About this competition
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) sits between FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Robotics Competition. Teams of up to 15 students build a roughly 18-inch robot from a reusable metal kit, program it in Java or Blocks, and compete in regional and championship tournaments through the school year.
FTC is the sweet spot for middle and high schoolers serious about robotics but not ready for the cost and scale of FRC. Many top FRC teams maintain feeder FTC teams.
Season & deadlines
Team registration opens in May for the season launching that September.
Season window: September through April.
Cost
$1,500–$6,000 — Registration ~$295, kit-of-parts ~$1,000-$2,000, plus event fees and travel.
Prizes & outcomes
Inspire Award, world championship invitations, college scholarships
Prep resources
- Official rules and game manual · website
Summer robotics camps
FTC teams often hold offseason training over the summer; many cities host structured camps.
Related competitions
Good preparation: FIRST LEGO League Challenge
Natural next step: FIRST Robotics Competition
Similar alternatives: VEX Robotics Competition