Kam Gafarian, founder of space ventures Axiom Space and Intuitive Machines, wins Armenia’s State Award in IT
06.10.2026,
17:33
Engineer and entrepreneur Kam Gafarian—founder and co-founder of companies such as IBX, Axiom Space, Intuitive Machines, X-energy, and Quantum Space—has been named the recipient of Armenia’s 2026 State Award for Global Contribution to High-Tech, according to the press service of the Republic of Armenia’s Ministry of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence.
YEREVAN, October 6. /ARKA/. Engineer and entrepreneur Kam Gafarian—founder and co-founder of companies such as IBX, Axiom Space, Intuitive Machines, X-energy, and Quantum Space—has been named the recipient of Armenia’s 2026 State Award for Global Contribution to High-Tech, according to the press service of the Republic of Armenia’s Ministry of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Davit Tadevosyan, the Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence, stated that the award serves several important purposes: it boosts Armenia’s visibility on the international technology stage and highlights the country's role in shaping the global technology agenda.
He emphasized the importance of the award in giving young people the opportunity to interact with distinguished industry figures and learn firsthand about the sector's development and trends. Tadevosyan noted that the true value of innovation lies in the positive changes it brings to people's lives—a concept the award aims to underscore.
Armen Avetisyan, CEO of Viva, noted that behind every major achievement stands an individual who believed in their idea and dared to take the first step.
"We want children and young people in Armenia to grow up with that same belief in their own abilities. We want them to see the achievements of global leaders and think, 'I can do this too,' and for Armenia to be a place where their talent is in demand, their ideas are valued, and a great journey can begin right here," Avetisyan said. He added that this is precisely why Viva has supported the award for 17 years, helping to strengthen Armenia's ties with individuals who push the boundaries of the possible.
Hovik Musayelyan, Director of Synopsys Armenia, noted that Gafarian’s professional journey aligns with the spirit of the award.
"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 drive human progress," Musayelyan stated.
It was also announced during the press conference that Ghaffarian would visit Armenia in November.
About Kam Gafarian
Gafarian is an engineer and entrepreneur working in the space and high-tech sectors. Axiom Space, a company he co-founded, carries out commercial space missions and orbital infrastructure projects in collaboration with NASA.
In 2024, the *Odysseus* spacecraft, built by Intuitive Machines, landed near the Moon's south pole. It became the first American spacecraft to reach the lunar surface since the Apollo 17 mission, as well as the first commercial spacecraft to land on the Moon.
About the Award
Armenia’s State Award for Global Contribution to High-Tech was established by a presidential decree in 2009. It is presented for technological, educational, organizational, or financial contributions that have gained international recognition and significantly impacted the development of high-tech industries.
Synopsys initiated and sponsors the award, while Viva has served as its principal partner for 17 years. The initiative is also supported by the ICT Employers' Union and the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Davit Tadevosyan, the Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence, stated that the award serves several important purposes: it boosts Armenia’s visibility on the international technology stage and highlights the country's role in shaping the global technology agenda.
He emphasized the importance of the award in giving young people the opportunity to interact with distinguished industry figures and learn firsthand about the sector's development and trends. Tadevosyan noted that the true value of innovation lies in the positive changes it brings to people's lives—a concept the award aims to underscore.
Armen Avetisyan, CEO of Viva, noted that behind every major achievement stands an individual who believed in their idea and dared to take the first step.
"We want children and young people in Armenia to grow up with that same belief in their own abilities. We want them to see the achievements of global leaders and think, 'I can do this too,' and for Armenia to be a place where their talent is in demand, their ideas are valued, and a great journey can begin right here," Avetisyan said. He added that this is precisely why Viva has supported the award for 17 years, helping to strengthen Armenia's ties with individuals who push the boundaries of the possible.
Hovik Musayelyan, Director of Synopsys Armenia, noted that Gafarian’s professional journey aligns with the spirit of the award.
"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 drive human progress," Musayelyan stated.
It was also announced during the press conference that Ghaffarian would visit Armenia in November.
About Kam Gafarian
Gafarian is an engineer and entrepreneur working in the space and high-tech sectors. Axiom Space, a company he co-founded, carries out commercial space missions and orbital infrastructure projects in collaboration with NASA.
In 2024, the *Odysseus* spacecraft, built by Intuitive Machines, landed near the Moon's south pole. It became the first American spacecraft to reach the lunar surface since the Apollo 17 mission, as well as the first commercial spacecraft to land on the Moon.
About the Award
Armenia’s State Award for Global Contribution to High-Tech was established by a presidential decree in 2009. It is presented for technological, educational, organizational, or financial contributions that have gained international recognition and significantly impacted the development of high-tech industries.
Synopsys initiated and sponsors the award, while Viva has served as its principal partner for 17 years. The initiative is also supported by the ICT Employers' Union and the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund.