Hi ,

Here's some updates and news from FIRST^® Tech Challenge.

In this week's blast:

🐝 The Countdown is on for the BIOBUZZ™ presented by RTX Season Kickoff!  

🤖 New Grant Opportunity

💻 Team Role Resources for Coaches: New Videos!

The Countdown is on for the BIOBUZZ presented by RTX Season Kickoff!
The 2026-2027 FIRST Tech Challenge season Kickoff is on Saturday, September 12 at 12:00 p.m. ET. 

What's all the buzz about?  Find out during the livestream celebration and game reveal on the FIRST Tech Challenge YouTube channel.  🐝

Get ready for kickoff by:

1. Signing up for a tune-in reminder so you don’t miss a second of the big reveal
2. Attend a Kickoff event near you to join other teams and mentors for an in-person celebration. 
3. While you wait, download BIOBUZZ and FIRST^® CANOPY™ logos, social graphics, posters, and more.

Visit the Game & Season page for more details.  

Grant: Start another FIRST Tech Challenge team in your community
A limited FIRST Tech Challenge grant opportunity will help you expand FIRST access to more students in your school or community. New FIRST Tech Challenge teams associated with a current FIRST^® Robotics Competition or FIRST Tech Challenge team can apply for a $175 grant to help cover the cost of one 2026-2027 season registration. Learn more and apply.

Team Roles Resources for Coaches: New Video!
As you plan for the season and are rostering volunteers for your team, we recommend utilizing these team roles resources to help assign each volunteer to the best role on your team to make your team successful! A NEW team roles video is now available to help coaches learn the responsibilities and requirements associated with each role, and discover how these dedicated individuals work together to create safe, supportive environments that inspire innovation, build confidence, and prepare young people for life. You can also learn more by checking out the team roles infographic and help article.