CEO, DEKA Research and development corporation

Dean Kamen is an inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). As an inventor, he holds over 1,000 patents, many of which are for innovative medical devices that have positively impacted patient care.

While in college, he invented the first wearable infusion pump and later founded AutoSyringe, Inc., to produce and market the pumps. By age 30, he sold AutoSyringe, Inc. and founded DEKA Research and Development Corporation to further generate inventions and provide research to major clients. Through DEKA, Kamen fostered breakthrough developments such as an advanced prosthetic arm for wounded soldiers, the iBOT mobility device, and the Segway Human Transporter.

In 2000, Kamen was awarded the National Medal of Technology by President Bill Clinton for his medical advancements and awakening a science and technology spirit in America. Moreover, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. In addition to his research company, in 1989 Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an organization to motivate the next generation to better understand and enjoy science and technology. FIRST serves over 1,000,000 young people per year in over 113 countries around the world. Additionally, Kamen is an aviation enthusiast with a long history of supporting United States Air Force Recruiting partnerships through FIRST.