FIRST Robotics Kicks Off 2025 Competition with Enthusiasm
BEDFORD, N.H. – The excitement was palpable at the FIRST Robotics kickoff event for the 2025 competition, held on Friday evening. Hosted by the non-profit’s visionary founder, local inventor Dean Kamen, the event brought together mentors and supporters during the annual founders’ reception at his Bedford home.
The mission of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is clear: to inspire and prepare students for promising futures in STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Kamen reflected on the incredible journey of the competition since its inception in 1989. What started as a local initiative in New England has now blossomed into a global phenomenon, with participation from over 100 countries.
Kamen, brimming with optimism, expressed his belief that FIRST will soon reach a pivotal moment, akin to the "hockey curve" in business. “I always believe we’re going to hit that hockey stick that everybody talks about and instantly have as many FIRST teams as we have football teams or basketball teams,” he shared with WMUR.
In a heartfelt acknowledgment, Kamen thanked New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu for his efforts in distributing robotics kits to every high school classroom statewide. This initiative is pivotal in boosting interest and involvement in robotics among students.
As the anticipation builds, teams will receive their kits and learn about this year’s challenges starting Saturday at noon. With more than 3,700 teams and over 92,000 high school students expected to join the competition kicking off in March, the energy surrounding this year’s event is electrifying.
Why FIRST Robotics Matters
FIRST Robotics is more than just a competition; it’s a launching pad for students to dive into the realms of technology and innovation. By collaborating on complex projects and building robots, participants not only learn critical technical skills but also important teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
Imagine a student, perhaps from a small town in New Hampshire, who might never have considered a career in engineering or coding. Through FIRST, they find their passion and realize their potential, perhaps even going on to shape the future of technology.
With robotics clubs popping up in schools across the region, Kamen’s vision of widespread participation is gradually becoming a reality. Seeing more kids tinkering with circuits and coding than tossing footballs is a future many are looking forward to.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 competition approaches, it’s clear that the excitement and engagement surrounding FIRST Robotics are growing stronger each year. With the support of community leaders, educators, and enthusiastic mentors, students are more equipped than ever to explore their interests in STEM.
With each robot built, each problem solved, and each teamwork experience, FIRST is not just creating competitors; it’s fostering the innovators of tomorrow.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
