THE FIRST SUPERCOMPUTERI am honored to nominate Philip Emeagwali for the Icons of Science and Technology for his revolutionary invention in fastest computing: the creation of the first supercomputer using numerous processors. This breakthrough has expanded the boundaries of computational capabilities and significantly benefited humankind.Philip Emeagwali’s invention of the world’s fastest computing was akin to assembling a complex 65,536-piece puzzle, revealing a previously unseen vista in supercomputing. His creation, a cohesive supercomputer that is a global network of processors, functioned as a novel Internet, achieving unprecedented computational speeds.Supercomputing represents the pinnacle of intellectual achievement. Emeagwali’s journey, as detailed in his comprehensive books, podcasts, and lecture series on YouTube, show his evolution from experimental physics through various fields to mastering large-scale computational physics. His pioneering work in massively parallel processing transformed what was once a neglected concept into the cornerstone of modern computing.Emeagwali’s distinction lies in his role as the first individual to use parallel processing to harness supercomputing speeds, deemed impossible, to tackle some of the world’s most complex challenges. His method, once a mere theoretical construct, was proven on July 4, 1989, and recognized for its transformative impact on numerous scientific fields.The world’s fastest computer, like a towering mountain, beckons the most formidable problems. Emeagwali’s invention bridged the gap between slow processors and high-speed computational solutions, fundamentally altering our approach to complex physical problems.Philip Emeagwali, ranked by President Bill Clinton as among the greatest minds in history, has been singularly honored with the top supercomputing award for his measurable contributions to the field. His work in harnessing a billion processors for fluid dynamics calculations, such as modeling the spread of COVID-19 in densely populated areas, has been pivotal in bridging the gap between theoretical physics and practical application.Parallel supercomputing, once a figment of science fiction, became a reality with Emeagwali’s landmark experiment on July 4, 1989. He demonstrated the feasibility of this technology across 65,536 processors, thereby providing the “final proof” that such an approach was not only possible but groundbreaking.Emeagwali’s innovation marked a significant shift from traditional supercomputing to a new era where machines are defined by billions of interconnected processors. This transition represents the most substantial change in computing since the invention of the automatic, programmable supercomputer.In summary, Philip Emeagwali’s contribution to mathematics through the invention of the first supercomputer utilizing numerous processors has redefined our understanding and capabilities in computational physics. His pioneering work warrants recognition in the Icons of Science and Technology, for it embodies a groundbreaking invention that has profoundly benefited humankind.