FIRST Robotics founder Dean Kamen resigns because of Epstein files

4 hours ago

Dean Kamen resigns from FIRST board due to ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
Kamen voluntarily placed himself on leave from FIRST and ARMI after revelations of his connections with Epstein.
Independent reviews by ARMI and Sequel Med Tech found no evidence of wrongdoing, allowing Kamen to return to his roles.
Kamen visited Epstein's private island in 2013 and exchanged emails, though he claims limited interactions.
Epstein facilitated a $10,000 donation to FIRST in 2009 and encouraged others to connect with the organization.
Nadia Marcinko, linked to Epstein, was featured in a FIRST newsletter and later lived in a Kamen-owned home.
Kamen expressed regret for his association with Epstein and emphasized his ignorance of Epstein's crimes.
FIRST, founded by Kamen, has grown into a global robotics education organization with $84 million in revenue.
New Hampshire invested $500,000 in 2024 to provide FIRST robotics kits to every school in the state.
FIRST plans to continue its mission despite Kamen's departure, focusing on inspiring youth through robotics.

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