Google Celebrates Chip-Father Robert Noyce With New Doodle

Google has revealed a new chip-themed homepage doodle that celebrates the birthday of Robert Noyce, co-founder of Intel and widely known as one of the brains behind the microchip. Noyce – who would have turned 84 today – passed away in 1990 at the age of 62. Nicknamed "the Mayor of Silicon Valley" the physics doctor created Intel with Gordon E. Moore in 1968.

Noyce had been employed at Shockley Semiconductor, but left as part of the "traitorous eight" after reportedly growing disillusioned with the company's approach to research. Noyce and Moore, two of the eight, decided to set up their own company, Intel, with a more holistic approach to management, with scientific endeavor as the primary goal. It was at Intel, supervising Ted Hoff, where Noyce oversaw the creation of the microprocessor.

One of Noyce's final wishes was to "make sure we are preparing our next generation to flourish in a high-tech age." The Noyce Foundation, intended to promote K-12 level physics and mathematics education, was established by Noyce's family in 1991.