#IoT Solutions #Norway #Oslo #Nordic Semiconductor #BBC micro:bit

A Decade of Innovation in Coding Education

This October, Nordic Semiconductor is proud to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its involvement with the BBC micro:bit, a revolutionary educational tool designed to introduce programming and digital creativity to young minds all around the globe. With an impressive reach of over 73 million kids in more than 85 countries, the micro:bit has become a key player in making coding accessible and exciting for the younger generation.

The partnership began back in 2016, during the BBC’s "Make It Digital" initiative, where one million micro:bit devices, powered by Nordic's state-of-the-art Bluetooth Low Energy technology, were distributed free to 11-year-olds across the UK. This collaboration not only provided students with a practical computer but also fostered an early interaction with technology that is crucial in today’s digital world.

Gareth Stockdale, CEO of the Microbit Educational Foundation, reflects on this significant milestone, stating, "Nordic Semiconductor has been with us since the very beginning. Their commitment to providing one million components for the original BBC micro:bit showcased an incredible effort towards nurturing innovation and accessibility in technology education. Ultimately, it placed a real computer into the hands of an entire generation of children."

The original micro:bit device utilized Nordic's nRF51822 SoC, while the latest micro:bit v2 is enhanced with the nRF52833 SoC, promoting advanced Bluetooth LE connectivity and impressive low-power AI capabilities. Students now develop wireless technology skills using tools that professionals utilize in consumer, industrial, and health-related connected products. It's often the first step for many students on their journey towards becoming professional developers in the wireless technology field. Stockdale emphasizes, "Nordic continues to be an active partner as the technology lies at the core of every micro:bit. We are grateful for their generosity and trust in our mission. In the next decade, we look forward to sustaining this collaboration to help even more children discover the potential of what they can create with technology."

Vegard Wollan, CEO of Nordic Semiconductor, adds, "The micro:bit illustrates perfectly what happens when technology is made accessible, practical, and fun. Children often show interest in technology early on, even before they choose subjects or career paths. We want them to see technology and electronics as viable areas of study. Many future developers will find their first encounter with wireless technology in the classroom through the micro:bit. We will continue to support this initiative through our technology and our partnerships with schools and local communities."

As Nordic Semiconductor looks to the future, their support for youth education continues this month in Norway. On October 15, Nordic will participate in the Horten Tech Festival alongside Electronic Coast, where local school students will engage with technology experts from Nordic and showcase project ideas they hope to implement with micro:bit. Through this event, Nordic aims to enhance visibility and accessibility for youth, particularly those contemplating engineering and technology careers, while solidifying its presence within one of Norway’s main electronics communities.

By effectively melding educational-friendly hardware with industry-grade wireless technology, the micro:bit has made significant strides toward closing the gap between teaching and real-world engineering practice. For Nordic, this program is a natural extension of its broader mission to deliver a comprehensive wireless solution for securely, reliably, and sustainably designing, deploying, and maintaining IoT devices worldwide.

About Nordic Semiconductor

Nordic Semiconductor leads the charge in low-power wireless connectivity solutions, supplying essential platforms and technologies that connect IoT devices globally. By offering cutting-edge hardware, embedded software, development tools, and lifecycle management cloud services, the company simplifies the development and maintenance of secure, reliable, and scalable connected products. For more information, visit www.nordicsemi.com.