20 Oct Bezos Earth Fund Empowers Youth in 190+ Countries as Diamond-Level Partner of the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge
Manchester, New Hampshire – October 20, 2025 – FIRST Global, the international robotics nonprofit with a mission to inspire science and technology leadership in young people around the world through the sport of robotics, is proud to announce a strengthened partnership with the Bezos Earth Fund through a $4 million commitment that will support the 2025 and 2026 FIRST Global Challenges. This transformative investment will provide $2 million annually over the next two years, enabling students from more than 190 countries to unite in using science and technology to tackle some of the planet’s most pressing challenges.
Dean Kamen, famed inventor and founder of FIRST Global, welcomed the renewed partnership, saying, “Thanks to the Bezos Earth Fund, we are able to inspire young people everywhere to recognize not only the fragility of our planet, but also their power to protect it. These students represent the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators who will drive the solutions our world desperately needs. This partnership ensures that their creativity and energy will be harnessed for the good of all.”
This year’s event, themed “Eco Equilibrium”, will take place October 29 – November 1 in Panama City, Panama. The theme highlights the urgent need to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and build a balanced relationship between humanity and the natural world
“At the Bezos Earth Fund, we are committed to accelerating solutions to protect nature, restore ecosystems, and fight climate change,” said Kelly Levin, Chief of Science, Data and Systems Change, of the Bezos Earth Fund. “FIRST Global is proving that the next generation is not only ready to step up, but also eager to lead. By investing in these young people, we are investing in a future where science, innovation, and international cooperation drive lasting change.”
Each year, the FIRST Global Challenge unites high school-aged youth from around the world in the world’s most international robotics competition. Beyond the robotics matches, teams participate in the New Technology Experience (NTE), an innovation showcase that empowers them to develop and present breakthrough ideas aligned with the annual theme. This year’s NTE challenges students to research and propose technology-driven solutions to maximize biodiversity and safeguard life on Earth.
The Bezos Earth Fund’s commitment will significantly expand opportunities for students worldwide—particularly young women—to participate in FIRST Global, fostering the skills and global collaboration necessary to build a sustainable future.
About the Bezos Earth Fund
The Bezos Earth Fund is helping transform the fight against climate change with the largest ever philanthropic commitment to climate and nature protection. Jeff Bezos has committed $10 billion to protect nature and address climate change. By providing funding and expertise, we partner with organizations to accelerate innovation, break down barriers to success and create a more equitable and sustainable world. Join us in our mission to create a world where people prosper in harmony with nature.
About FIRST Global
FIRST Global is a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity established by the founder of FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), Dean Kamen. Our mission is to inspire leadership and innovation in youth from all nations by empowering them through education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — also known as STEM.
Press Contact:
Matt Stalford
press@first.global
+1 (484) 574-2660
