Innovation at FIRST^®

From engineering and coding to design-thinking and community outreach, solving challenges with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is behind everything we do in the FIRST^® community. FIRST programs provide the essential hands-on education, experiences, and inspiration young people need to be driven and build a better world.

Beyond game-play and team challenges, students are expanding their curiosity and confidence to create a better future for themselves and their communities through observing opportunities to real-world problem-solve for improvements, innovation, and inclusion.

To help all FIRST students take their innovations further, we’ve compiled a list of tips and resources for the innovation process and intellectual property.
 

From improvements to the water cycle and making space duration more accessible to innovative solutions in waste management and parent-to-school communications, FIRST students have brought their inventions to market, received patents, and incorporated as businesses. Check out recent FIRST team and alumni innovation stories and updates: 

• Team Phenomena and 'Pheno-Advance' on CBS This Morning
• Team NXTreme and the app 'PickUp Patrol'
• Crescent Valley Robotics Team Issued Patent
• Team GEKOT honored by the USPTO for their e-scooter safety device

 

FIRST LEGO League – Innovation Project
As part of the SUBMERGED season, FIRST LEGO League Challenge teams will use critical thinking and innovation to explore problems related to exploring the oceans. 

Students will collaborate on their ideas and must consider efficient design for their user, possible barriers to implementation, document the evaluation of their invention, and validate their design with professionals working in STEM.

Visit the Game and Season page for season resources.