Hi , 

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

In this week's blast: 

🤖 New Robot Controller Update

🐙 FIRST^® Auction for a Cause

🐬 LAST CHANCE - Nominations for the 2025 Inspire the Future program

🌊 FIRST Championship Hotel Program Update 

New Robot Controller Update 
Late last year, FIRST opened a Request for Proposal for the future mobile robot controller for FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST^® Robotics Competition. This controller will be used in FIRST Robotics Competition starting in the 2027 season and in FIRST Tech Challenge starting in the 2027-2028 season.

We are excited to announce our selected partners and give a little information about the features of this system. 

Read more in our blog post.

FIRST Auction for a Cause 
Bid for a cause! Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or want to treat yourself, the FIRST Charity Auction has something for everyone. All proceeds help provide life-changing robotics programs that give young people the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world.  

LAST CHANCE - Nominations for the 2025 Inspire the Future Program
Nominations for the 2025 Inspire the Future: FIRST Recognition Program close next Friday, December 13 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Make sure to submit a nomination for an outstanding FIRST educator or school in your community for this prestigious recognition before time runs out. 

Submit your nomination before it's too late.  

FIRST Championship Hotel Program Update 
Important information for teams that are advancing to the FIRST Championship! 

This year there are two separate steps required for teams to attend FIRST Championship:  

👍 Teams MUST pay (secure) the Event Registration Fee to FIRST 

👍 Teams MUST book lodging accommodations with the FIRST official housing provider, ConferenceDirect

Teams must complete both steps before the deadlines stated in their invitations. It is strongly recommended that teams who are planning to attend FIRST Championship be prepared to make room reservations and pay event registration shortly after qualifying, especially for qualifying events that occur in March and April. 

Read more in our blog post.