FIRST Tech Challenge Kick-off September 6!
Hey FTC fans! Join us for the FIRST Tech Challenge Kick-off at GEARS in Indiana on September 6, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM. It’s the perfect way to dive into the new youth robotics season with tons of excitement!
Here’s what’s happening:
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10:00 AM: Doors open for donuts and teams to get a chance to meet one another.
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10:30 AM – Breakout Session 1: Ranking Points & Award Changes
Get the scoop on the new FTC ranking points system and updates to awards. Learn how these changes impact your team’s strategy and how to maximize your scores in competition. -
11:00 AM – Breakout Session 2: Kick-off Brainstorming Strategies
Jumpstart your season with creative brainstorming techniques. Work with mentors to spark ideas for robot designs, game strategies, and ways to tackle this year’s challenge like a pro. -
11:30 AM – Breakout Session 3: AI in FIRST
Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming FTC! Discover how to integrate AI tools, like machine learning and vision systems, into your robot for smarter autonomous performance. -
Noon: Watch the official FTC kick-off video to unveil this season’s challenge and get totally pumped!
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After Noon: Check out the brand-new FTC field set up for demos and exploration. See the game elements up close and start planning your team’s next steps!
This event is free for FTC team members and coaches. Don’t miss this awesome start to the youth robotics season in Indiana!
Want to join an FTC team? Reach out to GEARS or your local FIRST Tech Challenge program to get in on the youth robotics action!
GEARS is a youth robotics center in northern Indiana focused on STEM education through the hosting of competitive robotics teams utilizing the FIRST program. We host students in grades 4 through 12 in FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge programs. Students design, build, and program a robot to compete in a unique challenge each season. We have hosted thousands of students in the last eight years and look forward to hosting many more.
