Intel And the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation announced that the company’s co-founder Gordon Moore passed away at the age of 94 last night (Friday), surrounded by family at his home in Hawaii.
Moore and his colleague Robert Noyce founded Intel in July 1968. Moore initially served as senior vice president until 1975, when he became president. In 1979, Moore was appointed chairman of the board and CEO, positions he held until 1987, when he gave up the role of CEO and continued as chairman. In 1997, Moore became chairman emeritus, and retired from his position in 2006. In order to found Intel, Moore left the American chip pioneer Shockley. Along with him, seven other scientists and researchers unexpectedly left the company, collectively known as the “Traitorous Eight” .
Moore first predicted in 1965 that the number of transistors placed on a semiconductor, which define the overall performance level of the chip, would double every two years. Moore later signed what later became law in his name, predicting that the power of chips would double every 20 months. The same rigid increase in power, which in recent years shows only few signs of slowing down, has driven the enormous progress in the computing power of computers, at the same time as a gradual decrease in the price of chips.
Moore also devoted his focus and energy to philanthropy, particularly environmental conservation, science, and improvements in patient care. Together with his wife of the past 72 years, Betty, he founded the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation in 2000, which has donated more than $5.1 billion to charitable causes since its inception.
“Those of us who met and worked with Gordon will be forever inspired by his wisdom, humility and generosity,” said Foundation President Harvey Feinberg. “Although he never aspired to be a household name, Gordon’s vision and life’s work made possible the phenomenal technological innovations and developments that shape our daily lives. But these historic achievements are only part of his legacy. His and Betty’s generosity as philanthropists will shape the world for generations to come.”
Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel, said that “Moore defined the technology industry through his insight and vision. He was instrumental in revealing the power of transistors, inspiring technologists and entrepreneurs throughout the decades. We at Intel continue to draw inspiration from Moore’s Law. Gordon’s vision continues to be our True North as we use the power of technology to improve the lives of every person on Earth. My career and a large part of my life took shape within the possibilities that led Gordon to the leadership of Intel, and I am thrilled by the honor and responsibility of carrying his legacy forward.”