Nvidia’s Rubin Chips Honor Dark Matter Pioneer

Nvidia is set to unveil its next-generation AI chip platform, named after Vera Rubin, the groundbreaking astronomer renowned for her discovery of dark matter. CEO Jensen Huang will likely present the new “Rubin” chip at the company’s annual GTC conference.

Honoring Women in Science

Unlike other tech companies that use alphanumeric codes, Nvidia often names its GPUs after influential women scientists. This practice serves as a visible nod to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in an industry where such initiatives are increasingly under scrutiny.

Vera Rubin’s Legacy

Vera Rubin’s work revolutionized our understanding of the universe. Her research on galaxy rotation provided compelling evidence for the existence of dark matter. Beyond her scientific contributions, Rubin was a strong advocate for women in science, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.

Nvidia’s tradition of naming architectures after scientists dates back to 1998. This unique approach has garnered attention as Nvidia has become a tech giant, supplying critical components to companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta.

What to Expect from the Rubin Chip

Investors are eager to learn about the Rubin chip’s performance capabilities, configurations, and launch timeline. Nvidia is aiming for a 2026 release of the Vera chips. The company is also expected to discuss Blackwell Ultra, an enhanced version of its Blackwell chips, later this year.

Huang typically shares a brief biography of the scientist behind the chip’s name before the official reveal, adding a personal touch to the launch.

The “Vera” chip will refer to Nvidia’s next-gen central processor, while “Rubin” will represent the company’s new GPU.

Building on Success

Nvidia hopes that “Rubin” will achieve the same recognition as previous chip families like “Hopper” and “Blackwell.” The company’s recent financial success is fueled by its Hopper chips and early demand for Blackwell, with sales more than doubling in fiscal 2025.

To maintain its growth trajectory, Nvidia needs the Rubin chip to deliver significant improvements in speed, power efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Learn more about Nvidia’s GTC Conference