If your teenager is interested in technology, engineering, or just building things, Lisbon has a growing range of options. Here is an honest overview of what is available — from casual workshops to structured competitive programmes — so you can find the right fit.
Coding bootcamps and workshops
Several organisations in Lisbon offer coding courses for teenagers, covering languages like Python, JavaScript, and Scratch. These are typically short-term (a few weeks to a few months) and focus on software development skills. They are a good starting point for students who want to learn to code, but they tend to be classroom-based and do not involve building physical systems or working in competitive teams.
School robotics and STEM clubs
Many international schools in the Lisbon area run after-school STEM clubs, some of which include robotics components. These clubs vary widely in structure — some use educational kits like LEGO or Arduino, others focus on specific projects. The quality depends heavily on the teacher or volunteer running the club. These are valuable for sparking interest, but they often lack the competitive structure and sustained commitment that develops deeper skills.
Maker spaces and fab labs
Lisbon has a number of maker spaces and fabrication labs where people of all ages can access tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and electronics workbenches. Some offer workshops aimed at younger users. These spaces are excellent for self-directed learners who want to experiment, but they are not structured programmes — students need to bring their own project and motivation.
Portuguese Robotics Open and academic competitions
Portugal has an established robotics competition scene through the Portuguese Robotics Open (Festival Nacional de Robotica), which includes categories for different age groups. However, these competitions tend to be more research-oriented and are often linked to universities rather than secondary schools. The community is smaller, and the international competitive pathway is less developed than FIRST programmes.
FIRST Tech Challenge: the new option
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is now available in Portugal for the first time. FTC is a structured, season-long competitive robotics programme for students aged 12 to 18. Teams design, build, and programme a robot to compete in an annual challenge, with events running from regional qualifiers to a world championship.
What sets FTC apart from the other options is the combination of several elements: it is hands-on (students build real robots with real tools), it is competitive (teams play matches against each other), it is sustained (a full season from September to April), it is international (3,500+ teams in 30+ countries), and it develops both technical and personal skills simultaneously (engineering, coding, teamwork, leadership, project management, and public communication).
FTC is also globally recognised by universities, particularly in the UK and US, as a serious extracurricular commitment. FIRST offers over $80 million in annual scholarships to participants.
How to choose
The right option depends on what your teenager wants. For casual exploration, a coding workshop or maker space is a low-commitment way to start. For a deeper, structured experience that builds real skills and connects to a global community, FIRST Tech Challenge is the strongest option now available in Lisbon.
The easiest way to see FTC in action is to attend the Lisbon Scrimmage on 18 July 2026 at TagusPark in Oeiras — Portugal’s first FTC competition, featuring teams from across Europe. Admission for spectators is free. You can also learn more about FTC or contact us to discuss options for your teenager.