The Tech Awards Names N.R. Narayana Murthy Recipient of The James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award
Influential entrepreneur and philanthropist recognized for social impact in tech and humanitarian work through the Infosys Foundation
SAN JOSE, CA — Indian philanthropist N.R. Narayana Murthy, who founded tech services giant Infosys along with six colleagues and went on to become one of India’s most influential advocates for health care and rural development, has been named the ninth recipient of the James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award, The Tech Museum revealed Thursday. Sponsored by Applied Materials, Inc. the award honors individuals whose broad vision and leadership are focused on combating critical global problems.
“The Global Humanitarian Award is a great honor. I have seen how technology can impact social good – and philanthropy has been a central part of my life,” said Murthy, who will formally receive the award in November at Silicon Valley’s premier science and technology recognition ceremony, The Tech Awards. “I have always felt that one’s personal wealth should be seen as an opportunity to influence societal improvements. The power of money is the power to give, and I work to embody this mantra throughout my work.”
Murthy served as the first CEO for 21 years and currently holds the role of Chairman Emeritus at the global technology services company. With Infosys, Murthy helped spark the global move toward outsourcing, bringing billions of dollars and countless software development jobs to India. Infosys established the Infosys Foundation in 1996. The Infosys Foundation works in partnership with non-governmental organizations to help underprivileged rural communities in India that are focusing on five initiatives: healthcare, education, culture, destitute care and rural development.
Murthy’s selfless humanitarian work and keen business acumen made him an ideal candidate for the award, said museum President Tim Ritchie. “Narayana Murthy’s work has helped to position India as a global technology leader and has raised awareness about serious social issues in that country and around the world,” Ritchie said. “Murthy’s commitment to social good is an inspiration and his work exemplifies the values we should all strive to embody.”
“This award honors leaders whose vision, passion and dedication are helping to change the world,” said Mike Splinter, Chairman and CEO of Applied Materials, Inc. “Narayana Murthy embodies the spirit of the Global Humanitarian Award. Through his leadership in business and philanthropy, he has improved the lives of many in India and beyond.”
Murthy joins an impressive roster of recipients of The James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian award that includes internet entrepreneur Jeff Skoll, education and cross-cultural dialogue advocate Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Nobel Laureate and former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Applied Materials’ Chairman Emeritus James C. Morgan, who inspired the award.
He will accept the honor in Silicon Valley on Thursday, November 15, 2012 during The Tech Awards gala, presented by Applied Materials, in association with the Center for Science, Technology, and Society at Santa Clara University. The award will be presented at a ceremony that also recognizes 12 innovators from around the world who apply technology in creative and practical ways to improve the human condition in areas such as health, education, environment and economic development.
A new category, Sustainable Energy, has been added to honor those innovators who help meet the world’s energy needs while minimizing the adverse effects on health and the environment. Replacing the Equality category is the Katherine M. Swanson Young Innovator Award, which recognizes innovators under the age of 27 who are transforming our world for the better through ingenuity, energy and a spirit of optimism.
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Contact:
Roqua Montez
Director Public Relations
(408) 795-6225
rmontez@thetech.org
Amelia Vierra
Ogilvy Public Relations
(415) 677-2706
amelia.vierra@ogilvy.com
About The Tech Museum
The Tech Museum is a hands-on technology and science museum for people of all ages and backgrounds. The museum—located in the Capital of Silicon Valley —is a non-profit learning resource established to engage people in exploring and experiencing technologies affecting their lives. Through programs such as The Tech Challenge presented by Cisco, our annual team design competition for youth, and internationally renowned programs such as The Tech Awards presented by Applied Materials, Inc., The Tech Museum endeavors to inspire the innovator in everyone.
About Applied Materials, Inc.
Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) is the global leader in providing innovative equipment, services and software to enable the manufacture of advanced semiconductor, flat panel display and solar photovoltaic products. Our technologies help make innovations like smartphones, flat screen TVs and solar panels more affordable and accessible to consumers and businesses around the world. At Applied Materials, we turn today’s innovations into the industries of tomorrow. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.
About the Center for Science, Technology, and Society
The mission of the Center for Science, Technology, and Society (CSTS) is to promote the use of science and technology to benefit underserved communities worldwide, primarily by working with socially-minded entrepreneurs. The CSTS implements its mission through its signature program, the Global Social Benefit Incubator, its partnership with The Tech Museum in The Tech Awards program, the Frugal Innovation Lab and its numerous educational and public engagement activities. CSTS is one of three Centers of Distinction at Santa Clara University that embody the University’s mission to create a more just, humane, and sustainable world. More information can be found at www.scu.edu/socialbenefit.
