# Jeff Hawkins

> American entrepreneur and neuroscientist; founder of Palm Computing (born 1957)

**Wikidata**: [Q92993](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q92993)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Hawkins)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jeff-hawkins

## Summary
Jeff Hawkins is an American entrepreneur and neuroscientist, best known as the founder of Palm Computing. Born in 1957, he pioneered the development of handheld computers, shaping early mobile technology.

## Biography
- Born: June 1, 1957 (Huntington, United States)
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Cornell University (Bachelor's and Master's in Computer Science)
  - University of California, Berkeley (Ph.D. in Neuroscience)
- Known for: Founding Palm Computing, advancing handheld computing and neuroscience research
- Employer(s): Palm Computing (founder), National Academy of Engineering (member since 2003)
- Field(s): Computer science, artificial intelligence, neuroscience

## Contributions
Jeff Hawkins founded Palm Computing in 1992, revolutionizing handheld computing with the Palm Pilot, a device that popularized personal digital assistants (PDAs). His work in neuroscience, particularly his research on the neocortex and memory systems, has influenced cognitive computing and AI development. Hawkins has also contributed to the field of artificial intelligence, exploring how biological principles can inform machine learning. His interdisciplinary approach bridges technology and neuroscience, shaping both consumer electronics and scientific understanding of the brain.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Jeff Hawkins best known for?
A: Jeff Hawkins is best known as the founder of Palm Computing, which created the Palm Pilot, a pioneering handheld computer that popularized personal digital assistants (PDAs).

### Q: What is Jeff Hawkins' educational background?
A: Hawkins earned a Bachelor's and Master's in Computer Science from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of California, Berkeley.

### Q: What is Jeff Hawkins' role in neuroscience?
A: Hawkins is a neuroscientist who has studied the neocortex and memory systems, contributing to cognitive computing and AI research by exploring how biological principles can inform machine learning.

### Q: Is Jeff Hawkins still involved in technology?
A: While he is no longer directly involved in Palm Computing, Hawkins continues to work in neuroscience and AI research, leveraging his interdisciplinary expertise.

### Q: What awards has Jeff Hawkins received?
A: Hawkins is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, recognized for his contributions to both technology and neuroscience.

## Why They Matter
Jeff Hawkins' work at Palm Computing transformed mobile technology, making handheld devices accessible to consumers. His innovations in PDAs laid the groundwork for smartphones and modern mobile computing. In neuroscience, his research on the brain's memory systems has influenced AI development, particularly in cognitive computing. Hawkins' interdisciplinary approach demonstrates the power of combining technology and biological science, leaving a lasting impact on both fields.

## Notable For
- Founded Palm Computing, the company behind the Palm Pilot, a groundbreaking PDA that popularized handheld computing.
- Earned a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UC Berkeley, contributing to cognitive computing and AI research.
- Member of the National Academy of Engineering, recognized for his interdisciplinary contributions.
- Pioneered the application of neuroscience principles to artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- Author of influential works in cognitive computing, bridging biology and technology.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Jeff Hawkins was born on June 1, 1957, in Huntington, New York. He attended Harborfields High School and later earned a Bachelor's and Master's in Computer Science from Cornell University. His academic journey took a turn when he pursued a Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied the neocortex and memory systems.

### Palm Computing and PDA Revolution
In 1992, Hawkins founded Palm Computing, which developed the Palm Pilot, the first successful PDA. The Palm Pilot's success made handheld computing mainstream, influencing the development of smartphones. Hawkins' leadership at Palm Computing shaped early mobile technology, with the company becoming a key player in the PDA market.

### Neuroscience and Cognitive Computing
Hawkins' research in neuroscience focused on the brain's memory systems, particularly the neocortex. His work has influenced cognitive computing and AI development, exploring how biological principles can inform machine learning. This interdisciplinary approach has led to advancements in how AI systems process and retain information.

### Later Career and Influence
After Palm Computing, Hawkins continued to work in neuroscience and AI research. His contributions to the National Academy of Engineering reflect his enduring influence on both technology and scientific understanding of the brain. Hawkins' legacy includes pioneering handheld computing and bridging the gap between biology and artificial intelligence.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. CiNii Research
4. [Source](http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102658113)
5. Integrated Authority File
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Open Library
8. CONOR.SI
9. Quora