Welcome to the 2026 - 2027 FIRST Tech Challenge Season!
What does the FIRST Tech Challenge season look like in Texas?
FIRST Tech Challenge in Texas is organized through five regions: North, Central, East, South, and West & Panhandle. Each region connects teams with local events, communications, and support.
While competition structures may vary by region, the overall season includes kickoff, robot development, qualifying competition, Regional Championships, and postseason opportunities. Specific dates and event details for the North, Central, South, and West & Panhandle regions are expected to be published by mid-September.
The East (Houston Region) is managed by San Jacinto College and will not have the same schedule, regiastration, or other season details as FIRST Texas teams.
Our statewide season calendar provides a general overview of when teams can expect these activities to occur. Review our season calendar or region specific details by clicking the links below!
How can teams get ready for the BIOBUZZ season?
Teams can begin preparing for BIOBUZZ™ presented by RTX now by reviewing the Competition Manual Preview, attending a preseason workshop, and connecting with their local community at kickoff.
Competition Manual Updates
The BIOBUZZ Competition Manual Preview includes most of the season’s non-game-specific information. The complete manual, including the full game rules, will be released following the September 12 kickoff broadcast.
This season includes important changes to the philosophy and language behind the competition rules. Teams should pay particular attention to Section 1, including “The Spirit of the Competition,” the Framework of Behaviors, and the new Competition Integrity Contract.
These sections introduce a greater emphasis on intended gameplay, the spirit of the rules, and good-faith judgment by event volunteers. We encourage coaches to review this section with their entire team and not assume that something will work exactly as it did in a previous season.
Join a BIOBUZZ kickoff near you
On September 12, teams across Texas will come together to experience the BIOBUZZ game reveal, connect with their local community, and begin preparing for the new challenge.
Kickoff events are currently planned in the following cities:
Aledo
Austin
Brownsville (on Sept 26 as part of the Space Fest 2026)
Corpus Christi
El Paso
Flower Mound
Lubbock
McKinney
San Antonio
Waco
Each kickoff will look a little different. Some will include workshops, field demonstrations, team activities, or other local programming. Teams should review the event page for their preferred location to find schedules, registration information, and other details.
How will advancement work?
The overall Texas advancement pathway will remain similar to the 2025–2026 season.
Teams begin in their region’s qualifying competition structure and may advance to their Regional Championship. Regional Championship results determine advancement opportunities for FIRST Championship and Premier Events, as well as invitations to the Texas State Cup.
The UIL State Championship and Texas State Cup will both return as part of Texas State Championship Weekend:
UIL State Championship: Friday, March 19, 2027
Texas State Cup: Saturday–Sunday, March 20–21, 2027
UIL and the Texas State Cup are separate championship opportunities. Neither event advances teams to FIRST Championship or Premier Events.
Regional event structures and the number of steps before Regional Championship may vary. Detailed regional pathways are expected to be available by mid-September.
How can you help make the season possible?
Help us find event space
Our biggest immediate need is venues.
Teams can make a major difference by helping us identify schools, districts, colleges, community centers, or other organizations that may be able to provide a gym, cafeteria, auditorium, or similar space for a competition.
If your school or organization may have space—or if you can introduce us to the person who manages facilities—we would love to hear from you. Even a potential lead can help us build a more accessible season for teams.