Jean Hoerni

Jean Hoerni was a Swiss-American engineer and inventor, known for his significant contributions to the development of semiconductor technology. He played a key role in creating the planar process, which revolutionized the manufacturing of semiconductor devices like transistors and integrated circuits. This innovation allowed for the miniaturization of electronic components, leading to the growth of modern electronics, including computers and smartphones. Hoerni co-founded Fairchild Semiconductor, a pivotal company in the tech industry, and is often regarded as a key figure in the Silicon Valley boom, helping to lay the foundation for the digital age.