Donation from Arm coincides with a new exhibition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ARM1 processor 

The Centre for Computing History (CCH) is delighted to announce a £25,000 donation from Cambridge-headquartered technology leader Arm, to support the Centre’s work preserving the UK’s computing heritage and inspiring the next generation of tech innovators. 

Arm’s donation will fund the CCH’s vital work preserving and highlighting the machines and innovations that have played a key role in shaping our modern world, through hands-on exhibitions, educational workshops for schools and families, and a wide range of activities and events.  

Gareth Marlow, CCH’s Chair of Trustees, said 

“The last 80 years has seen an explosion in technology which has completely changed how we live. Arm's much appreciated donation will underpin our exploration of how this change came about in such a short time, and fund opportunities for young people to consider how their innovations may shape the future.” 

On Saturday 26th April, the Centre hosted a special event to mark the 40th anniversary of the Acorn Risc Machine (ARM1) processor chip powering up for the first time – a milestone that sparked a revolution in low-power computing and unknowingly changed the world. The celebration featured presentations from key members of the original Acorn and Arm teams, including Sophie Wilson and Steve Furber, and re-created the champagne-popping moment from 1985. 

A new exhibition exploring the ARM1’s legacy – from its Cambridge origins to powering over 300 billion devices worldwide – is now installed at the Centre for Computing History, following a preview at Arm’s headquarters. It is open to visitors until the end of June. Recordings from the 40th anniversary celebrations will soon be available on CCH’s YouTube channel. 

Date : 09-05-2025