Micro:bit
Micro:bit Educational Foundation is a UK non-profit that designs and distributes the BBC micro:bit microcontroller and its surrounding software ecosystem (MakeCode, Python Editor, Classroom, CreateAI) to teach coding and AI/ML concepts to children aged 8-14 in schools worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Micro:bit does
Micro:bit Educational Foundation is a UK-registered non-profit (founded October 2016, headquartered in London) that operates the BBC micro:bit educational technology platform. The foundation designs, distributes, and supports a bare-board microcontroller aimed at children aged 8-14, with built-in sensors (accelerometer, magnetometer, temperature), an LED display, and Bluetooth connectivity, sold in V1 and V2 hardware revisions. Around the device, the foundation maintains a software ecosystem including Microsoft MakeCode (block-based), a Python Editor, micro:bit Classroom (a teacher management tool hosted on AWS with Pusher real-time messaging), and micro:bit CreateAI (a 2024-launched hands-on AI/ML education tool). Mobile apps for iOS and Android, plus Scratch integration, extend the programming surface.
The foundation monetizes primarily through hardware sales via microbit.org and an authorized reseller network, supplemented by financial and in-kind support from a coalition of strategic partners — Arm (silicon), BBC (brand and origin), Microsoft (MakeCode), Nordic Semiconductor (Bluetooth), British Council, IET, Lancaster University, Nominet, Amazon, Google, and Infosys Foundation USA. Distribution is multi-channel: direct e-commerce, reseller partnerships, BBC Education-led UK deployments (including the 2023 Next Gen primary school push), and strategic partner channels reaching six global regions.
The foundation's go-to-market is hybrid product-led and community-led: free teacher resources, professional development courses on Thinkific, and a Champions network of 382 volunteer educators in 51 countries drive adoption, while aligned programs such as the do your :bit challenge link the platform to the UN Global Goals. CEO Gareth Stockdale (appointed January 2018, formerly Head of Operations at BBC Education) leads the organization, with Stephen Pattison as Chair and a board including senior representatives from Arm, BBC Education, IET, Johnson & Johnson, and Ubisoft.
Micro:bit firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Micro:bit
- Legal name
- Micro:bit Educational Foundation
- Website
- https://microbit.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Micro:bit Educational Foundation is a UK non-profit that designs and distributes the BBC micro:bit microcontroller and its surrounding software ecosystem (MakeCode, Python Editor, Classroom, CreateAI) to teach coding and AI/ML concepts to children aged 8-14 in schools worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Micro:bit industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Educational Electronics
- NAICS
- Computer Training (61142), Computer Training (611420), Educational Support Services (61171)
- SIC
- Electronic Computers (3571), Electronic Components, Nec (3679)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Math & STEM Learning Technology (incl. Coding/Robotics Platforms) (EDAJAMAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG), Maker / DIY Electronics & Physical Computing Platforms (EDAFANAC), STEM & Computer Science Curriculum (EDAGAAAB), STEM & Coding Readiness for Early Learners (EDACANAF)
Keywords
Where Micro:bit is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Micro:bit business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: The Micro:bit Educational Foundation generates revenue through the sale of BBC micro:bit devices and accessories. The devices are sold through the microbit.org website and through authorized resellers globally.
- Partnerships and Support: The foundation receives support from strategic partners including Arm, BBC, Microsoft, Nominet, and supporter organizations like Amazon, Google, and Nordic Semiconductor who contribute resources and expertise.
- Donations: The foundation accepts donations to support their mission of inspiring children to create their best digital future, including funding for micro:bit kits for under-resourced schools and teacher training.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Micro:bit product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Micro:bit Educational Foundation designs, distributes, and supports the BBC micro:bit, a bare-board microcontroller for children aged 8-14 with built-in LEDs, sensors, and Bluetooth connectivity. The foundation sells the micro:bit hardware device and accessories through its website and authorized resellers, and provides free web-based programming tools (Microsoft MakeCode, Python Editor, micro:bit Classroom, and micro:bit CreateAI), mobile companion apps, professional development courses, and structured lesson content to support STEM and computing education globally.
