Biography:Harold Foppele
| Harold J. Foppele | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 30, 1945 Hengelo, The Netherlands |
| Fields | Theoretical physics Quantum physics Condensed matter physics Quantum optics |
| Institutions | Managing Director, Transmit Data; Managing Director, Civil Trading[1] Managing Director, Civil Bankers |
| Alma mater | Baarns Lyceum (1963) Hewlett Packard, Böblingen (1973-1975) Hewlett Packard, Wokingham (1974-1976) M.I.T Boston, Computer science HAN University of Applied Sciences |
| Advisor | Peter Mouthaan |
| Known for | Fast Computer Technology Quantum measurement theory Weak value amplification Precision sensing and quantum technologies Quantum Measurement: Theory and Practice (2001) |
Harold Foppele[2][3] was born on April 30, 1945, in the Netherlands, where his curiosity for technology, science, and learning has driven him ever since.
Early Years
He grew up helping his parents in their shoe shop during the 1960s. While it had nothing to do with technology, it taught him discipline, problem-solving, and a strong work ethic, values that stayed with him throughout life.[4][5]
Discovering Computers
In 1975 he encountered computers for the first time, and life changed. He started programming on an HP 9815 with just 8K RAM, later moving to the HP 9825[6] with 24K RAM and string manipulation ROMs, 9835A with 736K Ram and the 9845 with 2MB RAM, cutting-edge at the time.
One of his earliest achievements was writing a program to automate pairings for Swiss chess tournaments. Organizing/pairing 250 players manually took days/weeks; his program did it in 28 seconds. They completed 13 rounds in one day, a world record at the time.
Academic Journey
Though he lacked a formal background in computer science initially, his desire to understand computing at a deeper level led him around the world:
- Böblingen, Germany – Studied with support from Hewlett-Packard
- Wokingham, United Kingdom – Continued my studies near London
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
Completed advanced studies. Focus: computer architecture, processors, memory systems, and logic design
Those were the days following IBM 360 systems, Hollerith punch cards, and paper tape, a revolution in computing history.
Entrepreneurship
He went on to found Transmit Data, an OEM software and hardware company that grew to around 30 employees. Today, he still runs a smaller company called Civil Trading to stay active and engaged in business and technology.
Lifelong Learning
His curiosity didn’t stop at computers. In 2020 he began studying Chemistry at HAN University of Applied Sciences NL Arnhem/Nijmegen and truly enjoyed it. Although he doesn’t hold a university degree in Quantum Physics, he is passionate about:
- Quantum Science - Quantum Mechanics - Quantum Computing
He regularly studies at the University of Amsterdam library (UvA) and he is a member of the Natuurkundig Gezelschap Utrecht (NGU). He enjoys writing articles that share scientific knowledge in an understandable way.
Today 2026
He continues to explore Science, Technology, Quantum theory and Chemistry. Curiosity doesn’t retire. He believes knowledge grows by sharing it.
For his articles at HandWiki see:
Book:Quantum Collection
Physics:Sound speed
References
- ↑ link=https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-foppele-81083425/
- ↑ link=https://www.destentor.nl/veluwe/hoe-de-gaudi-van-putten-een-twintig-meter-hoge-toren-bouwde-en-er-een-pianoconcert-op-gaf~aae7fdc2/224425006/
- ↑ link=https://worldchess.com/profile/26114
- ↑ link=https://baarnseschaakvereniging.nl/tuinschaakbarbecue-weer-groot-feest/
- ↑ link=https://www.baarnseschaakvereniging.nl/banketbakkerij-veldhuizen-oliebollenschaaktoernooi-weer-groot-succes/
- ↑ link-https://www.hpmuseum.org/hp9825.htm
Source attribution: Harold Foppele