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Into the Deep registration is now closed

Way more than building robots.

FIRST Tech Challenge 

Design, Code, and Compete

FIRST Tech Challenge students learn to think like engineers. Teams design, build, and code robots to compete 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.

THE FTC IMPACT

FIRST Tech Challenge teams (2-15 members, ages 12-18) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have!”

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Guided by adult Coaches and Mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles (like keeping an engineering notebook), while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and can be programmed using a variety of languages, including Java. Teams also must raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach for which they can win awards. Participants have access to tens of millions of dollars in college scholarships. Each season concludes with an exciting international FIRST Championship.

Students Get To

  • Learn from professional engineers

  • Build and compete with a robot of their own design

  • Learn essential skills like teamwork, conflict resolution, public speaking, and leadership

  • Learn and use sophisticated software and hardware

  • Compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments

  • Earn a place in the World Championship

  • Qualify for over $12 million in college scholarships

FIRST Tech Challenge field overhead view during a robotics match

Essential Steps To

Starting an FTC Team

Volunteer coordinator and volunteer smiling at a FIRST Tech Challenge qualifier in FIRST Chesapeake

Each team needs two or more adult lead coaches/mentors who are willing and motivated to coach the team through the build and competition season and beyond. Other adults can volunteer to help with administration, fundraising, community outreach, technical skills, and other tasks. Most teams meet once to twice a week during the build and competition season, which typically runs from September through February.

Enlist Mentors & Coaches

Build Your Team

Find and invite a few teammates (maximum 15) who want to be part of the robotics team. Be sure to emphasize that no technical skills are required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn! Recruit all kinds of talents, not just engineering and electrical.

FIRST Tech Challenge students high-five after winning an FTC match in FIRST Chesapeake
FIRST Tech Challenge students presenting to a sponsor in FIRST Chesapeake

REGISTER & PLAY

Once registered, your team becomes a part of the worldwide FIRST Tech Challenge community. You’ll begin receiving communications from FIRST, along with your team number in preparation for event registration. Part of the registration process includes ordering the kit of parts and completing payment. 

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Next you register with your local partner (that's us!) so your team can compete in the qualifiers for the opportunity to advance to District Championship.

Fundraising

Your team will need to build a budget and fund their goals. Recruit local businesses to sponsor you. Some of them may already have a relationship with FIRST. We also have many fundraising opportunities you can explore, including grants for rookie teams.

2025 Season

Into the Deep

FIRST Tech Challenge Into the Deep Logo
FIRST Tech Challenge Into the Deep Logo
FIRST Tech Challenge Into the Deep Logo
FIRST Tech Challenge Into the Deep Octopus
FIRST Tech Challenge Into the Deep Logo
FIRST Tech Challenge Into the Deep Logo

In the INTO THE DEEP℠ presented by RTX challenge, launching September 7, 2024, FIRST Tech Challenge teams will dive their robots into the depths of the ocean to explore the unknown and reveal its wonders.

