The Future of Science and Technology: What Is the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)?

The organization FIRST, which aims to ignite interest in engineering and technology at a young age, offers high school students a unique experience through the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), one of the largest robot competitions in the world.

So what exactly is FRC and why does it represent far more than just robots? Here is what you need to know about FRC based on our sources.

FIRST® stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.” The organization was founded in 1989 in Manchester, New Hampshire, United States, with the goal of rekindling young people’s interest in science and technology.

Vision is to transform culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and young people aspire to become leaders in science and technology. Mission is to empower young people by providing mentor-based science and technology programs that inspire innovation, develop life skills such as leadership and communication, and equip them with the abilities, confidence and strength to build a better world.

FRC is a program targeting high school students, typically aged 14 to 18, from grades 9 to 12. This competition is recognized as the largest high school robot competition in the world.

FRC teams each year design, program and build robots based on a standard parts kit and a common set of rules to compete in a themed head-to-head challenge:

• They design, program and construct robots using a standard parts kit and a common rule set.
• The robots are operated both autonomously and manually as they attempt to complete assigned tasks within a limited time.
• Teams conduct technical work in software areas such as Java, C/C++, LabVIEW and image processing; in electronics areas such as wiring control systems and selecting appropriate sensors; and in mechanical areas such as Andymark chassis documentation, custom gear box design and pneumatics.

Success in FRC is not measured solely by robot performance. Teams also work to build a brand, develop community partnerships for support, and promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) within their local communities.

Prestigious awards are also given to teams that stand out through social responsibility projects, independent of robot performance, such as the “Impact Award.” In the FRC world, winning this award is considered more important than robot performance.

Held for 31 years in the United States, FRC has been organized in Türkiye since 2018 by the Fikret Yüksel Foundation. Turknet is the technology sponsor of FIRST® Robotics Competition Türkiye and contributes to science and innovation, believing that young people must compete on equal terms with the world.

• In 2023, three separate tournaments were held in Istanbul: the Istanbul Regional, the Bosphorus Regional and the Haliç Regional.
• Over 120 local teams from 16 provinces in Türkiye participated in these tournaments, alongside students from Bulgaria, China, Croatia, India, Kosovo, Poland, Romania and the United Kingdom.
• A total of 17 teams (15 winners of the Winner, Impact Award and Engineering Inspiration Award, plus two additional teams) earned the right to compete at the World Championship in the United States.
• Notably, SEV American College, which won the “Winner” award in two separate tournaments, transferred its qualification spot to another team; and the Darüşşafaka High School team, which won the “Impact Award” (the most prestigious award), transferred its participation right to the Polish team Spice Gears, demonstrating an example of solidarity.

• The 2026 season theme is listed in our sources as REBUILT.
• Through the REBUILT initiative, young people will explore the past and rediscover STEAM and collaboration skills.
• The 2025 regional competitions will be held at the Başakşehir Sports Hall in Istanbul (3–11 March 2026) and at the Devlet Bahçeli Education Life and Sports Campus in Ankara (7–12 April 2025).

FRC is a mentor-based, life-changing program that inspires young people to become the science and technology leaders of the future. This organization is a grand celebration of technology and innovation that encourages youth not only to build robots but also to benefit their communities and engage in global collaboration.