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.

Due to the public health guidelines, in-person events have been canceled. However, Virtual Test Trials will still be held if you would like feedback from our judges on your device.

What is a virtual test trial?

Sign up for a specific 20-minute time slot by clicking your preferred date below. There is only one slot per team per day allowed.  It is fine to sign up for multiple days. Once you’re signed up, you’ll get an email confirmation with a link to join the virtual test trial.

In our virtual test trials, you’ll be able to:

• Meet virtually with our staff, the head judges, and your team

• Discuss your devices and/or launcher to a head judge and get feedback

• Demonstrate your device and/or launcher and get feedback

• Ask questions regarding the Challenge and get answers

Participating is simple. Just complete the following steps and we’ll see you, via your smartphone, at the virtual test trial.

1. Download the Zoom app from the App Store. It’s free! 

2. Read these great phone camera tips to help your team prepare for test trials using video.

3. Set up early so you’re ready for your virtual meeting with the head judges. Don’t forget your team name, number and your safety gear! We want to see whatever you’ve been working on. If you have room to test your device, even better. Be sure to test Zoom on your device!

4. Sign in at your assigned time. 

5. We realize you have team members in different locations. You may use one device per team member to sign in. Please make sure everyone knows their team number!

We look forward to seeing what you are working on. Please contact us at challenge@thetech.org with any questions.

 Important Tech Challenge Dates to Remember

Info Clinics

Team members and advisers learn about the challenge and its rules. Ask questions of engineers who designed the challenge and see a mock-up of the test rig. Teams are encouraged to attend one info clinic. Registration encouraged; walk-ins permitted if space allows. Limit 9 tickets per registration. For larger quantities contact Group Sales at 1-408-294-8324, option 3.

Team Workshops

These two-hour teambuilding workshops let students dive deep into the engineering design process. Participants will develop brainstorming, presentation, design, building and testing skills, and learn how to innovate through failure. They will also learn how to keep an engineering journal. Pre-registration required. Students may only attend one workshop. Due to high demand, late arrivals will lose their reserved place in the workshop.

Adviser Trainings

Advisers: You should attend an info clinic before you attend adviser training.

Training emphasizes support strategies, student safety and ways to help guide your team to a rewarding Tech Challenge experience. Parents and teachers who are not advisers are also welcome. This clinic is especially useful for first-time advisers. Advisers must be at least 18 years old. One adviser per team is recommended. Walk-ins welcome if space permits. Limit 9 tickets per registration. For larger quantities contact Group Sales at 1-408-294-8324, option 3.

Test Trials

This is an opportunity for teams to test their solutions on competition rigs and get feedback from judges. It can be helpful to see what other teams are doing and find ideas that could lead to design improvements. Teams are encouraged to attend multiple test trials. Registration is encouraged; walk-ins permitted if space allows.