Dean Kamen

Date of Birth: April 5, 1951

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: (Dean Kamen is still alive as of the latest information available in 2023.)

Biography

Dean Kamen is an American inventor and entrepreneur renowned for his significant contributions to technology and innovation. Born in Rockville Centre, New York, Kamen displayed an early interest in science and engineering, which was further nurtured by his father, Jack Kamen, an illustrator for EC Comics. Dean Kamen attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute but dropped out before completing his degree to focus on his inventions. Kamen’s career took off with the development of the first wearable infusion pump, which revolutionized the delivery of medication. He founded his company, DEKA Research & Development Corporation, through which he has developed numerous groundbreaking technologies. Among his most notable inventions is the Segway PT, a self-balancing personal transporter, and the iBOT, a revolutionary wheelchair capable of climbing stairs. In addition to his inventions, Kamen is also a fierce advocate for science and technology education. He founded the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics competition to inspire young people to engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

5 Interesting Facts about Dean Kamen

1. Dean Kamen has over 440 patents issued or pending, many of which are for medical devices.

2. He was awarded the National Medal of Technology in 2000 by President Bill Clinton.

3. Kamen purchased North Dumpling Island off the coast of Connecticut, where he established his own “micronation,” complete with its own constitution and currency.

4. He co-founded the ARMI (Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute) to advance the field of biofabrication and tissue engineering.

5. Kamen developed the Slingshot, a water purification system that can convert contaminated water into safe drinking water, and has worked to deploy it in developing countries.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dean Kamen

1. “Every once in a while, a new technology, an old problem, and a big idea turn into an innovation.”

2. “You have teenagers thinking they’re going to make millions as NBA stars when that’s not realistic for even 1 percent of them. Becoming a scientist or engineer is.”

3. “I do not want to waste any time. And if you are not working on important things, you are wasting time.”

4. “To me, innovations are the wheel, fire, language, movable type. There are not 3 million innovations; there are 3 million ideas.”

5. “We have to engage kids in a way that they get excited about the possibilities of the future.”