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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

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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