FIRST® and Medtronic Partner to Encourage Students to Pursue Medical Technology Careers through STEM
Medtronic, a leading global healthcare technology company, signs on as a FIRST Strategic Partner; Medtronic to continue to expand opportunities in robotics to all students
MANCHESTER, N.H., February 13, 2025 – FIRST®, a robotics community that prepares young people for the future, announced today that Medtronic would be expanding their support of the organization as a Strategic Partner. Medtronic began supporting FIRST in 2006, providing team funding and sponsorships, invaluable mentorship, employee volunteerism, and event hosting. Medtronic is now expanding its support to work with FIRST to further STEM education and innovation by expanding pathways for technical talent for future generations.
"Our commitment to FIRST extends beyond financial support," said Medtronic chairman and CEO Geoff Martha. "We invest in the next generation of scientists and engineers by volunteering as team mentors, serving as competition judges, and hosting off-season events — because empowering young innovators today means shaping the leaders of tomorrow."
As a leading global healthcare technology company, Medtronic seeks solutions to even the most challenging health conditions. Medtronic technology and therapies range from cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Through these advances, they have been able to treat and support over 70 different health conditions. Medtronic seeks well-rounded individuals with strong STEM capabilities and leadership skills for their talent pipeline, and they are nurturing their future workforce through their strategic support of FIRST.
Medtronic joins over 20 organizations (including one federal agency) that have achieved the top-tier recognition for sponsorship of FIRST through their generous and impactful support. Together, these Strategic Partners provide volunteerism, equipment, mentorship, funding, and more to enhance the reach and overall impact of FIRST.
“FIRST is ecstatic to announce that our long-time sponsor, Medtronic, has expanded its support and is now a Strategic Partner,” said Chris Moore, CEO, FIRST. “Both FIRST and Medtronic are passionate about using STEM to inspire students to create a healthier future. Medtronic is committed to engineering the extraordinary, proven by their dedication to future generations. Through this partnership, students will learn more about the potential in the medical technology world, as well as how FIRST can unlock amazing careers in these sectors.”
Throughout their nearly twenty years of support, Medtronic employees have volunteered as team mentors, regional competition judges, event organizers, and more. More recently, Medtronic has expanded its presence by sponsoring multiple regional events across the United States, in regions such as Minnesota, Colorado, New England, and beyond.
For more information about FIRST programs and sponsorship opportunities, please contact development@firstinspires.org.
About FIRST®
FIRST® is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12) that can be facilitated in school or in structured after-school programs. Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators, and sponsors that include over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges.
An international not-for-profit organization founded by accomplished inventor Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST has a proven impact on STEM learning, interest, and skill-building well beyond high school. Participants and alumni of FIRST programs gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life. Learn more at firstinspires.org.
About Medtronic
Medtronic is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions.
Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary.