By Roy Clay Jr.
For decades, the name Hewlett-Packard has been synonymous with computers. From the printers in our homes to the laptops on our desks and the servers that power our digital world, HP is a brand that has shaped the modern technology landscape. The company’s origin story, with Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard starting out in a Palo Alto garage, is the stuff of Silicon Valley legend.
But what if a crucial part of that legend is often left out? What if a single individual, a brilliant computer scientist whose name is not widely known, was the one who truly launched HP into the computer business?
This is the untold story of Roy Clay Sr., an unsung pioneer who, through sheer genius and an indomitable spirit, led the team that built HP’s very first computer. His is a story of overcoming unimaginable adversity to achieve a feat of engineering that would alter the course of one of the world’s most iconic companies. It’s a powerful narrative that is finally being told in the remarkable biography,
“Unstoppable: The Unlikely Story of a Silicon Valley Godfather.”
The Challenge: From Oscillators to OnRamps
Before 1965, Hewlett-Packard was a highly successful manufacturer of electronic test and measurement equipment, like oscilloscopes and signal generators. They were a respected, profitable company, but they were not yet in the computer business. The market was nascent, dominated by giants like IBM, and the challenge was immense. Building a reliable, user-friendly computer from scratch was a monumental task, especially for a company that had never ventured into that space.
Dave Packard, with his legendary vision, knew that the future lay in computing. He needed a brilliant mind to lead the charge, someone with both the technical expertise and the leadership to navigate this new frontier. He found that person in Roy Clay Sr.
The Man with the Vision
Roy Clay Sr.’s journey to Hewlett-Packard was anything but ordinary. Born in a segregated town in Missouri, he faced poverty and prejudice at every turn. After graduating with a degree in mathematics, he was rejected from a job simply for being a Black man. But Roy Clay was undeterred. He taught himself programming, a skill so new it was virtually unheard of, and his talent soon earned him a position at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
His work there caught the attention of Dave Packard, who personally recruited him to HP in 1965. Packard gave Clay a mandate: build HP’s computer division from the ground up. This was more than just a job; it was a leap of faith for both men. Clay was tasked not only with developing the hardware, but also with creating the foundational software that would make the computer functional and userfriendly.
The Birth of the HP 2116A
Under Roy Clay’s leadership, his small but dedicated team accomplished what many thought was impossible. In 1966, they unveiled the HP 2116A, a 16-bit minicomputer. This machine was more than just a product; it was a revolution. It was one of the first commercially successful minicomputers on the market, paving the way for the decentralized computing that we now take for granted.
Clay not only led the development team, but he was also the lead software designer. He and his team created a powerful, reliable operating system and foundational software that made the machine stand out. The success of the HP 2116A proved that HP was no longer just an electronics company; it was a force to be reckoned with in the world of computers. Roy Clay’s work was the key that unlocked this new era for the company, and in doing so, he helped shape the future of Silicon Valley.
A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Roy Clay’s contributions to HP extended beyond the technical. As the highest-ranking African American at the company at the time, he used his position to advocate for diversity and inclusion. He recognized the systemic barriers that he himself had faced and was committed to ensuring the next generation wouldn’t have to fight the same battles. He personally recruited engineers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), building a more diverse and inclusive team and showing the wider tech world that talent knows no color.
This is a powerful lesson for today’s leaders and aspiring professionals. A truly impactful career is not only about what you build, but who you bring along with you. Roy Clay’s legacy is a testament to the fact that you can be both a technical visionary and a force for social good.
A Story That Demands to Be Told
The life and work of Roy Clay Sr. are essential to understanding the history of Silicon Valley. He was a pioneer in every sense of the word—a brilliant computer scientist who created a new division for an iconic company, an entrepreneur who founded his own successful business, and a civic leader who served his community.
His full, inspiring story is detailed in the book
“Unstoppable: The Unlikely Story of a Silicon Valley Godfather.” Written with his extensive input, this is the definitive biography for anyone interested in tech history, entrepreneurship, and triumph over adversity. For parents and teachers who want to share his story with the next generation of innovators, there is also the beautiful and compelling book, “Dream Big: The Roy Clay Story,” written specifically for 4th and 5th graders.
Don’t let this crucial piece of history remain untold. Uncover the story of the man who built HP’s first computer and helped make Silicon Valley what it is today.
- You can purchase both books and learn more about his life at
- For a deeper look at his life and legacy, watch his sons discuss their father’s story in this video.