More than a challenge
Every young person deserves the chance to go pro in STEM.
Every young person deserves the chance to go pro in STEM.
Meeting weekly, teams of up to 15, aged 12-18, design a robot to take on a global challenge. Supported by a mentor, young people develop technical knowledge like coding, learn about engineering and design principles, whilst building soft skills.
Each team operates like a business – creating a brand and delivering community outreach – before uniting to compete in tournaments and earn awards.
Our e-learning platform, virtual online simulator and curriculum mapped content provides end to end support.
“I witnessed how a competition that has a primary focus of STEM, does so much more than that. It develops creativity, teamwork, confidence, resilience, inclusivity, humility and so much more. What a great programme! If you’re not involved you’re missing out!”
Ben Barnes, Director of Computer Science – Outwood Grange Academies Trust
Normally, FIRST Tech Challenge UK runs from September to April; this season we’re making a few adjustments. Teams can access our new virtual robotics simulator and online content from September. Build season commences properly in January, with our events moved to the warmer summer term.
An annual game theme is revealed every September. Teams built sustainable cities last year and this year will be challenged to take on the game ‘Ultimate Goal’ and become ‘Game Changers’ –revolutionising how we move and play sport. Watch the game teaser:
Teams have access to informal meetups in champion schools before local practice tournaments before Easter. All teams then progress to a regional championships in July – competing on the field and for judged awards.
Jan to Apr 2021
Access a game field hosted in a Champion School to practice, share knowledge and collaborate.
TBC May-June 2021
One day local competition to hone skills on the game field and earn industry-judged awards.
TBC July 2021
Teams come together in inspirational venues to showcase their talent and vie for industry judged awards.
Teams pitch their strategic approach to an industry judging panel in a bid to earn awards that recognise engineering development, creativity, community outreach and collaboration.
Control Award sponsored by Arm
Collins Aerospace Innovate Award
Connect Award
Design Award
Inspire Award
Judges Award
Motivate Award
Think Award
“The project was an exceptional team-building experience, which brought together the enthusiasm and knowledge of each team member. To actually win the competition was phenomenal!”
Sam, 15, CREATED Academy
“Never give up. We created three claws in three weeks, coming in on Saturdays and after school to make sure we completed the robot before the regional competition.”
Oussama, 14 yrs, Fulham College Boys School
Take part in the UK’s most epic STEM programme for young people. Join the world’s largest student robotics movement.