About FTC
What is First Tech Challenge (FTC)?
FTC, also known as First Tech Challenge, is a global robotics competition. The competition is run by the FIRST organization, which aims to help kids learn more about STEM.
Every year, a new FTC competition is released in September. Teams across Michigan design, build, and compete with their robots September through December, with 8 state champions advancing to the world’s competitions the following spring.
The 2025-2026 challenge is Decode (www.ftc.game). In Decode teams need to scan a pillar, then shoot colored balls (artifacts) into goals to form the color pattern shown on the pillar. Unlike the past few years, this year the competition encourages both shooting the artifacts through the air, and making contact with other robots.
There are over 500 FTC teams in Michigan, with members in grades 6-8 (middle school). Many middle schools in Washtenaw County have teams! So, if you want to get more hands-on and involved in STEM, or just want to have fun, know that this is a place to do it!