Let’s build more than robots
We’re on a mission to make STEM less intimidating and more inclusive. Take on the UK’s most epic robotics programme for ages 12-18 with a fully funded robotics kit and online educational provision.*
We’re on a mission to make STEM less intimidating and more inclusive. Take on the UK’s most epic robotics programme for ages 12-18 with a fully funded robotics kit and online educational provision.*
Equip young people with the skills and technical knowledge needed to thrive in future Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers and beyond.
FIRST Tech Challenge UK empowers young people to develop technical knowledge and soft skills whilst broadening their understanding of STEM education and careers. Taking on a global challenge supported by industry mentors, young people:
“Joining the FIRST Tech Challenge UK programme has opened up my career choices and developed my social and programming skills.”
Laurel, 15,
St Philomena’s Catholic High School for Girls
“These students come from areas where there are not a lot of opportunities, but this challenge gives them life experience. Here they get to do things they’d only do at university and this experience is inspiring many of them to pursue further university studies.”
Karl, Teacher, Chiswick School
Our e-learning platform ‘Makerspace’ blends curriculum-mapped digital content with hands-on sessions. Access a year of educational content that caters to all stages of learning, including a virtual robotics simulator and an 8-lesson Computer Science course designed to develop programming skills.
Our comprehensive robotics kit is reusable year-on-year, providing an embedded provision without a recurring cost.
The starter kit squeezes in over 1300 components, motors, electronics and even tablets for programming. Our free add-on kit provides additional parts to tackle the annual game.
At the end of the season: Disassemble. Organise. Repeat. It’s that easy.
All FIRST Tech Challenge UK participants can achieve an Industrial Cadets Gold Award and British Science Association CREST Gold. Our e-learning platform and Engineering Notebook make this process super easy.
Last season, we doubled in size nationwide; this season, we’re evolving what we started with unrivalled provision and support. Our delivery model caters to uncertainty with new virtual content and remote learning opportunities, easing teams in from the classroom or at home.
Funded robotics provision
Accessible commitment fee
Conditions of entry
“The programme itself is adding so much. You can’t teach what they’ve been learning over the last year. You can try to teach them project management, system lifecycles and engineering from a textbook – it just doesn’t work. What they’re experiencing working as a team right now? It’s superb.”
David, Assistant Principal, Sawtry Village Academy
“I witnessed how a competition that has a primary focus of STEM, does so much more than that. It develops creativity, teamwork, confidence, resilience, inclusivity, humility and so much more.”
Ben, Director of Computer Science,
Outwood Academies Trust
Whether you’re working in mainstream, alternative, or special educational needs settings there’s a provision for you. Choose from lunchtime sessions, after-school clubs or in timetable delivery. Test the ropes in a single team and build links with our global community.
Connect students with role models from industry, local business, the STEM Ambassador network, or passionate parents. Mentors guide teams as they build, challenge and discover. Industry talks connect real careers to classroom experiences.
Champion Schools are a focal point for teams to connect throughout the season, supported by industry partners, STEM hubs and universities. Access homegrown support wherever you are, join meetups and use a local game field.
FIRST Tech Challenge places collaboration above competition. Connecting over 600,000 young people globally each year, teams use social media to drive community outreach, share progress, tips, and offer support.
“I just wanted to say how much an amazing initiative this has been for our school, increasing female participation in computing and design technology at GCSE from 4% to 40% in just one year. We aim to treble the number of girls next year to around 30.”
Toby Osborne, Assistant Headteacher, Ferndown Upper School
“The project was an exceptional team-building experience which brought together the enthusiasm and knowledge of each team member. To actually win the competition was phenomenal!”
Sam, 16, CREATED Academy
Register now and take on the UK’s most epic STEM programme for young people. We’re ready to flex our support muscles so your team has a life-changing experience whatever the situation.