About the challenge
The Code the Past Hackathon is more than just a competition — it’s a launchpad for ideas that can shape the world. Hosted by Blue VIII Robotics, the 2024 New Hampshire State Champion FTC team, this event invites students from across the country to collaborate, code, and create solutions to real-world problems.
Whether you’re building an app, designing a prototype, or engineering a creative tech solution, you’ll work in teams to bring your vision to life. We’ll reveal the specific challenge right after the FIRST Tech Challenge 2025–2026 season kickoff — so your projects can connect directly to this year’s theme.
Our goals are simple:
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Inspire students to explore STEM in meaningful, hands-on ways.
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Empower teams to use technology for real-world impact.
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Connect participants with mentors, resources, and each other.
You bring the curiosity and creativity — we’ll bring the platform, guidance, and community to help you turn your ideas into impact.
Get started
Ready to bring your ideas to life? Here’s how to join the Code the Future Hackathon:
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Mark Your Calendar – The event will take place in Fall 2025. The exact date and challenge will be announced right after the FTC 2025–2026 season kickoff.
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Build Your Team – You can register as an individual or with up to 4 teammates. Don’t have a team? We’ll help match you with other innovators.
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Register Online – Registration will open soon on our event page. Follow Blue VIII Robotics on [Instagram link] and [Website link] for updates.
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Get Your Tools Ready – You can use any programming language, hardware platform, or design tool. The challenge will be broad enough to allow creative freedom.
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Join the Kickoff Session – Once the theme drops, we’ll host a live virtual kickoff with challenge details, Q&A, and mentor introductions.
This is your chance to innovate, collaborate, and make an impact — whether you’re coding your first project or refining advanced tech solutions.
Requirements
What to Build
At the Code the Future Hackathon, your mission is simple: use technology to solve real-world problems.
Your project can be:
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Software-based – apps, websites, or AI tools.
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Hardware-based – robotics, electronics, or IoT devices.
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Hybrid solutions – combining code, design, and physical builds.
We’ll announce the official challenge statement right after the FTC 2025–2026 kickoff so your ideas can connect directly to this year’s theme. Until then, think about projects that:
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Help people – improve daily life, accessibility, or safety.
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Advance STEM – create tools that teach, inspire, or enable innovation.
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Protect the planet – sustainability, clean tech, or conservation solutions.
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Push boundaries – explore space, robotics, AI, or emerging technology.
No matter what you build, your goal is to make it impactful, innovative, and inspiring — just like the work we do in the FIRST Tech Challenge.
What to Submit
What to SubmitYour final submission will be a 3–5 minute video showcasing your project. In your video, be sure to:
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Introduce Your Team – Names, roles, and where you’re from.
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Present the Problem – What challenge are you addressing, and why does it matter?
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Show Your Solution – Demonstrate your prototype, code, or design in action.
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Explain the Tech – Briefly describe how it works and the tools you used.
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Highlight the Impact – How could this solution help people, communities, or the world?
Format: MP4 or YouTube link (unlisted or public).
Deadline: Will be announced after the challenge kickoff.
Your submission doesn’t need to be heavily edited — clarity and creativity matter more than flashy production. Tell your story, show your work, and inspire others.
Prizes
1st place
2nd place
3rd place
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Bill Zhang
FTC
Arvin KC
FTC BlueVIII
Elizabeth Chung
FTC
Judging Criteria
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Innovation
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
Tell your friends
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