How did IBM’s Watson get to where it is today? Here are some key events that happened along the way.

May 1997: Deep Blue conquers chess

IBM’s Deep Blue computer beats world chess champion Garry Kasparov in a six-game match that lasts several days and receives massive media coverage around the world. It also inspires researchers at IBM to undertake an even bigger challenge: build a computer that could beat the champions at Jeopardy.

February 2011: Victorious at Jeopardy

Watson competes on Jeopardy and defeats the TV quiz show’s two biggest all-time champions. It wins US$1 million; IBM donates the full amount to charity.

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