London,
25
January
2017
|
10:00
Europe/Amsterdam

element14 signs exclusive global agreement with Micro:bit Foundation

BBC micro:bit fullrange_2
BBC micro:bit fullrange_2

element14, the Development Distributor, and The Micro:bit Foundation have signed an exclusive global manufacturing and distribution agreement for the BBC Micro:bit. This agreement follows the success of the educational programme led by the BBC in 2016 where one million micro:bits were gifted to support learning in school.

The BBC micro:bit is a hands-on, easy-to-use introduction to the world of technology and is packed with features that provide endless possibilities for creativity. The device is supported by a website, www.microbit.org that features a range of resources and tutorials to help users take advantage of the BBC micro:bit’s vast potential.

The agreement allows element14 to develop partnerships with educational organisations to replicate the success of the UK programme globally, supporting the development of the next generation of engineers through engagement in coding from a young age.

Richard Curtin, Senior Director of Strategic Alliances for element14, said: “The BBC micro:bit initiative will go down in history as a milestone event in the world of STEM education and computer programming in the UK. Already the BBC micro:bit web site has seen over 15 million views, the code simulator has been run 10.8 million times and the complier 2 million times.

“element14 is excited to have signed this global agreement with the recently formed Micro:bit Foundation enabling the replication of this ground breaking education solution for educational organisations around the world.”

In line with this new agreement and in response to unprecedented demand across Europe following the UK programme, element14 is now making stock of BBC micro:bits available to resellers in a number of key European countries. Educational organisations and individuals will be able to purchase the BBC micro:bit from resellers in Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands and Finland.

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About us

element14 is part of the Premier Farnell group of businesses, a global technology leader with over 80 years in the high service distribution of technology products and solutions for electronic system design, production, maintenance and repair. Premier Farnell uses this experience to support its broad customer base, from hobbyists to engineers, maintenance engineers and buyers as ‘The Development Distributor’, working with leading brands and start-ups to develop new products for market, and supporting the industry as it seeks to develop the current and next generation of engineers.

Premier Farnell focuses its offering around four core customer journeys:

  • Education to Maker – Premier Farnell is an official manufacturer of two of the most popular Maker Boards, Raspberry Pi and Beaglebone Black, and exclusive manufacturer of educational programming boards such as the BBC micro:bit and Codebug. Customers are supported through element14.com, the largest online engineering and maker community, also providing support to educators and parents through its new STEM space.

  • Research and Design Services - Premier Farnell is the No.1 for Development Kits, having worked with the world’s leading Semiconductor companies to design and manufacture their latest development boards in house. A deep understanding and design knowledge of the latest Semiconductor Devices available also supports Premier Farnell’s broader design assistance offering, providing a similar service to customers of all sizes who are seeking additional engineering support.

  • Design through to Production – Premier Farnell provides an entire solution for design to manufacturing customers, with the broadest range of Semiconductor and Passive inventory available, a world class line card, same day despatch, a strong board level Interconnect proposition and growing Electromechanical proposition. In addition, it has the technical support capabilities to meet all customers’ needs, from simple cross-reference to complex design.

  • Bench to Board – Premier Farnell offers one of the industry’s broadest ranges of Test & Measurement equipment and a leading line card for all Tool & Production supplies supporting customers from the testing of initial designs to delivering essential maintenance activity to keep their operations running.

Premier Farnell is a business unit of Avnet Electronics Marketing, the components operating group of Avnet, Inc., (NYSE:AVT). Premier Farnell trades as Farnell element14 in Europe, Newark element14 in North America, and element14 throughout Asia Pacific. The Premier Farnell Group is supported by a global supply chain of more than 3,500 suppliers and has an extensive inventory profile developed to anticipate and meet the needs of innovative customers everywhere.

Key facts:

  • Operations in 38 countries and 43 local language transactional websites

  • More than 3,500 leading suppliers

  • More than 650,000 products stocked with access to over four million more on demand

  • More than 440,000 members of the element14 community

  • Leaders in providing information on REACH, Conflict Minerals and EU RoHS legislation

For more information, visit the website at http://www.premierfarnell.com