Product overview
The Micro:bit Educational Foundation offers a comprehensive educational technology ecosystem centered on the BBC micro:bit hardware device. The core offering consists of the micro:bit microcontroller (available in V1.3B, V1.5, V2.00, V2.20, and V2.21 versions), complemented by multiple programming interfaces: Microsoft MakeCode for block-based coding, the Python Editor for text-based programming, and micro:bit CreateAI for AI/ML education. Additional tools include micro:bit Classroom for classroom management, the micro:bit iOS and Android apps for mobile device interaction, and Scratch integration for visual programming. The Foundation also provides professional development courses, structured lesson plans, and the 'do your :bit' global challenge program. The ecosystem supports teachers with resources aligned to the UN Global Goals and provides accessibility features including keyboard controls, sign language glossaries, and tactile resources.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- micro:bit CreateAI: Hands-on AI and machine learning platform using movement and machine learning with the micro:bit
- micro:bit Classroom
- micro:bit LIVE
- do your :bit
- micro:bit Champions
- micro:bit Python Editor
- micro:bit Support Site
Products and services
- BBC micro:bit V2 The main micro:bit hardware device, a bare-board microcontroller designed for children aged 8-14. Features include LED display, buttons, sensors (accelerometer, magnetometer, temperature), Bluetooth Low Energy (V4.0/V5.0), and speaker/microphone on V2 models.
- Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit Block-based visual programming editor for the micro:bit provided by Microsoft. Allows beginners to code using drag-and-drop blocks before transitioning to text-based languages.
- micro:bit Python Editor Web-based Python text editor for the micro:bit at python.microbit.org. Allows users to write Python code directly in the browser and flash programs to the device.
- micro:bit Classroom A web-based classroom management tool that allows teachers to manage micro:bit coding sessions. Teachers can send code to students' micro:bits and monitor student progress in real-time. Communication uses Amazon Web Services and Pusher service.
- micro:bit CreateAI An AI and machine learning education tool that enables students to learn about AI by collecting movement data and training machine learning models using the micro:bit. Movement data is stored locally in the browser for privacy.
- micro:bit iOS App iOS application for programming and interacting with the micro:bit on iPad and iPhone. Developed in partnership with Insight Resources and hosted in Apple's App Store.
- micro:bit Android App Android application for programming and interacting with the micro:bit. Originally developed by Samsung and now provided by the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, hosted in Google Play Store.
- MakeCode for micro:bit Windows App Desktop application version of the MakeCode editor for Windows, provided by Microsoft. Available on the Microsoft App Store.
- do your :bit Challenge A global digital challenge that combines the micro:bit with the UN's Global Goals for Sustainable Development. Engages young people aged 8-18 in creating technology solutions to global problems, operating across six global regions.
- Professional Development Courses for Educators Free online training courses for teachers and educators delivered via the Thinkific platform to develop computing and micro:bit knowledge. Includes courses on introduction to micro:bit and design thinking approaches.
- Teacher Resources and Lessons Comprehensive teaching materials including lesson plans, classroom resources, and project guides aligned with the UN Global Goals. Available in multiple languages via Crowdin translation system.
Quantifiable outcome
- 12 million micro:bits have been distributed worldwide
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Micro:bit
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Micro:bit technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration15 records
AI capability3 records
Feature4 records
Micro:bit partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- ArmcoreArm is a founding strategic partner of the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, having been involved since the original BBC micro:bit project. Arm's technology powers the micro:bit device.
- BBCcoreBBC is a founding strategic partner that originally created and launched the micro:bit through the BBC Make It Digital initiative. BBC Education continues to support the foundation's work.
- MicrosoftcoreMicrosoft provides the MakeCode block-based programming editor for the micro:bit and hosts the MakeCode for micro:bit Windows App on the Microsoft Store.
- British CouncilcoreThe British Council partners with micro:bit on global education initiatives including the do your :bit challenge and Global Goals projects.
- NominetcoreNominet supports the BBC micro:bit Next Gen initiative to distribute micro:bits to UK primary schools in partnership with BBC Education.
- Lancaster UniversitycoreLancaster University is an academic strategic partner contributing research and educational expertise to the micro:bit ecosystem.
- IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology)coreIET is a founding strategic partner supporting engineering and technology education through the micro:bit program.
- Nordic SemiconductormajorNordic Semiconductor provides wireless connectivity technology (Bluetooth) for the micro:bit device.
