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The Tech Challenge 2027
The Tech Challenge 40: Game On!
Unleash the Power of Play!
Welcome to the 40th anniversary season of The Tech Challenge, the signature youth engineering program of The Tech Interactive.
This year's theme invites students in Grades 4 through 12 to step into the shoes of game designers. Gather a team of 2 to 6 friends to create physical, mechanical games with parts that push, pull, spin, and swing. Everything culminates at an inspiring two-day Showcase event at The Tech Interactive.
The Scenario
Everyone needs to play! Games help people relax, connect with others, and practice new skills. You do not need expensive playground equipment or devices to enjoy a game. Sometimes, the best games are made from simple materials and clever engineering.
Think about people you know. What kinds of games would they enjoy playing? What mechanical motions like pushes, pulls, spins, and swings could you include? How might you design and build a hands-on game for a real-life player?
The Challenge: Design, build, and playtest a mechanical game for a real-life player.
Why Join The Tech Challenge?
Students: Level up your creativity and tackle an awesome hands-on build with your friends. Turn simple materials into a physical mechanical game you can actually play, fail forward through test trials, and share your creation with supportive volunteer judges.
Educators & Advisers: Transform STEM learning into an interactive adventure that fits smoothly into your classroom or club. Guide student autonomy through a manageable 15 to 30-hour project commitment spread across several months. Free curriculum guides, online workshops, and safety resources support your team every step of the way.
Parents & Caregivers: Nurture screen-free play, creative problem-solving, and active listening. The Tech Challenge offers an affordable, accessible experience where students build teamwork, resilience, and lifetime confidence.
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Important Dates & Details
Early Registration Deadline: Thursday, December 31, 2026.
Register early for $150 per team before fees increase to $300 on January 1, 2027. Registration is completely fee-waived for Title I schools and publicly funded after-school programs.
Test Trials: Spring 2027 (in-person options at The Tech Interactive and virtual feedback sessions available).
Final Showcase: Friday, April 30, 2027, and Saturday, May 1, 2027, at The Tech Interactive in Downtown San Jose.
Become an Event Partner
Learn how to run the events that power The Tech Challenge at your own site and help us expand access to more teams!
An Event Partner helps bring The Tech Challenge to their local community by hosting key events and supporting teams throughout the season. Partners work with The Tech to coordinate logistics, prepare their site and share event responsibilities. They also reflect on the experience and can continue into future seasons.
Become a pillar of your community & help cultivate STEM identity for students. Partner with The Tech Challenge for full co-execution and a turnkey playbook.
Apply for a Tech Challenge Bus Scholarship
Apply for transportation support to help bring your students to The Tech Challenge Showcase.
Eligible programs can receive a bus reimbursement scholarship, guaranteed school-day arrival slots for the Friday Showcase and access to Adviser Learning Series workshops. Participating programs should bring at least five teams, attend a local Test Trial and have advisers complete at least two workshops.
Volunteer
Be part of The Tech Challenge 40: Game On! Join us at The Tech Interactive on Friday, April 30, 2027, and Saturday, May 1, 2027, to see pure student creativity in action. As a volunteer judge, you will playtest hands-on mechanical games, interview inspiring young innovators in grades 4 through 12, and cheer on their engineering journey.
No technical or STEM background is required to make a lasting impact and help teams fail forward. Ready to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers?
Ready to Play?
Be part of something historic for our 40th anniversary season! Gather your team of 2 to 6 students and an adviser today.
