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Inventor Dean Kamen to Unveil Top Student Invention Winners in FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award

Students who designed inventions that mitigate effects of natural disasters to receive cash prizes

(BUSINESS WIRE) — June 3, 2014FIRST®:

WHO: Three finalist teams made up of students ages 9-16 hope to win the fourth annual FIRST ® LEGO® League (FLL®) Global Innovation Award Contest

                     
Invention         FIRST® LEGO® League Team         Team Origin

Balloon-based Notification Sign

        The Brain Busters         Sherborn, Mass.

Cyclone Survivor Board Game

        Robotic Raiders         Williamsburg, Iowa

Tsunami Evacuation System

        Robotec         Santiago, Chile
 

WHAT: Three finalist teams chosen by a panel of expert judges from a pool of more than 500 student teams across the globe competed in the 2014 FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award Contest. The three finalist teams will present their inventions at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a chance to win a $20,000 cash prize.

WHERE/WHEN:

WHY: The annual FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award helps students solve real-world problems by supporting the development of their ideas and inventions through the product development process. FIRST LEGO League teams submitted ideas stemming from the 2013-2014 season’s NATURE’S FURYSM Challenge, which tasked teams in nearly 80 countries to explore natural disasters and develop innovative ways to help people prepare, stay safe, and rebuild following these events.

VISUALS:

SPEAKERS:

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Dean Kamen founded the not-for-profit FIRST ® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest in science and technology. FIRST® LEGO® League is one of four programs in a Progression of Programs offered by FIRST.

Each year, FIRST LEGO League issues a three-part challenge to its teams, which includes building, testing, and programming an autonomous robot using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT and conducting a research project working under a set of Core Values. FIRST LEGO League teams can submit their ideas to the FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award competition.

XPRIZE has returned as Presenting Sponsor of the Global Innovation Award for the fourth consecutive year. Partners in Innovation Sponsors include: Booz Allen Hamilton, John Deere, Rockwell Collins, International Association of Emergency Managers, and Qualcomm. Edison Nation is the Go-To Market Sponsor to help winning teams take their products from idea to store shelves.

The FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award is presented in cooperation with the National Building Museum and the USPTO.

About FIRST®

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $20 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC® ) for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC® ) for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL® ) for Grades 4-8; and Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL®) for Grades K-3. Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.



Contact:

For FIRST®
– on-site June 3 and 4:
Ashley Aruda, 617-943-1248
Email Contact
or
– on-site June 3 and 4:
Haley Dunn, 603-494-5688
Email Contact