The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds 565 - Dean Kamen and It
Jan 3, 2023
Dean Kamen, an acclaimed inventor renowned for transformative tech innovations, joins the discussion with sharp humor. They delve into Kamen’s colorful past, highlighting his teenage entrepreneurial spirit and whimsical inventions, including a chaotic demonstration of a robotic wheelchair. The conversation also touches on the curious legacy of the Segway, examining its rise and fall with comedic insights. Amidst tales of eccentricities in tech culture, they explore the absurdities of innovation, showcasing the lighter side of groundbreaking developments.
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Teen Inventor Turned Entrepreneur
- Dean Kamen started inventing early, built a pulsing lightbox and a planetarium lighting business as a teen.
- By 16 he earned about $60,000 and launched a one-man lighting company that led to engineering opportunities.
Medical Devices Fund Early Success
- Kamen built the first portable insulin pump and an automated IV drug pump, earning early commercial success.
- He sold that company at 31 for about $30 million while still living with his parents.
FIRST Replaced Sports With STEM
- Kamen created FIRST to redirect school enthusiasm from sports to robotics and STEM.
- FIRST became a nationwide program that genuinely engaged students in engineering competitions.