Celebrated May 21, 2026 • Austin, Texas
Fifty years of memories, milestones, and the connections that made National Instruments extraordinary. Thank you to the alumni who joined us.
In 1976, three researchers at the University of Texas at Austin had a bold vision: use the power of computers to revolutionize test and measurement. From a garage startup with a $10,000 loan, National Instruments grew into a global force that changed how engineers and scientists work.
This celebration brought together the people who made it happen — the pioneers, the innovators, the colleagues who became family. Whether you were there from the early days or joined later in the journey, your contributions helped build something remarkable.
Three entrepreneurs who transformed an idea into a company that changed the world of test and measurement.
Co-Founder & CEO (1976–2017)
Known affectionately as "Dr. T" throughout the company, James Truchard co-founded NI and led it for over four decades. His vision of accessible leadership and engineering innovation shaped NI's culture from day one. Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2019.
Co-Founder & “Father of LabVIEW”
Jeff Kodosky's invention of LabVIEW in 1986 revolutionized graphical programming and transformed how engineers build test and measurement systems. Holding over 100 patents, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2019.
Co-Founder (1976–1995)
Bill Nowlin was instrumental in building National Instruments from the ground up. As one of the three original co-founders, he helped establish the company's technical foundation and business operations during its critical first two decades of growth.
A half-century of innovation, from a garage in Austin to a global leader in test and measurement.
Memories from the people who made NI special
The celebration is over but the alumni network lives on. Browse the recap, share your memories, and stay connected with the people who made NI extraordinary.
