This year’s robotics season was full of energy, creativity, and big wins for students across North Dakota! Middle and high school teams rolled up their sleeves, built robots, and tackled engineering challenges—all while learning teamwork, problem-solving, and how to turn ideas into action.
Robots, Rivals, and Record Growth
The season, led by DakotaFTC, kicked off with excitement, as teams from across the state designed, programmed, and refined their robots over several months. The season culminated in the State Championship on January 31, where students not only showcased robotic performance but also engineering design, teamwork, and community outreach.
Six teams advanced beyond the regional championship level, exceeding expectations for a program of this size and geography. Two advanced to the FIRST Championship, four received invitations to Premier Events, and one team—Central Cass High School’s “Robotic Rodents”—won the state tournament and went on to compete in Washington, D.C. in February. Their victory and national travel highlight the skill, dedication, and teamwork fostered throughout the season.
Small Towns, Big Dreams
This season also brought excitement and new adventures for two teams from Alexander and Center, ND, who will travel to a Premier Event in Einhoven, The Netherlands. For many, this opportunity comes with first-time international travel. During the event that’s held June 16-20, 2026, they will collaborate with teams from around the world, explore new cultures, and see how engineering and technology connect people globally.
Building a Stronger Robotics Community
The season wasn’t just about competition—it was about community. Connections were fostered among schools, mentors, and volunteers across the state, boosting peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and team support. Students and coaches shared tips, celebrated successes, and helped each other grow, creating a stronger, more sustainable robotics ecosystem.
An April 11th end-of-season scrimmage during National Robotics Week will keep the excitement going, giving teams another chance to test their skills, try new ideas, and celebrate their accomplishments.
Powered by Partnerships 
This season’s impact was made possible through strong partnerships and community support. Dakota FIRST Tech Challenge (DakotaFTC) oversees and facilitates programming for the season, providing expert guidance and curriculum for teams. The program is heavily supported by volunteers, including mentors, coaches, and event staff whose time and energy make every competition and learning opportunity possible.
Support from the Argosy Foundation helped rural teams participate fully, attend competitions, and gain experiences that extended well beyond the robotics season. Funding from North Dakota EPSCoR strengthened the infrastructure behind the season, including competition field sets and key events, ensuring students had access to high-quality learning experiences. Together, these partnerships turned ideas into action—and small-town dreams into global opportunities.
What’s Next?
With teams advancing to national and international competitions, and the robotics community growing across the state, we are excited to keep the momentum going. This season proves that North Dakota students can accomplish amazing things and have a blast doing it!