Irwin Jacobs

$1.20 B

Ranked #1818 in World

About Irwin Jacobs

Irwin Mark Jacobs, born on October 18, 1933, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, carved a monumental path in technology and academia, from earning his Bachelor of Science at Cornell University to shaping the future of communication with Qualcomm Inc., which he co-founded in 1985. His tenure as a professor at institutions like MIT and UCSD and groundbreaking work in mobile satellite communications underscore his contributions to electrical engineering and computer science. Jacobs, a recipient of prestigious awards such as the National Medal of Technology and Innovation and the IEEE Medal of Honor, also excels in philanthropy, contributing significantly to education, arts, and engineering with multimillion-dollar donations. Residing in La Jolla, California, with his family, Jacobs's legacy spans educational, technological, and philanthropic realms, highlighting his impactful role in advancing both technological innovation and community development.

Born

October 18, 1933 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, US

Age

92 years

Source Of Wealth

Semiconductors

Industries

Technology

Citizenship

United States

Residence

La Jolla, California

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Cornell University; Doctorate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Master of Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Spouse

Joan Klein (Married: 1954)

Children

4, including Gary E. Jacobs and Paul E. Jacobs

Irwin Mark Jacobs was born on October 18, 1933, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to a Jewish family. He displayed a passion for engineering from an early age, which led him to pursue a career in the field.

Irwin Jacobs: Family

Jacobs married Joan Klein, a dietician and fellow Cornell graduate, in 1954. They have four sons: Paul E. Jacobs, Jeff Jacobs, Hal Jacobs, and Gary E. Jacobs. Paul E. Jacobs succeeded Irwin as CEO of Qualcomm until 2014. Their granddaughter, Sara Jacobs, is a Democratic politician and representative for California's 53rd congressional district.

Irwin Jacobs: Career Highlights

Jacobs' career is marked by significant achievements in electrical engineering, computer science, and telecommunications. He served as an assistant and associate professor of electrical engineering at MIT from 1959 to 1966 before becoming a professor of computer science and engineering at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) from 1966 to 1972. He co-authored the influential textbook "Principles of Communication Engineering" with John Wozencraft in 1965.

Jacobs co-founded Linkabit Corporation with Andrew Viterbi in 1968, which merged with M/A-COM, Inc. in 1980. In 1985, he co-founded Qualcomm Inc. with Viterbi, Harvey White, Adelia Coffman, Andrew Cohen, Klein Gilhousen, and Franklin Antonio. Qualcomm's development of the OmniTRACS system revolutionized mobile satellite communications and tracking. Jacobs' pioneering work in communication bandwidth efficiency led to the development of CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), a groundbreaking technology that significantly improved wireless communication.

Irwin Jacobs: Companies

Jacobs co-founded Linkabit Corporation in 1968 and Qualcomm Inc. in 1985. Linkabit Corporation merged with M/A-COM, Inc. in 1980.

Irwin Jacobs: Major Achievements

Jacobs' major achievements include co-developing the OmniTRACS system, pioneering systems using the communication bandwidth more efficiently than older fixed time-sliced TDMA technology, and developing CDMA, a revolutionary technology that transformed wireless communication.

Irwin Jacobs: Awards & Achievements

Jacobs received numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his career. Some notable recognitions include the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 1994, the IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal in 1995, induction into the Wireless Hall of Fame in 2000, the Marconi Prize and Marconi Fellow in 2011, and the IEEE Milestone Award for CDMA and spread spectrum development in 2017.

Irwin Jacobs: Personal Life & Legacy

Jacobs resides in La Jolla, California, with his wife Joan.

He is known for his philanthropic contributions, particularly in the San Diego area, where he has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to education, arts, and various organizations. Jacobs' legacy is marked by his pioneering work in telecommunications, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his commitment to philanthropy.

Irwin Jacobs: Trivia

Jacobs' granddaughter, Sara Jacobs, is a Democratic politician and representative for California's 53rd congressional district. She is the first member of Congress from Generation Z.

