Montana FIRST

FIRST^® is the world’s leading youth robotics community, delivering youth robotics competitions that inspire innovation, build confidence, and prepare young people for life.

Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for more than three decades, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) prepares young people for the future through a suite of welcoming, team-based robotics programs for ages 5-18 (K-12).

The thrilling, sports-like challenges in FIRST^® build self-confidence and collaborative problem-solving skills and have a proven and lasting impact on STEM learning and interest.

FIRST^®LEGO^® League (FLL) teams (grades 4-8) gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program using LEGO^® technology, helping today’s students, families, and educators build a better future together. FIRST^® Tech Challenge (FTC) students (grades 7-12) work together with their mentors to design and build dynamic robots to compete in an exciting game released every September. On and off the field, students develop STEM skills, engage in community outreach, practice engineering innovation, and build confidence to help them succeed. FIRST^® Robotics Competition (FRC) teams (grades 9-12),design, program, and build industrial-sized robots from a kit to play an action-packed game. Guided by an adult mentor, FRC teams also create a team identity, raise funds to meet their goals, and advance appreciation for STEM in its community.

The Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering at Montana State University has coordinated and hosted the FIRST tournaments since 2007. The Montana Space Grant Consortium hosted the Montana State Tournament in 2006. 

2026-2027 Season Information

The 2026 - 2027 season tournaments will be:

• FLL Qualifiers (in Helena, Missoula, Kalispell, and Billings): Saturday, Jan 23, 2027
• For FTC Qualifier information, see the MT Robotics Alliance (MTRA) website, here

• FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship Tournament: Friday, Feb 5, 2027 at MSU

• FIRST LEGO League (aka FIRST K-8) State Championship Tournament: Saturday, Feb 6, 2027

Championship Event will be live streamed! Click link to watch on YouTube

FIRST Registration

Please register your team for the current season through FIRST by clicking here, if you haven't already.

Teams will sign up for tournaments separately from the FIRST registration and participate in one Qualifying Tournament, choosing from Billings, Helena, Kalispell, or Missoula. Top teams then advance to the Championship Tournament hosted at the MSU campus.

2026 -2027 FIRST Theme: "Canopy: Inspired by Nature. Powered by Innovation"

Learn more about this year's theme, programs, and challenges: FLL BIOGLOW, FTC BIOBUZZ, and FRC BIOCORE.

Resources

• Did you Know?! Montana FLL has a Facebook page. Follow along for updates or to connect with other teams.
• Montana Robotics Alliance is a great resource for all things FIRST in Montana
• Gallatin Valley Robotics Association is home to the Garage Gang FRC team and also supports FLL and FTC teams in the Gallatin Valley
• Curious about what's happening next year with FLL? Learn about the FIRST K-8 Programs for 2027 and beyond here!

A Great Big Thanks Goes Out to Our FLL Tournament Sponsors!