Founded in 1976 by Lorne Trottier and Branko Matić, Matrox evolved from a niche video hardware startup into a long-standing leader in professional graphics and multi-display technology.

Key Points

• Matrox launched its first product, the MTX-1632 video RAM, in 1976, quickly becoming profitable through sales to hobbyists and industrial users.
• The company gained significant industry recognition in 1978 for providing ground control displays for NASA’s Viking mission.
• In 1986, Matrox secured a $72 million contract with the U.S. Army to develop the Electronic Information Delivery System (EIDS) for soldier training.
• The Matrox G200 series became historically significant for its longevity, with driver support for its MGA chip continuing into 2025 for server management platforms.
• Lorne Trottier acquired 100% ownership of the company in 2019, which then employed 700 people across imaging, graphics, and video divisions.
• Zebra Technologies acquired the Matrox Imaging division in 2022, while the company continues to produce specialized hardware like the Luma series.

Why it Matters

Matrox represents a rare example of a technology firm that successfully transitioned from the early microcomputer hobbyist era to become a critical supplier for enterprise, medical, and industrial sectors. By pivoting away from the hyper-competitive consumer gaming market in 2003, the company maintained long-term relevance through specialized multi-display and video processing solutions.