If your teenager has mentioned FIRST Tech Challenge, or you have seen it referenced on a university application guide, you might be wondering what exactly it involves. Here is a straightforward guide for parents — no engineering degree required.
What is FIRST Tech Challenge?
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is an international robotics programme for students aged 12 to 18. Teams of 4 to 15 students design, build, and programme a robot to compete in an annual challenge. Each season brings a new game — a set of tasks the robot must complete on a playing field, both autonomously (using sensors and code) and through driver control.
FTC is run by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a global non-profit founded in 1989 to make STEM engaging and accessible for young people. Today, FIRST programmes involve over 600,000 students worldwide. FTC alone has more than 3,500 teams across 30+ countries.
What does a season look like?
A typical FTC season runs from September to April. When the new game is revealed (usually in early September), teams begin designing and building their robot. Over the following months, they refine their design, write and test code, develop a strategy, and prepare for competition.
Teams compete at regional events, where they play qualification matches, go through robot inspection, and may present their work to judges. Top-performing teams advance to national and international championships. The season culminates in the FIRST World Championship, held annually in the United States.
What do students actually do?
Students handle everything. There is no teacher standing at the front — the adults are coaches and mentors, but the students make the decisions. Typical roles on a team include mechanical designers (who build the robot structure), programmers (who write the autonomous and driver-controlled code), a drive team (who operate the robot during matches), and a business or outreach lead (who handles sponsorship, community engagement, and presentations).
Students learn to work with real tools and materials — aluminium, 3D-printed parts, motors, sensors, and controllers. They use industry-standard programming languages (primarily Java). They manage deadlines, budgets, and team dynamics. When something breaks (and it will), they troubleshoot and fix it under time pressure.
What skills does it develop?
FTC builds technical and personal skills simultaneously. On the technical side: mechanical engineering, computer programming, electrical systems, CAD design, and data analysis. On the personal side: teamwork, communication, project management, resilience, public speaking, and leadership. Many parents report that FTC is the first activity where their child genuinely had to manage a complex project from start to finish.
Does it help with university applications?
Yes — particularly for universities that value extracurricular depth. UK, US, and top European universities recognise FIRST programmes. FTC participation demonstrates sustained commitment to a rigorous technical activity, teamwork under competitive conditions, and leadership. FIRST also offers substantial scholarship opportunities — over $80 million in scholarships are available to FIRST participants annually through university partnerships.
How much does it cost?
The cost varies by region, but a first-year team typically needs €500 to €1,000 for registration and a starter kit. Ongoing costs include replacement parts, competition entry fees, and travel. Many teams offset costs through sponsorship — approaching local businesses is a standard part of the FTC experience and teaches students valuable fundraising and communication skills.
Is FTC available in Portugal?
It is now. Portugal has its first FTC team, and on 18 July 2026, Lisbon will host its first-ever FTC competition: the Lisbon Scrimmage, at TagusPark in Oeiras. The event is open to teams from across the EU and is designed to help launch FTC in Portugal.
Whether your child is already interested in engineering or you are simply exploring options, attending the Lisbon Scrimmage is the easiest way to see what FTC looks like in practice. You can also learn more about the programme or contact us with any questions.