- CodeAIminorGlobal partner focused on AI education and coding initiatives.
- Royal InstitutionminorRoyal Institution conducts holiday workshops and educational programs using the micro:bit.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Micro:bit competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Raspberry Pi Foundation: UK-based non-profit that designs and distributes low-cost microcontrollers (including Raspberry Pi Pico) for STEM/coding education. Closest peer by structure (non-profit), geography, target age, and hardware + free curriculum model that competes for the same school budgets as micro:bit.
- Tynker: Provider of a K-12 coding/STEM learning platform with block-based programming, Minecraft modding, and robotics integrations. Competes for the same school purchasing cycles and educator budget as micro:bit's MakeCode-based offering, particularly in the US.
- Sphero: Provider of programmable educational robots (Sphero BOLT, Indi) targeting K-12 STEM classrooms with their own block-based app ecosystem. Competes for the same hands-on coding/STEM spend but with a robotics-first rather than microcontroller/maker approach.
- LEGO Education: Developer of programmable robotics kits (SPIKE Prime, Mindstorms) and STEM curricula for primary and secondary classrooms. Comparable by serving the same educators, age range (8-14), and CS/STEM learning outcomes, though delivered via higher-cost robotics kits rather than bare-board microcontrollers.
- Ozobot: Maker of small programmable robots used in K-8 STEAM education with screen-free and screen-based coding options. Targets the same elementary/middle school STEM adoption cycle as micro:bit at similar price points.
- Scratch Foundation: MIT-affiliated non-profit behind Scratch, the dominant block-based programming environment for 8-16 year-olds. ScratMicro:bit integrates with Scratch and counts Scratch as one of its supported programming environments, making Scratch both a partner and the dominant competitor for entry-level coding time.
- Arduino Education: Educational arm of Arduino, providing microcontroller kits, block-based programming (similar to MakeCode), and STEM/CT curricula targeting K-12 and maker learners. Directly competes for the same classroom STEM budgets with a stronger open-source/electronics positioning.
Broad incumbents
- Code.org: Large non-profit delivering free K-12 computer science curricula including Hour of Code and AI-focused modules. Competes with micro:bit for CS curriculum time in classrooms but is software-only and often complementary to (rather than fully substitutive of) physical computing.
Emerging players
- Adafruit Industries: Open-source hardware company selling maker/STEM electronics (including Circuit Playground line) that overlaps with micro:bit's physical computing category, particularly for hobbyists and older students transitioning into DIY electronics. Newer to formal K-12 channel partnerships.
- Makeblock: Provider of STEAM education kits including mBot and Codey Rocky robots with block-based programming (mBlock). Comparable to micro:bit in K-8 STEM positioning, with stronger Asia-Pacific distribution and a robotics-centric (rather than bare-board microcontroller) product.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Micro:bit social profiles
Digital presenceMicro:bit compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance18 records
Micro:bit financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Micro:bit leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Micro:bit funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Micro:bit M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Micro:bit
What does Micro:bit do?
Micro:bit Educational Foundation designs, distributes, and supports the BBC micro:bit, a bare-board microcontroller for children aged 8-14 with built-in LEDs, sensors, and Bluetooth connectivity. The foundation sells the micro:bit hardware device and accessories through its website and authorized resellers, and provides free web-based programming tools (Microsoft MakeCode, Python Editor, micro:bit Classroom, and micro:bit CreateAI), mobile companion apps, professional development courses, and structured lesson content to support STEM and computing education globally.
Is Micro:bit a public or private company?
Micro:bit is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Micro:bit founded?
Micro:bit was founded in 2016. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Micro:bit based?
Micro:bit is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Micro:bit make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are partnerships and Support and donations.
Who are Micro:bit's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Raspberry Pi Foundation, Tynker, Sphero, LEGO Education, Ozobot, Scratch Foundation and Arduino Education. Code.org is listed as a broad incumbent. Emerging players are Adafruit Industries and Makeblock.
Does Micro:bit have an API?
No public API is recorded for Micro:bit.
What industry is Micro:bit in?
Micro:bit's product category is Educational Electronics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJAMAG, Math & STEM Learning Technology (incl. Coding/Robotics Platforms), with a secondary code of BPAGADAG, STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits. Its NAICS code is 61142 and its SIC code is 3571.