The annual robotics competition that ignites a passion for engineering, teamwork, and leadership among middle and high school students drew 4,700 people to the Iowa City area in early March, according to a new report.

Students and families from around the state of Iowa attended the FIRST Tech Challenge: Iowa Championship, hosted by the University of Iowa College of Engineering on March 1 at the Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse in Coralville.

"FIRST Tech Challenge is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of innovation, teamwork, and the boundless potential of our future engineers,” said Rebecca Whitaker, coordinator of FIRST Tech Challenge programs, based at the UI College of Engineering. “We at the College of Engineering are proud to support these young minds as they embark on their journey to become the problem solvers and innovators of tomorrow." 

UI College of Engineering coordinates FIRST Tech for the state of Iowa. 

According to a report from Think Iowa City, more than 4,700 people attended the event – a 126.4% jump in attendance compared to the previous year. Participants represented all parts of the state. Other notable figures included 72 teams, 750 student participants, and 85 volunteers. 

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology or FIRST is a not-for-profit organization that cultivates future leaders in STEM fields through a “sport for the mind.” Teams of students design and build robots that compete to successfully complete tasks.  

During the event, four teams advanced as representees of the state of Iowa to the FIRST Championship, the culminating event of the competition season. The international event will feature 256 teams from around the world and will be held in Houston, Texas, April 16-19, 2025. 

• Team 21311, Lion Robotics Gold from Clear Lake High School, Clear Lake 

• Team 18397, Aztechs of GNeus Robotics Assoc. from Urbandale

• Team 16736, Atomic Narwhals from the Johnston Robotics Association in Johnston

• Team 10435, Circuit Breakers of the Pathfinder Robotics Assoc of Urbandale