spacecraft landed in the Moon’s south polar region.
“Axiom Space”, co-founded by Kam Ghaffarian, who also serves as its Executive Chairman, is implementing a number of significant projects in collaboration with NASA — the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration — including commercial crewed space missions and the development of commercial orbital infrastructure.
The 2026 laureate of the 17th State Award of Republic of Armenia for Global Contribution to Humanity through High-Tech was announced during a press conference attended by Armen Avetisian, General Director of Viva – the General Partner of the Award; and Hovik Musayelyan, Director of “Synopsys Armenia” and Coordinator of the Executive Board of the Award Committee and International Selection Committee. The speakers announced that Kam Ghaffarian, founder and executive chairman of “Axiom Space”, will visit Armenia this November.
In February 2024, Intuitive Machines’ spacecraft “Odysseus” made a historic landing in the Moon’s south polar region, becoming the first American spacecraft to reach the lunar surface since Apollo 17 and the first commercial mission of its kind.
The study of the Moon’s south pole is of great scientific importance for several reasons. According to scientists, permanently shadowed craters may contain deposits of ice, that could be used to produce water, oxygen, and even fuel for future space missions.
There are also areas where sunlight is available almost continuously, creating opportunities for the use of solar energy. In addition, the soil and rocks of the Moon’s south pole may preserve valuable information about the formation of the Moon and the Solar System.
The RA State Award for Global Contribution to the IT Sector was established on 6 July 2009 by a decree of the President of the Republic of Armenia. The award is given annually to individuals whose achievements in high tech have produced significant and transformative impact. Their globally recognized contribution may take various forms, including technological, educational, organizational and financial forms.
The initiator and supporter of the award is “Synopsys Armenia”. For 17 years, Viva has been the general partner of this prestigious state award.
The award is supported by the Union of Employers of ICT and the “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund.
“When a child looks at the Moon, they see a dream. Kam Ghaffarian’s story shows that one day, such a dream can change the world. Yet behind every major achievement — a spacecraft, a new technology, or an entire industry — stands a person who believed in their idea and found the courage to take the first step. We want children and young people in Armenia to grow up with the same belief in their own potential. We want them to look at the achievements of global leaders and think, ‘I can do it too.’ And we want them to see Armenia as a place where their talent is valued, their ideas matter, and a remarkable journey can begin right here. This is why Viva has supported this award for 17 years, connecting Armenia with people who push the boundaries of what is possible. For us, connection takes on a special meaning when it brings talent together with opportunity, dreams with confidence, and inspiration with action. If the example of people like them helps even one young person believe in themselves, take the first step, and persevere in the face of challenges, then that connection already has immense value. Perhaps this is how the story of the next breakthrough – one that Armenia will one day be proud of – begins,” – said Armen Avetisian, General Director of Viva.
Kam Ghaffarian has his own vision for the commercialization of space: from building the next International Space Station to establishing space cities on the Moon and Mars, expanding access to space travel, and harnessing the potential of microgravity to develop breakthrough technologies for use on Earth.
The laureates of the RA State Award for Global Contribution to the IT Sector are selected by an international committee.
““Kam Ghaffarian truly embodies the spirit of the Global High-Tech Award. His remarkable journey, from being inspired as a child by humanity’s first steps on the Moon to becoming a leader in space exploration, demonstrates how bold vision and innovation can advance humanity. When Synopsys initiated the Award in 2009, the vision was to recognize technology leaders whose contributions through technological innovation have a lasting and meaningful impact on humanity. Together with the Government of the Republic of Armenia and our partners, we are proud to continue this mission, honor Kam as the 17th laureate of the Award, and look forward to welcoming him to Armenia” said Hovik Musayelyan, Synopsys Armenia Director and the Coordinator of the Executive Board and the International Selection Committee.
The previous winners of the RA State Award for Global Contribution to High Technology are:
- Former CEO of “Intel Corporation” Craig Barrett (2010)
- Co-Founder of “Apple Inc.” Steve Wozniak (2011)
- Chairman Emeritus of “Synaptics, Inc.” Federico Faggin (2012)
- Chairman of the Society of Semiconductor Industry Seniors and “Techno Vision” Tsugio Makimoto (2013)
- Chief Development Officer of “Sysco Systems” Mario Mazzola (2014)
- Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of “Kaspersky Lab” Eugene Kaspersky (2015)
- Internet pioneer and CEO at “Open-Root” Louis Pouzin (2016)
- Founder of “Nest labs”, the creator of iPod Tony Fadell (2017)
- Co-founder of “National Instruments” Dr. James Truchard (2018)
- U. A. and Helen Whitaker University Professor Dr. Takeo Kanade (2019)
- Co-Chief Executive Officer of “Synopsys” Dr. Chi-Foon Chan (2020)
- Vice President of “IBM”’s Electronic Design Automation group Leon Stok (2021)
- CEO of “Adobe” Shantanu Narayen (2022)
- Founder of Infosys Narayana Murthy (2023)
- Founder of AIPLAB consortium Dr. Yoshiaki Daimon Hagiwara (2024)
- CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Analog Devices Inc. Vincent Roche (2025)
- Kam Ghaffarian, founder and co-founder of IBX, Axiom Space, Intuitive Machines, X-energy, and Quantum Space (2026)