SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - Jun 3, 2013) - Dean Kamen, holder of nearly 500 U.S. and foreign patents for medical devices that have expanded the frontiers of healthcare worldwide, and founder of FIRST ®, an organization dedicated to motivating youth to understand science and technology, has been named the tenth recipient of the James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award, The Tech Museum of Innovation revealed today. Sponsored by Applied Materials, Inc., the award honors individuals whose broad vision and leadership are focused on combating humanity's greatest problems.
"Technology and innovation only mean something if they have an impact on people's lives. I am honored to receive this award," said Kamen, who will be presented with the award in November at Silicon Valley's premier science and technology recognition ceremony, The Tech Awards. "I strive to inspire the younger generations to continue innovating."
Kamen's DEKA Research & Development Corporation is responsible for breakthrough inventions in medicine and clean energy in addition to providing research for major corporate clients. While an undergraduate, Kamen developed the first portable infusion device to deliver drug treatments that previously required round-the-clock hospital care. Through DEKA, Kamen developed a portable dialysis machine, a vascular stent, and the iBOT -- a motorized wheelchair that climbs stairs. Kamen also led teams in the development of devices such as the Segway ® Human Transporter, an insulin pump for diabetics, portable energy and water purification devices for the developing world, and a prosthetic arm for maimed soldiers.
"Dean's entrepreneurial spirit and drive behind his inventions to better the lives of people globally makes him an inspiring and deserving recipient of this year's award," said The Tech President Tim Ritchie. "He is a tireless advocate for innovation with a purpose. His passion to use technology for good and his determination to teach and motivate others to do the same is increasingly crucial because the future belongs to those who can innovate."
Kamen joins an impressive roster of past award recipients of the Global Humanitarian Award that includes Infoysys founder N.R Narayana Murthy, social entrepreneur Jeff Skoll, education and cross-cultural dialogue advocate Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Nobel laureate and former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Applied Materials' Chairman Emeritus James C. Morgan, who inspired the award a decade ago.
"We congratulate Dean on this well-deserved recognition," said Mike Splinter, Chairman and CEO of Applied Materials, Inc. "Dean represents what this award is all about -- dedication to improving lives through innovation and technology."
Founded in 1989 by Dean, FIRST ® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), is dedicated to motivating the next generation to understand, use and enjoy science and technology. This year FIRST will serve more than 300,000 young people, ages 6 to 18, in more than 60 countries around the globe. High-school-aged participants are eligible to apply for more than $16 million in scholarships from leading colleges, universities, and corporations. Studies have shown that FIRST alumni are highly motivated to pursue careers in science and engineering, thus fulfilling Kamen's goal of inspiring the next generation of technological leaders.
Kamen will accept the award in Silicon Valley at the Santa Clara Convention Center on Thursday, November 14, 2013 during The Tech Awards gala, presented by Applied Materials Annually, more than 1,400 esteemed innovators in the technology industry gather at the formal charity event to celebrate the power of technology to address global challenges and benefit humanity. The gala also recognizes 10 technologists, educators, scientists and entrepreneurs who are using technology to improve our world.
For more information about The Tech Awards, visit: thetechawards.thetech.org/
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About The Tech Museum of Innovation The Tech is a hands-on technology and science museum for people of all ages and backgrounds. The museum -- located in the Capital of Silicon Valley -- is a non-profit, experiential learning resource established to engage people in exploring and experiencing applied technologies affecting their lives. Through programs such as The Tech Challenge presented by Cisco, our annual team-design competition for youth, and internationally renowned programs such as The Tech Awards presented by Applied Materials, The Tech endeavors to inspire the innovator in everyone.
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