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!”
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
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Learn from professional engineers
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Build and compete with a robot of their own design
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Learn essential skills like teamwork, conflict resolution, public speaking, and leadership
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Learn and use sophisticated software and hardware
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Compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments
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Earn a place in the World Championship
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Qualify for over $12 million in college scholarships
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Essential Steps To
Starting an FTC Team
Enlist Mentors & Coaches
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.
REGISTER & PLAY
Once registered, your team becomes part of the worldwide FIRST Tech Challenge community. You'll begin receiving communications from FIRST, along with your team number, and you'll need to order your kit of parts and complete payment through FIRST Inspires.
FTC Registration (NEW THIS SEASON)
FTC BIOBUZZ Kickoff is September 12!
Follow the steps below to Register your team for the 2026-27 Season:
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Pay FIRST Inspires registration in your FIRST Dashboard - $350
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Once FIRST payment is confirmed, a link will be sent to your email from ftc-teams@firstchesapeake.org to create your account on the new FTC Registration App
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Create your account and pay the FIRST Chesapeake Registration Fee - $550
Preferencing (NEW THIS SEASON)
Teams will preference events using the FTC Registration App. There are two rounds of preferencing, one for each of your events — you MUST complete BOTH rounds to be placed in 2 events. Round 1 and 2 are NOT first come, first serve.
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Preferencing Round 1: September 19-24
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Preferencing Round 2: September 26-October 1
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Optional 3rd play: October 5-7 (NOTE: These are first come, first serve)
Welcome to FIRST® CANOPY™, our 2026-2027 biodiversity-themed robotics season. Starting September 12, 2026, FIRST Tech Challenge teams will amplify the excitement and energy found within the natural world in a new challenge, BIOBUZZ™ presented by RTX. Team registration details and the Team User Guide are above.
2026-2027 Season
BIOBUZZ Calendar
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Build Your Own Puzzles
Unleash your creativity! Design your own challenges, and share them with friends worldwide!
2024-2025
FTC Advisory Committee
David Hairston
Team 007
Henry Bass
Team 4924
John Pendleton
Team 14597
Kirk Frankfurth
Team 5233
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Rajeev Mehra
Team 15167
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Randy Hintz
Team 16537
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Seelig Sintson
Team 9794
Shari Robinson
Team 7039