The 2025/26 FIRST Tech Challenge Indiana State Championship was held at the University of Indianapolis on Saturday, March 14. All four of the GEARS teams qualified to attend the 28-team event. FTC Team 14596 – XLR8, won the State Championship twice by earning the Inspire Award and being part of the Winning Alliance. With this double win, they became the 25th and 26th GEARS team to win a State Championship. The full list of Champions can be found here.
XLR8 is one of only three teams invited to represent Indiana at the FIRST Championship in Houston from April 29 – May 2. This is an great honor that took an incredible amount of work from the members of the team. They will have the chance to meet and compete with 336 teams from around the World in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The team has created a gofundme seeking help to cover the travel expenses. You can donate here.