Dean Kamen Placed on Leave as FIRST Reviews Epstein Links

The youth science organization FIRST, founded by inventor Dean Kamen, has placed him on leave from all activities as it investigates his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. This decision follows recent disclosures from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding Kamen’s connections to Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender.

In a statement released over the weekend, FIRST Board Chair Laurie Leshin noted, “FIRST is aware of the recent disclosures… involving FIRST Founder Dean Kamen’s interactions with Jeffrey Epstein.” The Board of Directors has engaged an external law firm to conduct an independent review, and Kamen has expressed his full cooperation. As part of this process, he will step away from all activities related to the organization he established in 1989.

Kamen has not been accused of any wrongdoing concerning his relationship with Epstein. However, recently released documents indicate that Kamen and Epstein maintained regular communication, even after Epstein’s conviction. These documents outline scheduled phone calls, travel arrangements, and a notable trip Kamen took to Epstein’s private island, Little St. James, in 2013. The island has been identified by prosecutors as a center for ongoing sex trafficking activities.

Founded to inspire young people through robotics and engineering, FIRST has grown significantly since its inception. Initially focused on New Hampshire, the program now spans over 30 countries, engaging millions of students worldwide. Kamen has stated that approximately 3.4 million children have participated in FIRST programs.

The organization has garnered substantial support from high-profile sponsors including major corporations like Apple, Google, and Boeing. In 2024, New Hampshire allocated around $500,000 to provide FIRST-created robotics kits to every school in the state. This initiative is part of Kamen’s vision to integrate robotics into the classroom rather than limit it to after-school competitions.

Kamen is well-known not only for his contributions to education but also for his innovations in the medical field through his company DEKA, which is based in the Manchester millyard. His notable inventions include the Segway personal transportation device and medical technologies aimed at regrowing human tissues and organs through the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI), a project he has led.

In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kamen facilitated the sale of protective medical equipment worth $83 million to state and local governments, with the state of New Hampshire acting as a broker in this arrangement.

Concerns regarding Kamen’s association with Epstein resurfaced when photographs emerged in late 2025, depicting Kamen alongside Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate. Kamen has characterized his dealings with Epstein as “limited,” asserting he was unaware of the allegations surrounding Epstein’s actions prior to learning about them from the media.

In her statement, Leshin emphasized that the organization remains committed to its mission: “Both Dean and the Board of Directors agree that nothing should distract from the inspiring work of the organization and its teams, mentors, and volunteers.” Kamen served on the board of NHPR from 1987 to 1992, but currently has no ties to the organization.

As FIRST moves forward with its review, the outcome will likely have implications not only for Kamen but also for the future of the organization that has inspired countless students around the globe.