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Nordic Semiconductor Celebrates 10 Years with BBC micro:bit

This month marks a significant milestone as Nordic Semiconductor (OSE: NOD), the prominent leader in low-power wireless IoT solutions, celebrates ten years of its ultra-low-power technology embedded in the BBC micro:bit. This educational tool has empowered over 73.5 million young learners across more than 85 countries to delve into the realms of programming and digital creativity, according to the Microbit Educational Foundation.

The inception of the micro:bit dates back to 2016, when one million devices, featuring Nordic's cutting-edge wireless technology, were distributed to school children in the UK through the BBC's Make It Digital initiative. Today, the micro:bit stands as one of the most favored devices globally for introducing young people to the fields of programming and electronics. The Foundation aims to reach a target of 100 million youths by 2028, reinforcing its commitment to advancing educational opportunities in technology.

Gareth Stockdale, CEO of the Microbit Educational Foundation, expressed immense gratitude towards Nordic Semiconductor. "From the very beginning, Nordic has been our esteemed partner. They provided a million components for the original BBC micro:bit, distributed to all seventh-grade students in the UK. This support was invaluable in providing real computing opportunities for an entire generation of youth."

Initially, the original micro:bit relied on the Nordic nRF51822 Bluetooth Low Energy SoC. The current model, micro:bit v2, employs the advanced nRF52833 multiprotocol SoC, offering superior Bluetooth LE wireless connectivity and edge AI capabilities while maintaining ultra-low power consumption. This technology equips students with tools comparable to those utilized by professional engineers in various connected products for consumer, industrial, and health applications.

"Nordic continues to be one of our most reliable and engaged partners, with their technology at the core of every micro:bit," Stockdale added. "As we look towards the next decade, we are excited to further collaborate with Nordic to inspire even more children to explore their potential through technology."

Vegard Wollan, CEO of Nordic Semiconductor, also highlighted the significance of making technology more accessible and engaging for the younger generation. "The micro:bit demonstrates how technology can be practical, enjoyable, and accessible. Early exposure to technology often shapes a child’s interest long before they select academic or career paths. We want children to experience the joy of building and recognize technology as a viable career path. Many future developers will first encounter wireless technology through their work with micro:bit. We are eager to continue supporting this educational initiative through our technology, partnering with local schools and communities."

Nordic Semiconductor's commitment to educating young minds continues this month with active participation in the Horten Tech Festival in Norway, scheduled for October 15. Here, local school students and university learners will have the opportunity to engage with Nordic’s technology experts and pitch ideas on their aspirations with micro:bit. Nordic is set to conduct demonstrations featuring BBC micro:bit devices alongside a selection of its broader low-power wireless IoT technologies. This initiative aims to bolster Nordic's visibility and accessibility to young talent considering careers in technology and engineering within one of Norway's pivotal electronics communities.

By integrating classroom-ready hardware with industrial-grade wireless technology, the micro:bit is effectively aiding in bridging the gap between educational practices and engineering. For Nordic, this initiative aligns seamlessly with its overarching mission of providing a comprehensive wireless solution for the secure, reliable, and sustainable design, implementation, and maintenance of IoT devices globally.

About Nordic Semiconductor

Nordic Semiconductor is a trailblazer in low-power wireless IoT technology, supplying the essential platforms and wireless technologies needed to connect IoT devices worldwide. By delivering robust hardware, integrated software, development tools, and top-tier cloud services, the company simplifies the lifecycle development and maintenance of secure and scalable connected products. For more information, visit www.nordicsemi.com.