Moore played a pivotal role in launching Intel in 1968, and his vision and leadership helped propel the company to become one of the world’s most successful and innovative technology firms. Under his guidance, Intel’s “Intel Inside” processors became a ubiquitous feature of personal computers, powering more than 80% of the world’s devices.
One of Moore’s most significant contributions to the industry was his prediction, made in a 1965 article, that the number of transistors on microchips would double every year. This foresight became known as “Moore’s Law” and was a driving force behind the relentless pursuit of research and development in the chip-making field. Thanks to this prediction, we have witnessed unprecedented technological advancements over the past half-century, from the birth of personal computers and the internet to the emergence of tech giants like Apple, Facebook, and Google.
Despite claims by rivals such as Nvidia Corp that Moore’s Law no longer holds true, Intel’s current CEO, Pat Gelsinger, remains a staunch believer in its validity. As a result, the company is investing billions of dollars in a turnaround effort to ensure that Moore’s Law remains a cornerstone of the industry.
Not only was Moore a brilliant engineer, but he was also a committed environmentalist and philanthropist. In 2000, he and his wife established a foundation that focused on environmental causes, funded by Moore’s donation of some $5 billion in Intel stock. He was also a generous supporter of his alma mater, the California Institute of Technology, and even backed the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence project known as Seti.
Moore’s contributions to the technology field were widely recognized, and in 2002, he was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the United States. Despite his many achievements, Moore remained humble, saying in an interview, “It sure is nice to be at the right place at the right time. It’s been a phenomenal ride.” While we mourn the loss of this visionary pioneer, his legacy will continue to inspire and drive innovation for years to come.
Today, we lost a visionary.
Gordon Moore, thank you for everything. pic.twitter.com/bAiBAtmd9K
— Intel (@intel) March 25, 2023
