Final Showcase

The program's big finale - an inspiring event enjoyed by participants, advisers, family and friends!

Final Showcase:

May 3 and 4, 2025

The Tech Challenge Final Showcase is the program’s big finale, a weekend during which teams interview with judges, demonstrate their devices on a test rig and present their engineering journal. It is an inspiring event enjoyed by participants, advisers, family and friends!

This year’s showcase will be in-person! Final Showcase will take place Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 2025 at South Hall, 435 S. Market Street in Downtown San Jose.

Saturday, May 3
Grades 4 – 5
9:00 - 11 a.m.
Check-in 
1:15 - 1:45 p.m.
Awards Ceremony 
     
Grade 6
2:00 -3:30 p.m.
Check-in 
4:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Awards Ceremony 
Sunday, May 4
High School
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Check-in 
12:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Awards Ceremony 
     
Grades 7 – 8 
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Check-in 
4:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Awards Ceremony 

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Dates and Times by Grade Division

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Grades 4-5

Check-In:
9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
 

Awards:
1:15 to 1:45 p.m.

 

 

Grade 6

Check-In:
2 to 3:30 p.m.
 

Awards:
4:30 to 5 p.m.

 

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

Grades 9-12

Check-In:
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
 

Awards:
12:30 to 1 p.m.

 

 

Grades 7-8

Check-In:
1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
 

Awards:
4 to 4:30 p.m.

Arrival

When teams arrive at Showcase, they will enter a line to sign in, get their t-shirts, and all other important items for the day. One adviser can stay with the team, but we request that other adults make their way to the seating area.

Pit Space and Queuing

Teams will be given a queuing pager and directed to the pit area. One adult adviser is allowed to enter the pit area with the team. This space is designated for teams to relax while waiting to be paged for judging.

Pit Guidelines

  • Teams may choose any available table.
  • Only one table per team.
  • Team members should pick up T-shirts before entering the area.
  • No running in the pit.
  • Advisers are responsible for supervision in the pit area. One adult adviser is allowed to enter the pit area with the team.
  • Once a team enters judging, they are not allowed to go back to the pit area.
  • Please do not leave anything on the tables.

Judging

Teams will stop by two judging stations. At each station the team will meet with a team of judges. If a team’s device is only partially complete, team members are still encouraged to participate. Advisers do not accompany the team to the judging area.

After Judging

Teams will exit the judging area and parents and advisers can greet their teams.

Awards Ceremony

We encourage everyone to stay for the awards ceremony. Multiple awards are given and aren’t all based on how well your device performed. Teams, advisers, parents, teachers, spectators and the public are welcome at the ceremony, which takes place after each division’s judging time. There is no charge to attend.

Awards

The Tech Challenge is a challenge, not a contest. Teams should participate because they want to learn about the engineering process. However, we do recognize and celebrate outstanding achievement with the following primary awards:

Outstanding Overall (3 awards per division)

  • Outstanding Engineering Journal

  • Outstanding Engineering Design Process

  • Outstanding Device Performance

  • Judges Inspiration Award

Secondary awards

  • Teamwork Award

  • Costume Award

  • Safety Award

  • Judges Choice Award(s)

Please note

The use of AC power is not permitted at any time during the Showcase.