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Getting Started
Welcome to The Tech Challenge! It’s easy to get your team started. Just follow the steps below.
1. Check out The Tech Challenge event schedule.
Two very important dates are:
- Monday, March 16, 2026 when registration ends
- Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, 2026 the final showcase
Be sure to register for our free participant events. These events will help your team to succeed!
2. Form a team.
A team is two to six students (including you!) plus one adult adviser. Your adviser doesn’t need to be an engineer. After all, this is your team’s project and you’re in charge.
3. Register
Don’t forget, your adviser needs to register your team! Registration opens Saturday, November 8, 2025.
4. Have your first meeting! Read the rules and start your team journal.
Make sure you read and understand the rules before you get started.
Tip: Each time you meet, take notes in your team journal. Review the Team Guide for more ideas on what to put in your journal.
5. Talk to your adviser and team about safety.
Safety is always The Tech Challenge’s number one priority. In fact, judges keep track of each team’s overall safety and score it accordingly. Print out the safety guidelines and post them somewhere that you can see when you are building!
6. Start designing your team’s solution to the challenge!
Looking for more inspiration and resources? Check out the student resources page for some links and videos.
Have your adviser sign your team up for some of our participant events. We even have virtual options if your team can't come to San Jose!
Still have questions?
Check out the FAQ page or email us at challenge@thetech.org
Not sure you’re up for the full challenge? Try some of our mini activities!