Dean Kamen

Dean Kamen is an inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology. He holds more than 1,000 U.S. and foreign patents, many of them for innovative medical devices that have expanded the frontiers of health care worldwide. He invented the first wearable infusion pump and founded his first medical device company, AutoSyringe, Inc., soon thereafter, where he pioneered the design and adoption of the first portable insulin pump. Following its sale, he founded DEKA Research & Development Corporation to pursue his own invention interests and to provide R&D for major corporations. In addition to projects developed for his clients, other notable developments include the iBOT™ mobility device and the Segway® Human Transporter. Kamen was awarded the National Medal of Technology in 2000 by President Clinton in recognition of inventions that have advanced medical care worldwide and for innovative and imaginative leadership in awakening America to the excitement of science and technology. Kamen was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering in 1997, awarded the Lemelson-MIT Prize in 2002 and inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2005. He is a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical & Biological Engineering and many other engineering organizations. In addition to DEKA, one of Dean’s proudest accomplishments is founding FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an organization dedicated to motivating the next generation to understand, use and enjoy science and technology. Founded in 1989, FIRST® has served millions of young people around the globe.