Our Bureau
Washington, DC
US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) honoured six leading American innovators, including Elon Musk, Sergey Brin, Jensen Huang, Lisa Su, Michael Dell and Satya Nadella, with the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, describing the recipients as “national treasures” helping pioneer an “incredible future for America”.
Nadella received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation “for his transformative leadership of a critical American technology company, which led to its rejuvenation for a new era of cloud computing, and for his construction of the hyperscale infrastructure that enabled the training and global deployment of American super intelligence.”
Trump praised Nadella for his role in transforming Microsoft and its cloud computing business.
“For more than three decades, Satya Nadella has been a key figure in the transformation of Microsoft, revolutionising the company and empowering businesses, students, and consumers from all over the world with some of the most capable software ever built or ever even conceived,” Trump said.
“Before becoming CEO in 2014, Satya led Business Services research and development efforts, and the cloud computing platform that undergirds products used by billions and billions of people every single day,” he added.
Trump also credited Nadella with making Microsoft an early leader in superintelligence.
“Satya, we are honoured to give you the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. It is so well deserved. Congratulations, Satya,” Trump said.
“Satya Nadella. The National Medal of Technology and Innovation to Satya Nadella of the Microsoft Corporation, for his transformative leadership of a critical American technology company which led to its rejuvenation for a new era of cloud computing, and for his construction of a hyperscale infrastructure that enabled the training and global deployment of American superintelligence. Congratulations,” White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director Michael Kratsios said while announcing the award.