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Participant Events
Event Times
Our Showcase takes place April 25 and 26, 2026, but The Tech Challenge is more than just a weekend. It is a rich and intensive program with supporting events that will help participants get the most out of this experience.
Interest Sessions
Are you Considering the Tech Challenge and Curious to Learn More?
This interest session is a great place to learn more about some of the ins-and-outs of The Tech Challenge for those still deciding whether to register. Get some tips about the process, the time commitment, and why people participate year after year!
- Interest sessions are 30 minutes and held virtually over Zoom webinar.
- Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, 7-7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, 7-7:30 p.m.
Events for Registered Teams
This year, teams that have registered for The Tech Challenge also have access to the following events.
Team and Adviser Challenge Kick-Off
Tip: Pick up your wooden module for testing at this event!
This year we have combined the previous info clinic, team workshop, and adviser training into one interactive, hands-on experience!
Registered Teams AND their advisers will have a chance to learn more about this year’s challenge, do hands-on activities, and prepare for a rewarding experience during The Tech Challenge.
- Each training session is 90 minutes long.
- There will be a morning and afternoon session on each date, teams should select only one.
- Only registered teams and advisers will be admitted to the event. If one adviser has multiple teams, they may invite one additional adult chaperone per team to attend.
- Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, 1-2:30 p.m.
Test Trials
This is an opportunity for teams to test their solutions on official rigs and get feedback from judges.
- What should my team expect? Please sign up for either a morning or afternoon time slot. The Tech Challenge provides test rigs, judging staff, and extra safety gear in case teams forget to bring their own. We do offer drop-in testing when the afternoon time slot is finished. If no teams are present, drop-ins will close at 3:15 p.m.
- What should we bring? Teams should bring their devices and launchers to test. It is highly recommended that teams bring their own ANSI-approved eye protection and head protection (e.g., bump hats, bicycle helmets, hardhats, or athletic helmets).
- Keep in mind: No AC power is available to teams at test trials.
Teams are encouraged to attend multiple test trials. Registration is required and this year, in-person and virtual test trials will be offered. If your team cannot attend a test trial you have registered for, we must receive notice of cancellation no less than 48 hours before the test trial. Failure to give adequate notice may result in the team being removed from future test trials.
- Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026
- Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
- Sunday, March 8, 2026
- Saturday, March 14, 2026 (at Hartnell College)
- Saturday, April 11, 2026
- Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Virtual Test Trials TBD