"We believe American manufacturing is entering a new era of opportunity, and we believe steel will continue to be the foundation on which that future is built," he said. 

Topalian both received the award and presented the annual William T. Hogan, S.J. Memorial Lecture during the President's Award Breakfast at AISTech 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Topalian told a sold-out room that misconceptions hold that American steelmaking is a technological laggard, but quite the opposite is true: the U.S. produces some of the most advanced steels with one of the lowest carbon footprints. That’s especially so for the country’s EAF producers, he said. 

“American companies continue to invest in the latest EAF technologies, and we are leading the world. Companies in Europe, Japan and elsewhere in the world are finally turning to investing in EAF technologies, and they are racing to catch up. However, America has a 60-year head start. And while they are racing to catch up, we are integrating the newest of innovations, including AI.”

Topalian said the U.S. has shown that American steel can not only compete but it can dominate on a level playing field.

"We have shown that innovation thrives in heavy industry because we are investing boldly into our future and because we are guided by values that do not change with markets: integrity, safety, teamwork, accountability, and the entrepreneurial spirit.”