FIRST Tech Challenge Into the Deep Sub
  • 2025 Geared Up Celebration- By Invitation Only
    2025 Geared Up Celebration- By Invitation Only
    Sat, May 10
    VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY, Daniel Gym
    May 10, 2025, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
    VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY, Daniel Gym, 4th Ave, VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY, VA 23806, USA
    The 2025 Geared Up FTC Cohort 2 Celebration will celebrate the brand new teams created by our generous sponsor, Google.org. This event is in partnership with VSU, our event host.
  • FIRST Chesapeake Mentor Conference
    FIRST Chesapeake Mentor Conference
    Sat, May 17
    Kossiakoff Center
    May 17, 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Kossiakoff Center, 11100 Johns Hopkins Rd, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
  • Maryland Tech Invitational 2025
    Maryland Tech Invitational 2025
    Fri, Jun 27
    Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
    Jun 27, 2025, 1:00 PM EDT – Jun 29, 2025, 5:00 PM EDT
    Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Kossiakoff Center, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
    It Is About the Robots
  • FTC Chesapeake Championship
    FTC Chesapeake Championship
    Sat, Feb 08
    Wheaton High School
    Feb 08, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    Wheaton High School, 12401 Dalewood Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20906, USA
  • FTC Bassett, VA Qualifier
    FTC Bassett, VA Qualifier
    Sun, Jan 26
    Bassett High School
    Jan 26, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    Bassett High School, 85 Riverside Dr, Bassett, VA 24055, USA
  • FTC Moorefield, WV Qualifier
    FTC Moorefield, WV Qualifier
    Sat, Jan 25
    Moorefield High School
    Jan 25, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    Moorefield High School, 401 N Main St, Moorefield, WV 26836
  • FTC Harrisonburg, VA Qualifier II
    FTC Harrisonburg, VA Qualifier II
    Sun, Jan 19
    Harrisonburg High School
    Jan 19, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    Harrisonburg High School, 1001 Garbers Church Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA
  • FTC McHenry, MD Qualifier
    FTC McHenry, MD Qualifier
    Sat, Jan 18
    McHenry
    Jan 18, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    McHenry, 65 Laker Dr, McHenry, MD 21541, USA
  • FTC Haymarket, VA Qualifier
    FTC Haymarket, VA Qualifier
    Sat, Jan 18
    Battlefield High School
    Jan 18, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    Battlefield High School, 15000 Graduation Dr, Haymarket, VA 20169
  • FTC Harrisonburg, VA Qualifier I
    FTC Harrisonburg, VA Qualifier I
    Sat, Jan 18
    Harrisonburg High School
    Jan 18, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    Harrisonburg High School, 1001 Garbers Church Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA
  • FTC Coach Chat: January
    FTC Coach Chat: January
    Sun, Jan 12
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83587494742?pwd=0
    Jan 12, 2025, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83587494742?pwd=0
    Hosted by Seelig Sinton, FTC Team Advisory Committee Member & Coach Team 19458 Equilibrium
  • FTC Virginia Beach, VA Qualifier
    FTC Virginia Beach, VA Qualifier
    Sun, Jan 12
    Cape Henry Collegiate
    Jan 12, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    Cape Henry Collegiate, 1320 Mill Dam Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454, USA
  • FTC Laurel, MD Qualifier II
    FTC Laurel, MD Qualifier II
    Sun, Jan 12
    JHU Applied Physics Lab
    Jan 12, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    JHU Applied Physics Lab, 11100 Johns Hopkins Rd, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
  • FTC Laurel, MD Qualifier I
    FTC Laurel, MD Qualifier I
    Sat, Jan 11
    JHU Applied Physics Lab
    Jan 11, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    JHU Applied Physics Lab, 11100 Johns Hopkins Rd, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
  • FTC Coach Chat: December
    FTC Coach Chat: December
    Sun, Dec 22
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84484342184?pwd=k
    Dec 22, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84484342184?pwd=k
    Hosted by Seelig Sinton, FTC Team Advisory Committee Member & Coach Team 19458 Equilibrium
  • FTC Glen Allen, VA Qualifier II
    FTC Glen Allen, VA Qualifier II
    Sun, Dec 15
    Deep Run High School
    Dec 15, 2024, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    Deep Run High School, 4801 Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059, USA
  • FTC Glen Allen, VA Qualifier I
    FTC Glen Allen, VA Qualifier I
    Sat, Dec 14
    Deep Run High School
    Dec 14, 2024, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    Deep Run High School, 4801 Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059, USA
  • FTC Gaithersburg, MD Qualifier
    FTC Gaithersburg, MD Qualifier
    Sun, Dec 08
    Quince Orchard High School
    Dec 08, 2024, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Quince Orchard High School, 15800 Quince Orchard Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA

Chesapeake Hubs

Chesapeake Hubs is an initiative to connect FIRST teams with other local teams who are willing to share 3D printing and machining resources.

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Below is a map of Chesapeake Hubs teams who are willing to share their resources, collate lists of manufacturing capabilities for each, and provide a way to contact them.

Teams in need are able to identify nearby CHS Hubs teams, source specific needed manufacturing capabilities, and contact Chesapeake Hubs teams.

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Special Thanks to Preston C. for building the platform and to FIRST Wisconsin and the FIRST Wisconsin Student Board of Directors for pioneering this initiative. 

​Start Today!

Learn how to program and drive real robots using this virtual robotics platform.

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Block-Based & and Text Based Java Programming

You can choose to program in FTC Blocks or On Bot Java. You can also translate their block code into text based code!

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Guided Onboarding Experience

Explore our website with ease using our integrated and interactive guide. This tool provides a complete tour of the site and walks you through all the coding concepts. It's available to you at any time, and even provides tips and hints.

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Build Your Own Puzzles

Unleash your creativity! Design your own challenges, and share them with friends worldwide!

FTC Brand Gradient
FTC SIM

2024-2025

FTC Advisory Committee

David Hairston

David Hairston

Team 007

Henry Bass

Henry Bass

Team 4924

John Pendleton

John Pendleton

Team 14597

Kirk Frankfurth

Kirk Frankfurth

Team 5233

Rajeev Mehra

Rajeev Mehra

Team 15167

Randy Hintz

Randy Hintz

Team 16537

Seelig Sintson

Seelig Sintson

Team 9794

Shari Robinson

Shari Robinson

Team 7039

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