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Decode Registration Now Open

FIRST Tech Challenge
Registration

2025-2026 FIRST AGE

DECODE

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Every artifact we uncover holds a story. Each tool, each innovation, each work of art connects us to the people and ideas that came before us. Using STEM skills and teamwork, today we can dig deeper into discoveries than ever before.

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Welcome to FIRST® AGE™ presented by Qualcomm, our 2025-2026 robotics season inspired by archaeology. What will you uncover? Join us for an experience for the ages.

Uncover the Future

Starting September 6, 2025, FIRST Tech Challenge teams will investigate the power of the world’s artifacts and unlock mysteries in a new challenge, DECODE™ presented by RTX.  Registration is open.

Register with FIRST Inspires

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.

FTC Team exams code in advance of a FIRST Tech Challenge match in FIRST Chesapeake

Register FIRST Chesapeake

Once you have registered with FIRST Inspires you will be able to register and ready-up with FIRST Chesapeake. Please note your team will not be assigned to an event until registration with FIRST Inspires and FIRST Chesapeake is complete.

Essential Steps To

Competing at a Qualifier

We engage young people in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

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​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!

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FIRST Tech Challenge Simulation

DISTRICT REGISTRATION

August 1, 2025

FIRST Chesapeake Registration will open. Please note that you will need to register with FIRST Inspires before registering with FIRST Chesapeake. Registration with FIRST Chesapeake will allow you to participate in two (2) FTC Qualifiers during the Decode season. 

FIRST Tech Challenge students driving robot on FTC playing field in FIRST Chesapeake
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QUALIFIER SELECTION I

September 12 - 18

We will release half of the available seeds per Qualifier on September 12 at noon.  You will have 7 days to select one Qualifier in which you will compete. Event Selection will close on September 18 at noon. .

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QUALIFIER SELECTION II

September 19 - 25

We will release the 2nd half of the available seeds per Qualifier on September 19 at noon. You will have 5 days to select one Qualifier in which you will compete. Event Selection will close on September 25 at noon. 

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Audience watches a FIRST Tech Challenge match field-side in FIRST Chesapeake
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LOCK IN

October 1

Teams will be allowed to trade events from September 29-30. Teams must find a team willing to trade with them. We do not have the ability to add capacity to any Qualifier. 

FIRST Tech Challenge students high-five after a successful FTC match in FIRST Chesapeake
FIRST Tech Challenge students high-five after a successful FTC match in FIRST Chesapeake
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