PRESS ROOM & NEWS

Leading Provider of Wireless Technology Teams with FIRST to Support Young Inventors

MANCHESTER, N.H., September 22, 2014― FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a not-for-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology, has officially recognized Qualcomm Incorporated as a FIRST Strategic Partner. The San Diego-based wireless telecommunications company began supporting FIRST in 2007, and was recently recognized as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2014 FIRST Championship.

 “Qualcomm continues to demonstrate their dedication to the FIRST mission by encouraging many of their employees to volunteer their time as Mentors and Volunteers, and through financial support,” said FIRST President, Donald E. Bossi. “We are confident that this Strategic Partnership between Qualcomm and FIRST will only bolster our shared progress in developing the next generation of innovators and inventors.”

With countless hours and regular financial support already committed to FIRST, Strategic Partner status designates Qualcomm as providing the highest level of Sponsorship available at FIRST through its cumulative and overarching support of the organization.

Consistent with the company’s commitment to building the STEM pipeline, since 2007, Qualcomm has provided ongoing financial contributions in support of teams, FIRST^® Robotics Competition (FRC^®) events and non-employee Mentor stipends, the FIRST^® LEGO^® League (FLL^®) Global Innovation Award, and FIRST^® Tech Challenge (FTC^®) Super-Regionals events. The company also arranged for 2014 Dean’s List winners (10 high school students nominated by their team Mentors) to receive a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor-powered device and an Inforce Computing IFC6410 Single Board Computer (SBC) featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor. Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated.

Qualcomm also makes a significant Volunteer contribution to FIRST, a commitment that has increased each year. Matt Grob, executive vice president of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Qualcomm chief technology officer, has served many times as a judge at the FIRST Robotics Competition San Diego Regional, and Qualcomm executive chairman, Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, joined the FIRST Board of Directors in 2013.

Qualcomm companies provided an estimated 100 Volunteers during the 2013-2014 season across the FIRST Progression of Programs, as local event Volunteers, Mentors, Coaches, providing technical support at events, and offering FIRST recruiting and information sessions in all of the company’s key geographies.

Qualcomm was recognized with the FIRST Founder's Award at the 2014 FIRST Championship, on April 26, 2014 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. The Founder's Award is presented each year by FIRST founder, Dean Kamen, to one organization or individual for exceptional service in advancing the ideals and mission of FIRST.

Additionally, Qualcomm Technologies’ engineers are working with FIRST to develop robust communication systems for both the FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge programs, and have helped ensure quality wireless communication environments at the Championship in past years.

For more information about FIRST programs and sponsorship opportunities, please contact development@usfirst.org.
 

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.

Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. All Qualcomm Incorporated trademarks are used with permission. Other product and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.