FLL Frequently Asked Questions
This year is a very different one for FIRST LEGO® League! For the 2026–2027 season, teams may participate in either the Founders Edition or the new Future Edition. Founders Edition includes the familiar FIRST LEGO League Explore and Challenge experiences, while Future Edition introduces new age-based experiences and technology. To help teams navigate the difference in programs and what the season will look like in Texas, we pulled together some frequently asked questions. Click for the full list or read below.
Do I register for Future or Founder Edition?
The answer depends on your budget, event participation, and learning goals. Start with this season at a glance and the following:
Interest in Participating in Official FIRST Texas Events:
FIRST Texas events will primarily focus on FLL-Challenge (Founders Edition) with each region having multiple qualifier events and advancement opportunities to regional, state, and world competitions. Click here for advancement overview.
FIRST Texas will hold only a few limited Future Edition events depending on interest. These events may be eligible for a few limited advancement spots to an invitational or championship event. Texas will not host a regional or state championship for Future Edition. We encourage school districts to host their own internal competitions as able.
All Future Edition Texas Qualifiers will cost $175 for the event fee. The Founder Edition (Challenge) events range by region. Click here for more details on pricing.
Available Equipment:
FLL-Challenge (Founder Edition): If your team has SPIKE Prime, SPIKE Essential, EV3, or MINDSTORMS, you are all set to participate in FLL-Challenge. Note that SPIKE products retired June 30, 2026. Kits may be available to purchase through an online search or using this form.
FIRST® is actively developing our own K-8 program offerings for 2027 and beyond. Following the conclusion of the FIRST® LEGO® League program in 2027, FIRST plans to maintain compatibility with LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Sets (Prime and Essential) through the 2028-2029 season, providing important continuity as we launch the next generation of our K-8 offerings.
FLL-Future Edition: Teams will be required to purchase the LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI sets when going through the registration process.
To dive deeper and explore the differences in programs: A comparison of Founders and Future Edition can be found here.
What are the age requirements?
FIRST LEGO League Challenge (Founder Edition) is intended for students in grades 4 - 8 or ages 9 - 16. Younger students are encouraged to join Explore.
The registration system will NOT allow a student to register for Challenge unless they are at least 9 years old or in 4th grade at time of registration. Click here for official participation rules. However, some students may no longer benefit from participating in Explore and may be ready to compete in Challenge. FIRST Texas has a process to waive this requirement and allow for participation. To request an age exemption, the coach must send an email to texasinfo@firstinspires.org that includes team number and reason for exemption.
FIRST LEGO League Future Edition: This program has options for Grades K - 8. The Future Edition Qualifier events are for grades 3 - 8.
When registering, teams will be prompted to select either Grades 3 - 5 or Grades 6 - 8. If you have a mix of grades, we recommend selecting the 6 - 8 grade band. FIRST Texas Future Edition competitions will be one division covering Grades 3 - 8. Both grade bands will receive the required supplies to compete.
What equipment do I need?
FLL-Challenge (Founder): If your team has SPIKE Prime, SPIKE Essential, EV3, or MINDSTORMS, you are all set to participate in FLL-Challenge. Note that SPIKE products retired June 30, 2026 and kits may be available to purchase through an online search or using this form.
FIRST® is actively developing our own K-8 program offerings for 2027 and beyond. Following the conclusion of the FIRST® LEGO® League program in 2027, FIRST plans to maintain compatibility with LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Sets (Prime and Essential) through the 2028-2029 season, providing important continuity as we launch the next generation of our K-8 offerings.
FLL-Future Edition: Teams will be required to purchase the LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI sets when going through the registration process.
To dive deeper and explore the differences in programs: A comparison of Founders and Future Edition can be found here. FIRST will not be supporting Future Edition after this season, but this program might be a better fit for some classrooms looking to meet certain learning goals.