Wealth History

Timeline

October 18, 1933

Irwin Mark Jacobs is born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to a Jewish family.

1956

Earns a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Cornell University.

1957

Obtains a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT.

1959

Receives a Doctor of Science degree in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT and becomes an assistant professor of electrical engineering at MIT.

1965

Co-authors the textbook "Principles of Communication Engineering" with John Wozencraft.

1966

Becomes a professor of computer science and engineering at the University of California San Diego (UCSD).

1968

Co-founds Linkabit Corporation with Andrew Viterbi.

1980

Linkabit Corporation merges with M/A-COM, Inc.

1982

Elected to the National Academy of Engineering.

1985

Co-founds Qualcomm Inc. with Andrew Viterbi, Harvey White, Adelia Coffman, Andrew Cohen, Klein Gilhousen, and Franklin Antonio.

1992

Receives the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in High Technology by the Institute of American Entrepreneurs.

May 1993

Receives the American Electronics Association (AEA) "Inventing America's Future" award.

1994

Receives the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for the development of CDMA and the Cornell University Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

1995

Receives the IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal.

2000

Inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame.

2001

Receives the Bower Award for Business Leadership.

2004

Receives the Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship.

2007

Receives the IEEE/RSE Wolfson James Clerk Maxwell Award.

2009

Steps down as chairman of Qualcomm and becomes a Fellow of AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science).

2011

Receives the Marconi Prize and is inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame.

2012

Named W. P. Carey School of Business Dean's Council of 100 Executive of the Year.

2013

Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and receives the Medal of Honor from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

November 2013

Conferred the title of "Distinguished Honor Chair Professor" of National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan.

2014

Elected to the American Philosophical Society and the Computer History Museum as a Fellow.

2015

Receives the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.

2017

Receives an Honorary Doctor of Engineering and Technology degree from Yale University and the IEEE Milestone Award for CDMA and spread spectrum development.

February 2018

Named honorary advisor to the president of National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan.

March 2018

Receives the IMEC Lifetime of Innovation Award.

July 2019

Awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of York, UK.

October 2019

Receives the IET Mountbatten Medal in London.

Irwin Jacobs : FAQs

What is Irwin Jacobs's net worth?

As of 2019, Irwin Jacobs's net worth was $1.20 billion.

What are Irwin Jacobs's main sources of wealth?

Irwin Jacobs's main source of income comes from Semiconductors.

In which industry does Irwin Jacobs primarily operate?

Irwin Jacobs is primarily involved in the Technology industry.

What is Irwin Jacobs educational background?

Irwin Jacobs holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Cornell University, a Doctorate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master of Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

How old is Irwin Jacobs?

Irwin Jacobs is 92 years old.

How many children does Irwin Jacobs have?

Irwin Jacobs has 4 children.

Who is Irwin Mark Jacobs and what is he known for?

Irwin Mark Jacobs, born on October 18, 1933, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is renowned for co-founding Qualcomm Inc., a pivotal company in mobile satellite communications, including the development of the OmniTRACS system and advanced CDMA technology. He's also recognized for his substantial contributions to education and philanthropy.

Can you list some of Irwin Mark Jacobs' major achievements and awards?

Throughout his career, Jacobs has received numerous accolades, including the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 1994, the IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal in 1995, induction into the Wireless Hall of Fame in 2000, and the Medal of Honor from the IEEE in 2013, among others.

How has Irwin Mark Jacobs contributed to philanthropy?

Irwin Mark Jacobs has donated hundreds of millions to education, arts, and healthcare, including significant donations to MIT, UCSD, and the San Diego Symphony. His philanthropic efforts have earned him the title of "Philanthropist in Chief" by the San Diego Union-Tribune in 2011.

What is known about Irwin Mark Jacobs' family and personal life?

Irwin Mark Jacobs is married to Joan Klein, also a Cornell graduate. Together, they reside in La Jolla, California, with four sons. His son, Paul E. Jacobs, succeeded him as CEO of Qualcomm until 2014. Additionally, his granddaughter Sara Jacobs is a Democratic politician serving California's 53rd congressional district.