Robert Noyce
Meet Intel's co-founder and the co-inventor of the integrated circuit.
Optimism is an essential ingredient of innovation. How else can the individual welcome change over security, adventure over staying in safe places?
Robert Noyce
Technologist, Entrepreneur, and Industry Leader
As a technologist, Bob Noyce was the co-inventor of the integrated circuit and held numerous patents. As an entrepreneur, he was a co-founder of both Fairchild Semiconductor and Intel Corporation. Dozens of technology companies stemmed from Shockley Semiconductor, Fairchild Semiconductor, and Intel Corporation, companies where Noyce left his unique and indelible mark.
As an industry statesman, he helped found the Semiconductor Industry Association, was a Regent of the University of California, served on the President's Commission on Industrial Competitiveness, and was the first Chief Executive Officer of SEMATECH.
Man of Many Interests
Those who knew Bob knew another side—a man who found fulfillment beyond his public stature and acclaim. He flew planes, sang madrigals, and skied treacherous slopes. He was a tinkerer, an athlete, a husband and father, and a true visionary. To honor this unique legacy, his family created the Robert Noyce Foundation.
At the Intel Museum: "Robert Noyce, a Life Celebrated"
Learn more about the life of Robert Noyce at the Intel Museum’s permanent exhibit, "Robert Noyce, A Life Celebrated," located in Intel’s Robert Noyce Building, Santa Clara, California.
Robert Noyce Biography
Read Leslie Berlin's biography about Robert Noyce, "The Man Behind the Microchip."
Explore Other Online Exhibits
If you can’t make it to the Intel Museum, you can still enjoy a tour of Intel history with these online versions of the exhibits.
At the Intel Museum
Learn more about the making of silicon chips at the Intel Museum’s permanent exhibit, "From Sand to Circuits," located in Intel’s Robert Noyce Building, Santa Clara, California.
Moore's Law
Meet Intel's co-founder and see how his bold prediction set the pace for ongoing innovation.
The Intel® 4004 Chip
Get the story behind Intel’s first microprocessor and learn how it changed the course of technology and the world.
Making Silicon Chips
From purified silicon to technology that powers your everyday life, discover the making of silicon chips—the most complex devices ever manufactured.
Learn More About Intel History
Explore the events that made news and advanced the world of technology.
Intel Annual Reports and Anniversary Publications
Relive the Intel journey that started in 1968.
Talk the Talk
Terms used every day at Intel.