The official opening ceremony of Newton in a Box took place on May 20 at SJK Airport in São José dos Campos, Brazil.
The event brought together distinguished guests, partners, and educational leaders to celebrate the arrival of the Norwegian-developed Newton Concept in Latin America.
The ceremony underscored a shared mission: to inspire a new generation through hands-on, research-based STEM learning. The Newton in a Box initiative in Brazil is a collaboration between FIRST Scandinavia, Boeing, ANAC (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil), and SJK Airport.
Newton In A Box opened officialy with ribbon cutting by students and partners. Credit: Gerson Akira Fujiki
From May 12 to June 6, more than 1,400 students from public and private high schools in São José dos Campos will participate in the Newton in a Box program, gaining practical STEM experience through aviation-themed modules.
You can also read: Brazilian Students Explore Science with Newton
Per Arild Konradsen. Photo Credit: Gerson Akira Fujiki
Shared Commitment
Per Arild Konradsen, Founder and CEO of FIRST Scandinavia, traveled to Brazil to attend the ceremony in person. In his speech, he emphasized the global importance of equitable, high-quality STEM education:
"We are incredibly proud to bring Newton to Brazil for the first time. This collaboration with Boeing, ANAC, and SJK Airport represents our shared commitment to empowering the next generation through hands-on STEM learning."
Konradsen highlighted the value of giving students practical opportunities to explore science and technology—experiences that can ignite a lifelong passion for learning and innovation.
Landon Loomis, Boeing Brazil CEO and President of Boeing for Latin America and the Caribbea. Photo Credit: Gerson Akira Fujiki
Investing in Future Talent
Landon Loomis, Boeing Brazil CEO and President of Boeing for Latin America and the Caribbean, reinforced Boeing’s commitment to education:
"By bringing Newton in a Box to Brazil, we are investing in the talent of a new generation of innovators," says Landon Loomis.
"This initiative is part of our broader commitment to promoting STEM education, expanding access to opportunities, and building lasting partnerships that support the future of aviation and technology in the region."
Eduardo Valle, Chairman of the Board of Aeropart AS. Photo Credit: Gerson Akira Fujiki
Honoured to Host
Representing SJK Airport, Eduardo Valle, Chairman of the Board of Aeropart AS, expressed pride in hosting the project:
"Hosting the Newton Project on its first visit to Brazil is an honour for SJK Airport. Newton in a Box is an educational initiative that aligns perfectly with São José dos Campos—the aviation capital of Latin America.
Encouraging our youth to pursue careers in STEM is essential for expanding the intellectual capital of the region and preparing a new generation of professionals to meet the growing demands of the industries in the Vale do Paraíba.
We are proud to be the gateway to this transformative project."
Roberto Honorato, Acting President of ANAC. Photo Credit: Gerson Akira Fujiki
Education for a Sustainable Future
Roberto Honorato, Acting President of ANAC, also spoke to the broader purpose of the initiative:
"Aviation is a sector that is intensive in people, technology, and innovation. For this ecosystem to continue growing sustainably, it is essential to invest in education from an early age.
Initiatives like Newton in a Box, aligned with the goals of the Asas Para Todos program, help bring young people closer to the world of aviation and inspire future professionals."
This inspiring launch event set the stage for several weeks of impactful, hands-on STEM learning—bringing the Newton Concept far from its Norwegian roots to empower students in the heart of Brazil’s aviation hub.
Highlights from the Day
Photo Credit: Gerson Akira Fujiki and FIRST Scandinavia
