Saint Paul, MN – The annual High Tech Kids Minnesota FIRST Tech Challenge and LEGO League Challenge State Championships are returning to Roy Wilkins Auditorium February 16-18.

On February 16-17, Minnesota’s top 48 FIRST Tech Challenge robotics teams will be competing for a chance to advance to the World Championship at the annual High Tech Kids Minnesota FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship sponsored by Collins Aerospace.

Robotics teams comprised of 6th – 12th graders collaborate to build and program a robot that competes in an alliance format. This exciting team-based competitive robotics program challenges students to think critically, expand their knowledge of the engineering process, and develop teamwork and leadership skills. Teams have utilized CAD design and 3D printing to develop, iterate and design a unique robot and game strategy.

Along with exciting robot matches, teams share their engineering journey and outreach in a formal presentation with a panel of judges.

Local companies and STEM nonprofits will be sharing hands-on activities and local innovation at the Discovery Fair from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the Roy Wilkins Exhibit Hall.

Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed February 17 to be Robotics Day in Minnesota!

Safety glasses are required to enter the team pit area and on the robotics floor. Safety glasses will be for sale at Pit Admin.

Link to broll of the event can be found here.

Then on February 18, Minnesota’s top 70 FIRST LEGO League Challenge robotics teams will be competing for a chance to advance to the World Championship at the annual High Tech Kids Minnesota FIRST LEGO League Challenge State Championship sponsored by Boston Scientific.

Teams comprised of students in grades 4-8 have built and programmed an autonomous LEGO robot that navigates multiple missions on a game field. Teams compete in multiple robot matches striving to achieve their highest score.

Teams have also been sharing their innovative solutions for integrating art and technology into their hobbies. Teams share their unique innovative solution with a panel of judges.

The general event schedule and team specific schedules for robot matches and judging can be found here.

Local companies and STEM nonprofits will be sharing hands-on activities and local innovation at the Discovery Fair from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall.

Both events are free and open to the public. Come cheer on the teams and join us as we celebrate STEM learning by Minnesota's top elementary, middle school and high school teams.