Honoring Kam Ghaffarian, the 2026 recipient of the Global High-Tech Award, a special cover was cancelled and a star bearing his name was unveiled on the Walk of Fame of Legends

During the official visit to Armenia by Kam Ghaffarian—an engineer, entrepreneur, and the 17^th recipient of the State Award of Republic of Armenia for Global Contribution to Humanity through High-Tech (the Global High-Tech Award) — a series of events took place to celebrate his achievements.

Kam Ghaffarian is a founder or co-founder of the technology companies “X-energy”, “Intuitive Machines”, “Axiom Space”, and “Quantum Space”. The work of the companies he founded has made a significant contribution to the development of space technologies. Notably, in February 2024, the “Odysseus” spacecraft—developed by the company “Intuitive Machines”—achieved a historic soft landing in the lunar south polar region, becoming the first American spacecraft to land softly on the Moon since the “Apollo 11” mission in 1972. Meanwhile, “Axiom Space,” in collaboration with NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration), is carrying out a number of significant projects, including crewed commercial space missions and a program to develop a commercial space station.

At the Presidential Residence, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented the State Award of Republic of Armenia for Global Contribution to Humanity through High-Tech to Kam Ghaffarian. A formal reception was also held in his honor. The presentation of the award and the reception were preceded by a ceremonial cancellation of a special envelope dedicated to the state award.

The special envelope was cancelled by Artur Hovsepyan, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Armenia; David Tadevosyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence of Armenia; Kam Ghaffarian; Armen Avetisian, General Director of Viva, the main partner of the Award; Shushan Aleksanyan, Chief Executive Officer of “HayPost” CJSC; and Hovik Musayelyan, Chairman of the Award’s Executive Council, Director of “Synopsys Armenia”, and President of the Union of Philatelists of Armenia.

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Arthur Hovsepyan congratulated Kam Ghaffarian and highlighted the significance of his work for the development of Armenia’s high-tech industry.

“Postage stamps and envelopes have long ceased to be merely a means of postal communication. They also serve as historical records—symbols that honor significant events and individuals. The special envelope and souvenir sheet issued today are dedicated to Kam Ghaffarian, whose achievements demonstrate that knowledge, courage, and innovative thinking have the power to change the world. May this envelope and souvenir sheet serve not only as a tribute to exceptional accomplishments but also as a source of inspiration for future generations,” - stated General Director of Viva Armen Avetisian.

“I am so honored to receive this award. It means something very meaningful in my life, not only because of the business and all the other stuff, but also because the longer I stay here, the more I fall in love with Armenia. It brings back memories of my experiences in Jugha, Isfahan, and the time I spent there. So, I am telling you that I am going to come back, and I am also really looking forward to doing business and making a difference for Armenia. I am truly looking forward to that. I am very honored to have received this award. Thank you very much!”, - Kam Ghaffarian said.

For 17 consecutive years, Viva has supported this award, emphasizing the importance of inspiring the youth of Armenia—and instilling in them a belief in their own potential—by showcasing the examples of globally recognized innovators.

The special envelope features Kam Ghaffarian, the recipient of the Global High-Tech Award for 2026.

Affixed to the envelope is a souvenir sheet containing two stamps, issued in 2024 and dedicated to the Global High-Tech Award.

The day after receiving the state award, Kam Ghaffarian visited Engineering City, where he toured the facilities and learned about the programs being implemented there. As part of the visit, a ceremony was held to unveil a star bearing Kam Ghaffarian’s name on the Walk of Fame of Legends.

The Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence of the Republic of Armenia, David Tadevosyan, also reflected on Kam Ghaffarian’s professional journey, describing it as an inspiring example. “One of the companies founded by Kam Ghaffarian made history by becoming the first private company to land a spacecraft on the Moon. His presence in Armenia is important not only for raising our country’s profile in the high-tech sector but also for opening up new opportunities for practical cooperation. We share common interests and see promising prospects for collaboration, particularly in the space sector, which align with the priorities of the Republic of Armenia’s space strategy,” the Minister noted.

Armen Avetisian, General Director of Viva, stated: “I am pleased to participate in this symbolic event dedicated to the exceptional achievements of Kam Ghaffarian. The star bearing his name is not only a token of recognition and appreciation but also a reminder that great ideas and innovation have the power to change the world. For 17 years, Viva has supported the Global High-Tech Award, firmly believing that fostering science and innovation is an investment in Armenia’s future. I am confident that this star will also inspire young people to believe in their own potential, to think boldly, and to bring their ideas to life.”