Jensen Huang Named 2026 IEEE Medal of Honor Recipient
Congratulations to Jensen Huang, Founder, President, and CEO of NVIDIA, who has been named the 2026 IEEE Medal of Honor Recipient—the highest recognition bestowed by IEEE and one of the most prestigious honors in the global technology community. The announcement was made on 6 January 2026 by IEEE President and CEO Mary Ellen Randall during a special media event at CES in Las Vegas, held at the Fontainebleau Hotel, marking a major and highly visible moment for IEEE on one of the world’s biggest technology stages.Â
For over a century, the IEEE Medal of Honor has recognized the world’s most transformative technological achievements—from the invention of the transistor and nanotechnology to the creation of the Internet—honoring innovators whose work fundamentally shapes how we live, work, and connect.
Huang is being recognized for his pioneering leadership and groundbreaking contributions to graphics processing units (GPUs). Under his direction, NVIDIA introduced the programmable GPU in 1999, igniting extraordinary advancements that have transformed entire industries—from computing, research, and medicine to AI, automation, and immersive experiences—deeply influencing how technology improves society.
His impact has been widely acknowledged beyond engineering as well, with honors including a Time Magazine cover feature (2025), Fortune’s Businessperson of the Year (2017), and being named the world’s top-performing CEO by Harvard Business Review (2019). He is also an HKN Eminent Member and was recently bestowed the prestigious distinction of IEEE Honorary Member.
The 2026 IEEE Medal of Honor, along with additional prestigious high-profile IEEE awards, will be formally presented at the IEEE Honors Ceremony on 24 April 2026 in New York City.
This announcement marks a truly landmark moment for IEEE, reinforcing our commitment to honoring the innovators who are shaping the future of technology.
Read the official IEEE Press Release.
Read the Fast Company feature where IEEE President and CEO Mary Ellen Randall discusses the significance of the IEEE Medal of Honor.
