Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has presented the Armenian State Award for Global Contribution to High-Tech to Vincent Roche, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Analog Devices Inc. (ADI). Congratulating Roche during the ceremony, Pashinyan noted that the laureate’s work is integrated into everyday life in the modern, technology-driven world.
In a private conversation, the Prime Minister praised Roche’s role in advancing technology, stating that his achievements serve as a powerful example for future generations. Roche thanked the Armenian government for the recognition and noted the country’s strong potential in the high-tech sector.
In this context, Pashinyan introduced the Academic City initiative and its ongoing programs. Roche welcomed the project and expressed readiness to support Armenia’s educational efforts.
Both sides agreed that education plays a critical role in empowering individuals, ensuring efficient work, and tackling modern challenges effectively.
During the 16th award ceremony for Global Contribution to High-Tech, Pashinyan emphasized the value of discussions with laureates, stating that such conversations have influenced the government’s strategic planning.
“Whenever I asked laureates what their governments did to help them succeed, the consistent answer was: education. From public schooling to postgraduate studies, education made the difference. These exchanges helped us focus more on education as a solution to nearly every challenge in Armenia, from foreign policy to construction and the humanitarian sector,” Pashinyan said.
He also underlined education’s central role in poverty reduction, noting that social assistance alone cannot bring lasting change unless the state ensures accessible education for all.
Pashinyan said the laureates’ examples compel the government to deepen reforms in the education sector. He reaffirmed that despite skepticism, the Academic City project will be realized.
“I hope that by year-end, the government will approve the master plan for the Academic City and move into the implementation phase,” he said.
The Armenian Presidential Award for Global Contribution to IT was established in 2009. The award is funded through a memorandum of cooperation between the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, Synopsys Armenia, and private sponsors.
