FIRST Tech Challenge
Build. Program. Compete.About the Challenge
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is an international robotics competition designed for students ages 12–18, where participants design, build, and program robots to compete in exciting, real-world challenges.
NIHERST is proud to serve as the official Programme Delivery Partner (PDP) for FIRST in Trinidad and Tobago, supporting the delivery of the FIRST Tech Challenge locally.
For the 2026–2027 season, BIOBUZZ, secondary school and youth teams across Trinidad and Tobago are invited to design, build, program and innovate while embodying the FIRST core principles of Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition®.
FTC is more than building robots; it’s about building futures.
With guidance from coaches and mentors, students experience the engineering process firsthand as they design, prototype, build, program and compete. Using Android technology and Java-based coding, teams solve real-world challenges while developing creativity, resilience, leadership and critical-thinking skills.
Through competition, mentorship and industry engagement, students gain valuable experience that helps prepare them for future STEM careers and the world of work.
FTC develops STEM, robotics and programming skills while strengthening teamwork, communication and leadership. The programme encourages participation in local and international robotics competitions and supports NIHERST’s mission to advance science, technology and innovation in Trinidad and Tobago.
🎯 Programme Objectives
- Develop advanced STEM, robotics, and programming skills
- Strengthen teamwork, communication, and leadership abilities
- Inspire participation in local and international robotics competitions
- Support NIHERST’s mission to advance science, technology, and innovation in Trinidad and Tobago
Participants will be required to:
- 🛠 Build: Design and assemble robots using reusable kits and real components
- 💻 Code: Program robots using Java for precision control and autonomous performance
- ⚙️ Compete: Put their strategy, problem-solving and teamwork to the test in exciting alliance-based matches.
2026–2027 Season & Eligibility: Open to secondary school students ages 12 to 18 (Forms 1 to 6).
Team Size: Teams must consist of 2 to 15 students and be guided by at least one confirmed adult coach or mentor.
Official Scrimmages
Registered teams are expected to participate in scheduled pre-tournament scrimmages. These non-elimination practice meets take place on the official competition field and allow teams to:
- Test robot mechanisms and performance
- Run code under match conditions
- Receive technical feedback
- Identify areas for improvement
- Collaborate with other participating teams ahead of the National Championship Tournament
National Championship
The tentative FIRST Tech Challenge Trinidad and Tobago National Championship Tournament is scheduled to take place in March 2027.
Selection & Confirmation Process
Due to limited team capacity, submission of the registration form does not guarantee automatic entry into the 2026–2027 season.
Applications will be evaluated based on factors including:
- Institutional readiness
- Facility sustainability
- Mentor capacity
- Programme inclusivity
Successful applicants will receive a formal provisional acceptance notice directly from NIHERST, along with instructions on finalizing registration fees and confirming their official place in the programme.
Application Deadline: Tuesday 15th September, 2026
Interested teams should ensure that all sections of the registration form are completed accurately and submitted by the September 15th deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
