Coding · FIRST Robotics BC

FIRST Tech Challenge in BC

Team robotics for Grades 7–12. Teams design, build and code a robot. The Lower Mainland qualifier is December 5, 2026 in Surrey.

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Grades
Grades 7–12
Format
School or community teams with adult coaches. Competitions and scrimmages are in person and free for the public to watch.
Cost
Paid per team. FIRST charges US$350 per season, and FIRST estimates about US$1,500 for robot parts.
Official site
firstroboticsbc.org

Key dates

  • ConfirmedPort Moody scrimmageSat, November 28, 2026
  • ConfirmedLower Mainland Qualifier (L.A. Matheson Secondary, Surrey)Sat, December 5, 2026
  • Not confirmed yetBC ChampionshipUsually February

What it is

FIRST Tech Challenge is for students in Grades 7–12 (ages 12–18). Teams design, build and program a robot to play a game against other teams, working in alliances.

Teams can be as small as two students but usually have six to ten.

The season kicks off in early September. BC qualifiers run in December and January, and the BC Championship is usually in February.

A good fit if: Teens who like building, coding and solving problems as a team. A good step after FIRST LEGO League.

How to register

  1. Your child joins a team at school or in the community. Ask the school's tech or science teacher, or contact FIRST Robotics BC.
  2. To start a new team, contact FIRST Robotics BC, find coaches and mentors, then register and pay through the FIRST Storefront.
  3. FIRST registration stays open until April, but FIRST Robotics BC says spring or summer is the best time for a new team to register.

How to prepare

  • FIRST Robotics BC runs workshops and posts past ones on YouTube. Experienced teams are happy to talk with new teams.
  • Scrimmages are a low-pressure way to practise. One is in Port Moody on November 28, 2026.
  • Check the Team Grant Opportunities page on the FIRST Robotics BC site for funding.

For grade-by-grade options see Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12.

Common questions

What is the difference between FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge?

FIRST LEGO League uses LEGO robots and is for ages 6–14. FIRST Tech Challenge is for Grades 7–12 and uses larger robots built from metal or plastic kits.

How much does it cost to start a FIRST Tech Challenge team?

FIRST registration is US$350 per season, and FIRST estimates about US$1,500 for robot materials. Many teams fundraise or apply for grants.

Sources

Last checked October 2, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.