About FIRST Scandinavia

Founded in September 2000, FIRST Scandinavia aims to provide children and youth with positive learning experiences in science, mathematics, and technology, fostering interest in STEM education.

Vision: "Through unique learning experiences, we will bring children all over the world the joy of mastering science"

Since inception, the foundation has developed projects for over 690,000 young learners, with FLL Scandinavia (FIRST LEGO League) and Newton as key concepts.

In addition to activities in Scandinavia, FIRST Scandinavia has been involved in implementing and organizing projects in other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Turkey, Greenland, Lithuania, Iceland, Russia, and more in Central Europe.

Organization Structure:

  • Headquarters: Bodø, Norway

  • FIRST Scandinavia (established 2000): Develops, owns, and operates FLL and Newton concepts.

  • FIRST Scandinavia Partner AS (established 2010): Official partner handling distribution, service, and support for FLL and Newton concepts.

The foundation and its partner company collectively serve as a comprehensive provider of engaging educational concepts in natural sciences, technology, and STEM, boasting a diverse team with varied expertise and academic backgrounds.

Our History

Sept. 2000

  • FIRST Scandinavia is officially established in September to make practical STEM education accessible to student everywhere.

20 Newton Rooms in Norway

2015

2003

Nov. 2000

  • The initial FIRST® LEGO® League in Bodø, Norway is arranged by Per-Arild Konradsen and takes place in the city’s airport.

2003-2006

2007

  • The first Newton Room opens in Harstad, Norway. Operated by the Municipality of Harstad, the room reaches schools in four municipalities. As of 2022, the Newton Room has reached over 22,500 local students and offers 8 Newton Modules.

  • The team begins developing the Newton Concept after being challenged by sponsors.

Development continues

2012

2013

  • For two consecutive years (2013-2014), the Newton Aviation Summer Camp convened in Bodø, Norway, bringing together approximately 60 students from across the country. Initiated by FS and supported by Boeing, the camp collaborated with the Bodø aviation community, including the Norwegian Aviation Museum, JRCC, Wideroe Airlines, the Royal Airforce, and others. While not easily scalable to other communities due to expertise and resources, it inspired the establishment of the NFA in Bodø. Check out this local TV clip for a glimpse of the camp.

2018

  • In 2018, the first-ever Pop-Up Newton Room event took place at Technical University in Delft, the Netherlands. This event marked the beginning of the Boeing partnership and served as a proof of concept for the further expansion of our pop-up and mobile solutions. The event reached 60 students in total.

First international Newton Room opens

Newton is active in 13 countries

2022