What is FIRST® Tech Challenge?
FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) is a competition where students become innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers. Working in teams, they design, build, and program robots to take on fast-paced, sports-style challenges. Along the way, they develop real-world STEM skills, teamwork, and resilience while having lots of fun. Teachers get access to resources, training, and a global community of educators, making it easy to bring hands-on robotics into the classroom or club.
What is this year's theme?
The theme for the FIRST® Tech Challenge 2025/26 is DECODE. This season, teams will explore the hidden power of artefacts and uncover mysteries through a brand-new challenge.
Objects from the past are more than just items. They are clues that link us to the people, ideas and innovations that shaped history. By combining STEM skills with creativity and teamwork, students can reimagine these discoveries in exciting new ways and unlock fresh perspectives on the world around us.
How does FIRST® Tech Challenge work?
FTC is designed for students aged 12-18. Teams will work together alongside their mentors to design, build, and program classroom-scale robots to take on a brand-new challenge. Each season brings a dynamic and exciting game, and teams must use creativity, strategy, and engineering skills to find the best way to succeed.
Robots are programmed to follow autonomous commands before student drivers take control in fast-paced two-on-two matches. These competitions create an energetic and engaging atmosphere where teams put their ideas to the test and adapt in real time. Starting at the regional level, successful teams advance to national tournaments, gaining the opportunity to showcase their skills on larger stages.
Collaboration is at the core of the challenge. Teams bring together students with different strengths - whether in coding, design, strategy, outreach or communications - showing that both technical and non-technical roles are vital to success. On and off the field, participants engage in community outreach, practice innovation and experience the excitement of working as part of a team.
Why get involved?
FIRST® Tech Challenge offers much more than the thrill of competition. Beyond the matches themselves, the program helps students develop a wide range of skills. From technical expertise in programming and engineering to essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork and public speaking, participants build confidence that prepares them for future study and careers.
The challenge provides young people with the knowledge and practical tools to excel in STEM while also opening doors to exciting opportunities. Participants gain access to scholarships, internships, and career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and maths, helping to spark ambitions for the future.
FIRST® is also a global community. Students become part of a supportive network of peers, mentors and industry professionals who share their passion for innovation. With a strong focus on inclusivity, the program ensures STEM is accessible to young people from all backgrounds, fostering collaboration, respect and opportunity at every level.
How can I register a team?
Getting started with FTC is simple. The first step is to register your interest with FIRST® Tech Challenge UK here, which will provide all the information you need to begin your journey, including registration costs and bursaries available.
Once registered, you can form a team. Most teams comprise small groups of students, often organised through schools or youth groups, and guided by a teacher, mentor or volunteer. The size and structure of each team can be flexible, allowing students with different skills and interests to take part.
As part of the process, you can also join a wider community of young people, educators, and mentors participating in the challenge. The FIRST® website offers a wealth of resources to support your team and provides opportunities to connect with others taking part across the UK and beyond.
Important Dates and Information
- Scrimmage Day 1: 3 December 2025
- Scrimmage Day 2: 4 February 2026
- Qualifying Tournament Day: 25 March 2026
- Pupils of ages 12-18 welcome
- Teams of up to 15 pupils.