About FIRST Tech Challenge
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FIRST Tech Challenge students learn to think like engineers. Teams of up to 15 students design, build and program robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format against other teams. Robots are built from a reusable platform, powered by Android technology, and can be coded using a variety of levels of Java-based programming. Teams raise funds, design and market their team brand and do community outreach to earn specific awards. Each season concludes with an exciting FIRST Championship.
FIRST Tech Challenge: Program Snapshot
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Students 12 - 18 years old (Years 7 - 12)
Minimum of 2 coaches required per team
Teams can be school or community-based
Game includes a 30 second autonomous mode plus a 2 minute driver mode
9 Qualifying Competitions across Australia
3 hour time commitment per week (approx)
Robot technology includes GoBilda, REV Robotics
and many more.
Up to 15 students per team
Registrations open in June 8, 2026
Season kicks off September 13, 2026
100+ teams nationally
Teams can use multiple coding languages
including Python, Javascript, C++ and more
1 National Championship in December (Sydney)
$375 (ex GST) registration cost/per team
Yearly budget is $2500 (approx). Initial year only,
as robots parts can be used in consecutive years.
Start a Team: FIRST Tech Challenge
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Gather your team
Bring together a group of students and mentors ready to take on the challenge. A typical team includes 5–15 students in Years 7–12 and at least two adult mentors. No prior robotics experience is required, just curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to work as a team.
More Information
Season Calendar: 2026 - 2027
June 8
Season Registrations Open
Teams can register for the 2026 - 2027 FIRST Tech Challenge season via the FIRST Australia Dashboard beginning June 8, 2026.
September 13
Season Kickoff
The new 2026 - 2027 FTC Season launches September 13 marking the official kickoff where teams around the world tune in for the game reveal, rules and season challenge.
October
Season Registrations Close
November - December
Tournament Season
Qualifying competitions will begin in November, giving FIRST Tech Challenge teams the opportunity to showcase their skills, compete against their peers, and earn a place at the National Championship.
December 5-6
National Championship
The National Championship will take place on December 5 - 6, bringing together the top 42 FIRST Tech Challenge teams from across the country to compete and advance
April 28, 2027
World Championships
The FIRST Championship will take place on April 28, 2027 in Houston, Texas, bringing together top teams from around the world to compete and celebrate their achievements.
FIRST Tech Challenge: Gallery
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FIRST Training and Resources
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Getting started with FIRST Tech Challenge is easy and free with our collection of training modules, guides, and support resources for coaches, mentors, educators, and volunteers. From understanding the program and competitions to building student confidence in STEM, these resources are designed to support you every step of the way. Please note that you’ll need to create a free profile with FIRST Inspires to access the training resources below.
FIRST Tech Challenge Skill Builders
FIRST® Tech Challenge Skill Builders is a hands-on training program designed to build core skills for the 2026–2027 game, BIOBUZZ™. Teams compete in seven fun, engaging challenges using guided lessons and instructions to build and program a portion of the BIOBUZZ StarterBot.
Role of Lead Coach
This training is designed for current and prospective Lead Coaches in FIRST® programs. It provides an overview of the Lead Coach role and responsibilities, along with recommendations and resources to help guide your team through a smooth and successful season. This training contains about 90 minutes of content.
FIRST for Educators
Learn how FIRST® supports student learning through hands-on, team-based STEM experiences, and how to connect FIRST programs to your school’s educational priorities. You’ll explore research-backed outcomes, standards alignments, and practical ways to engage families, districts, and community partners.
Click here to view all FIRST training and resource modules
2026-2027 Season: BIOBUZZ
FIRST® Tech Challenge (ages 12-18 / grades 7-12) students work together with their mentors to design and build robots to compete in a dynamic and exciting challenge released every September.
Teams program classroom-scale robots to follow autonomous commands before student drivers take control in two-on-two matches. On and off the field, students develop STEM skills, engage in community outreach, practice engineering innovation, and build confidence to help them succeed.
Starting September 12, 2026, FIRST Tech Challenge teams will amplify the excitement and energy found within the natural world during a new challenge.
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"FIRST Tech Challenge has made me more humble and open to teamwork. It allowed me to make a lot of new friends and has given me a new passion in life."
Simon
"I feel like FIRST Tech Challenge really improved my confidence when talking to other people in general. It has taught me many skills like organisation and communication."
Max
"FIRST Tech Challenge has sparked an interest in programming and robotics for me. It has helped me develop my marketing and critical thinking skills."
Madison
Costs & Registrations
To participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge season, teams must complete season registration with FIRST Australia and register their team through the official FIRST FTC Portal. Rookie teams are required to purchase the necessary control, electronics, and competition sets to build a functioning robot. Cost details are outlined below.
Team Registration
FIRST Tech Challenge team registration provides access to the official FTC competition season, including eligibility to register for events and manage your team through the FIRST Australia Dashboard.
$375 AUD + GST/per team
Registration for one FTC team (up to 15 students)
Eligibility to compete at a Regional Qualifying Event
Full event experience, including:
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Dedicated team pit area
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Multiple official robot matches
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Interaction with other teams and volunteers
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Eligibility for awards recognising innovation, teamwork, and performance
Access to the FIRST Australia dashboard, resources, and support materials
Robots
Rev Robotics FTC Starter Kit v3.1
The FTC Starter Kit V3.1 offers essential REV DUO components for teams to design, prototype, and compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge. It includes comprehensive documentation and a range of parts, providing a solid foundation for your team's season.
