Pashinyan Awards State Prize to Takeo Kanade for Global Contribution to IT Sector

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has received Japanese scientist, Carnegie Mellon University professor, author of the 'Origami World' theory, and creator of the concept of 'Virtual Reality,' Takeo Kanade, who has been awarded the Armenian State Prize for Global Contribution to the IT Sector.

According to the information and public relations department of the Prime Minister's office, the Prime Minister stated that the decision to award the prize for global contribution in the IT sector is a high recognition of Mr. Kanade's achievements, and noted that his experience in science and high technology serves as an exemplary model for Armenian youth who are taking their first steps in the IT field.

Takeo Kanade expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Pashinyan for recognizing his work and emphasized that he sees a great future for the high-tech sector in Armenia. He presented his work to the Prime Minister and expressed his willingness to closely collaborate with Armenian partners, sharing his expertise and capabilities.

After the meeting, an event was held to unveil postage stamps dedicated to the Armenian State Prize for Global Contribution in the IT Sector. In the presence of the Prime Minister, the stamps were unveiled by Minister of High-Tech Industry Hakob Arshakyan, Takeo Kanade, President of the Armenian Philatelists Union Hovik Musayelyan, and CEO of 'Haypost' Haik Avagyan.

Following this, a ceremonial event was held for the presentation of the Armenian State Prize for Global Contribution to Information Technologies. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented the award to scientist Takeo Kanade and delivered a speech during a reception organized in his honor.

“Honorable Mr. President, State Officials, Foreign Ambassadors, Honoree of the Armenian State Prize for Global Contribution to Information Technologies, Doctor Kanade, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honor for me to host in Armenia a scientist who has ensured a global leap in the technological field, Doctor Takeo Kanade. The doctor who has been awarded the Armenian State Prize has made an exceptional contribution to the study of three-dimensional images, the development of virtual reality technologies, and other important fields.

Mr. Kanade's revolutionary innovations have ensured significant advancements in science and technology, opening new horizons for the global scientific community, and consequently for all of humanity. It is no surprise that Doctor Kanade has received and will, I am sure, continue to receive many other prestigious awards.

The year 2019 was also a year of revolutionary development for our country's tech environment. Armenia has strengthened its positions on international platforms. Within the framework of the Global Conference on Information Technologies and several other events, Armenia has brought together companies that play a global role in the technological sector, as well as thousands of scientists and leading experts who have ensured scientific advancement with their work.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Armenian State Prize for Global Contribution in Information Technologies. On this occasion, I would like to congratulate and thank the organizers and all the staff of the award ceremony, as well as the awardees from previous years. Each of them has made a unique contribution to the recognition and advancement of Armenia as a technological nation. This award ceremony has become a particular opportunity and leadership in the technological field for us.

In the global technological landscape, our country is becoming not only recognizable but also exemplary. Armenia, as a country with high technological and industrial aspirations, is rapidly developing and reinforcing its positions on the global technological map. Our country, due to its geographic situation, degree of integration into economic unions, intellectual heft, and the wide opportunities afforded by our compatriots in the Diaspora, is becoming a unique center in the global technological sector. It is creating new opportunities for entering international markets and forming platforms for cooperation.

The vision of our development is the creation of a constantly educated, knowledge-based society and a technologically advanced economy. Armenia, having no access to the sea and rich mineral resources, now speaks the language of science and innovative technologies with the world.

Armenia and the Armenians have contributed to the world notable scientists and inventors whose works have significantly impacted various fields of science and industry. Our country has, due to its technological and scientific potential, as well as its achievements, at one point been called the 'Silicon Valley of the Soviet Union.' The Armenian government has declared the high-tech sector a field of strategic importance. A free, corruption-free, and democratic state, a knowledge-based society, and the unwavering support of the government to companies that achieve global technological accomplishments are crucial guarantees for brave investments in this field.

Mr. Kanade, once again I would like to congratulate you on being awarded the Armenian State Prize for Global Contribution to Information Technologies. I hope that you will leave your unique footprint in the development of Armenia's technological sector, and that Armenia will become one of the main places for you to solve the most complex problems. Once again, welcome to Armenia, a country with a technological industrial strategy. You are always a desired and highly anticipated guest here. Thank you.”

Takeo Kanade also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister once more, noting that it is a great honor for him to receive the Armenian State Prize for Global Contribution in the IT sector. He emphasized that Armenia is a good platform for developing activities in the high-tech sector and highlighted the role of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia in preparing specialists. According to Takeo Kanade, there are young people in Armenia with great energy and potential who, with their ideas, can contribute to the progress and development of the sector.