Motorola awarded highest honor for technological innovation

Motorola was recognized for "over 75 years of technological achievement and leadership in the development of innovative electronic solutions, which have enabled portable and mobile communications to become the standard across society.

"It is a tremendous honor to receive the National Medal of Technology," said Hassan Tavakoli, Vice President, Motorola Middle East & Africa.

"This award recognizes the extraordinary contributions of Motorola's employees over the company's 77 years of innovation leadership."

Motorola pioneered mobile communications with car radios and public safety radio networks in the 1930s, walkie-talkies in the 1940s, and in 1967 made hearing the first words from the moon possible.

In the 1980s, Motorola introduced the first commercial, handheld cellular phone.

In the 1990s, Motorola premiered the first digital cellular GSM network and helped create all-digital HDTV. Today, Motorola's smart devices, networks and software make communications not just mobile, but seamless -- allowing easy, uninterrupted access to communication, information and entertainment. The company also leads in design, with award-winning products like the iconic RAZR handset.

"The National Medal of Technology is important not just because it awards innovation, but because it inspires all of us to be relentless in our pursuit of the technologies critical to maintaining our leadership role in telecommunications," Tavakoli added.

Established by Congress in 1980 and first awarded in 1985, the National Medal of Technology recognizes those who have made lasting contributions to America's competitiveness, standard of living and quality of life through technological innovation and those who have substantially contributed to strengthening the nation's technological workforce. The medal is awarded annually to individuals, teams and/or companies/divisions for their outstanding contributions to the nation's economic, environmental and social well-being through the development and commercialization of technology products, processes and concepts; technological innovation; and development of the nation's technological manpower.

Applicants for the National Medal of Technology are evaluated by the National Medal of Technology Evaluation Committee. The committee makes its recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, who in turn makes recommendations to the President for final selection. The National Medal of Technology laureates are announced by the White House and the Department of Commerce.