Jen-Hsun Huang was born on February 17, 1963, in Taipei, Taiwan. At the age of nine, he immigrated to the United States with his family, initially settling in Oneida, Kentucky, before moving to Oregon. He pursued a degree in electrical engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science from Oregon State University and later a Master’s degree from Stanford University.
His strong academic foundation in engineering and computing would later drive his success in the semiconductor industry.
Founding of NVIDIA
In 1993, Huang co-founded NVIDIA alongside Chris Malachowsky and Curtis Priem. From the beginning, he served as the President and CEO, leading the company with a vision to revolutionize the world of computing. NVIDIA initially focused on graphics processing units (GPUs) for gaming, but under his leadership, the company expanded into artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, autonomous vehicles, and scientific computing.
Huang’s Law: Driving Innovation in GPU Technology
Huang is known for formulating “Huang’s Law,” which states that GPU advancements are progressing at a rate faster than Moore’s Law, meaning GPUs are becoming exponentially more powerful and efficient over time. This principle has underpinned NVIDIA’s rapid growth and dominance in high-performance computing and AI applications.
Expansion into AI and Data Centers
Recognizing the potential of AI early on, he led NVIDIA into the AI and deep learning revolution. The company’s CUDA platform, which enables developers to use GPUs for general computing tasks, became the foundation for advancements in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing. Today, the company’s A100 and H100 GPUs are widely used in AI research, powering major AI models, including ChatGPT and other generative AI technologies.
Philanthropy and Giving Back
Beyond business, Huang is a well-known philanthropist. In 2009, he donated $30 million to Stanford University, funding the construction of the Jen-Hsun Huang Engineering Center. He also contributed $2 million to Oneida Baptist Institute, his former school, to support the construction of new facilities for students. His commitment to education and technology underscores his belief in fostering innovation for future generations.
Market Leadership and Recognition
Under Huang’s leadership, NVIDIA has become one of the world’s most valuable technology companies. In 2024, NVIDIA’s market capitalization surpassed Microsoft’s, reaching $3.34 trillion, making it the most valuable company in the world. His influence has been widely recognized, with TIME Magazine naming him one of the most influential people in the world in both 2021 and 2024.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Huang continues to push the boundaries of AI, robotics, and high-performance computing. His vision is to establish NVIDIA as the backbone of the AI revolution, enabling advancements in healthcare, automation, and next-generation computing.
Jen-Hsun Huang’s journey from an immigrant child to a tech industry titan is a testament to his visionary leadership, relentless innovation, and passion for technology. His impact on the GPU industry, AI, and computing has reshaped the modern technological landscape, ensuring that NVIDIA remains at the forefront of innovation for years to come.