Nordic Semiconductor Marks 10 Years with BBC micro:bit
Nordic celebrates a decade of supporting coding education for youth.
Nordic Semiconductor is commemorating a decade of its wireless technology embedded in the BBC micro:bit, a compact educational device that has reached approximately 73.5 million young people across over 85 countries. This milestone highlights the company's commitment to enhancing technology education among children and students.
The BBC micro:bit was first launched in 2016, with Nordic supplying components for one million devices distributed to UK schoolchildren as part of the BBC's Make it Digital initiative. The foundation aims to further expand its reach to 100 million young learners by 2028, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between industry and education.
Gareth Stockdale, CEO of the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, noted Nordic's key role from the beginning, stating, "Nordic Semiconductor has been with us from the very beginning." The micro:bit has become a foundational tool for teaching programming, electronics, and digital creativity, bridging the gap between education and engineering.
The original micro:bit used the Nordic nRF51822 Bluetooth Low Energy System on Chip (SoC), while the latest version, micro:bit v2, employs the nRF52833 multiprotocol SoC, enhancing wireless connectivity and introducing ultra-low-power edge AI features. This continuity allows students to learn using technology that is also employed in professional applications.
Nordic's ongoing support for educational initiatives is evident as it participates in local events, such as the upcoming Horten Tech Festival in Norway, where students can interact with technology experts and propose projects featuring the micro:bit. These engagements aim to inspire the next generation of engineers and technologists.
As Nordic Semiconductor looks to the future, it reaffirms its mission to make technology accessible and engaging for young learners. The micro:bit exemplifies how approachable hardware can foster interest in technology and electronics, potentially guiding students toward careers in these fields.
This announcement is sourced from PR Newswire.
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