The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a mid-level robotics competition for high-school students. It offers the traditional challenge of a FIRST Robotics Competition but with a more accessible and affordable robotics kit.  The ultimate goal of FTC is to reach more young people with a lower-cost, more accessible opportunity to discover the excitement and rewards of science, technology, and engineering.

In 2008 a new kit of parts was developed and showcased at the FTC World Championship in Atlanta.  The new kit is more powerful and has more options.  It also allows for a smoother transition from FLL into FTC by using the same NXT controller FLL teams have been using for a number of seasons. During the second official season, FTC grew to 986 teams and over 40 official events, reaching about 9,500 students across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Holland.