What is FTC?
FIRST Tech Challenge is the ultimate sport for the mind, combining the excitement of competition with the rewards of learning science and technology.
The Ultimate STEM Competition
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a robotics competition designed for students in grades 7-12. Teams of up to 15 members design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format.
Each year, teams are presented with a new game theme and challenge. The 2026-2027 season theme is "BIOBUZZ", where robots must navigate strategic challenges in this exciting new game.
FTC is part of the FIRST family of programs, which also includes FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), FIRST LEGO League (FLL), and FIRST LEGO League Jr.
7-12
Grade Levels
15
Max Team Size
6K+
Teams Worldwide
50+
Countries
What Students Learn
FTC provides a comprehensive learning experience that goes far beyond building robots.
Mechanical Engineering
Students design and build robots using CAD software, 3D printing, and hands-on fabrication.
Programming
Teams write code in Java to control their robots, including autonomous routines.
Teamwork
Collaboration is essential as students work together to solve complex problems.
Problem Solving
Students learn to think critically and adapt quickly to new challenges.
Gracious Professionalism
FTC emphasizes respect, cooperation, and supporting fellow competitors.
Business Skills
Teams manage budgets, seek sponsors, and market themselves professionally.
Competition Structure
The FTC season is structured to provide multiple opportunities for teams to compete and improve.
League Meets
Regular season events where teams compete and refine their robots.
League Tournament
End-of-league competitions that determine advancement to regionals.
Regional Championship
Higher-level competition with the best teams from multiple leagues.
State Championship
The pinnacle of the season where top teams compete for world advancement.
More Than Just Winning
FTC recognizes teams for much more than robot performance. Awards celebrate innovation, teamwork, community impact, and the FIRST Core Values.
- Inspire Award - The highest team award
- Think Award - For exceptional engineering process
- Connect Award - For community outreach
- Innovate Award - For creative design
- Design Award - For engineering excellence
- Motivate Award - For team spirit
Engineering Portfolio
Teams document their journey through an Engineering Portfolio, showcasing their design process, team management, and outreach efforts. This portfolio is reviewed by judges at competitions.
Resources & Links
Everything you need to learn more about FTC or start your own team.
FIRST Official Website
The official source for all FTC information and resources.
Game Manual
Current season game rules, scoring, and field specifications.
FTC Docs
Technical documentation for programming and robot building.
Start a Team
Information on how to start your own FTC team.
Ready to Learn More About Our Team?
See how The Despicable Machine brings FTC to life through competition, innovation, and community engagement.