UNITE THE WORLD’S YOUTH THROUGH THE SPORT OF ROBOTICS.
Each year, the FIRST Global Challenge unites students from nearly every country to solve real-world problems through STEM. We invite countries, organizations, and partners to apply to host this inspiring international event and help empower the next generation of global changemakers.
This October, Incheon, Republic of Korea hosts the 10th edition of the FIRST Global Challenge — and we’re already looking ahead to 2028 and beyond. This is your chance to welcome the global STEM community and leave a lasting mark on the next generation of scientists, engineers, and leaders.
FIRST Global is an international nonprofit that has brought together teams from 201 countries since 2017 — many competing in an international STEM event for the very first time. 93% of participants report a stronger understanding of how STEM solves real-world problems. [Learn more about our impact →]
To apply, you’ll need both documents below. Start with the Host Information Document, then use it to complete the Budget Spreadsheet.
WHY HOST THE FIRST GLOBAL CHALLENGE
Hosting the FIRST Global Challenge is an opportunity to inspire young people, strengthen national STEM initiatives, and position your country as a leader in innovation and education. The event brings together students, educators, government leaders, and industry partners from around the world, creating lasting partnerships and global visibility.
Hosting benefits include:
- Inspiring youth to pursue STEM education and careers
- Supporting national education and workforce development goals
- Elevating your country’s global profile in science and technology
- Engaging local sponsors, universities, and industry leaders
- Attracting international media and global delegations
- Creating a lasting legacy for robotics and STEM programs
A Partnership, Not Just an Event
FIRST Global works hand in hand with host organizations at every stage — from initial planning through the final closing ceremony. Financial responsibility for the event rests with FIRST Global, and we bring significant experience, infrastructure, and international relationships to the table. Host organizations contribute what they know best: local expertise, government and community relationships, and a commitment to putting on something their country will be proud of.
This is a genuine partnership. We don’t hand you a rulebook and wish you luck — we build this together.
The Legacy It Leaves Behind
Host cities and countries consistently find that the FIRST Global Challenge becomes a catalyst for conversations that were already beginning — about STEM education, youth investment, and national innovation strategy. The event creates a focal point that brings government ministries, universities, corporations, and community organizations into alignment around a shared goal. Many hosts have used the Challenge as a springboard to launch national robotics programs, strengthen school curricula, and build lasting partnerships between institutions that might never have connected otherwise. What gets built in preparation for the Challenge — the relationships, the infrastructure, the momentum — often outlasts the event itself.
“The legacy of hosting the FIRST Global Challenge is measurable. We witnessed sustained growth in robotics enrollments, expanded outreach to underserved communities, and increased participation in FIRST and other STEM programs. Hosting creates momentum that extends well beyond the closing ceremony.
The FGC demonstrated to young people that they are global citizens capable of solving real-world challenges. That shift in mindset is perhaps the most powerful long-term impact of hosting.”
— Dr. Anastasios Kollias, Chairman & Director of Education, MellonLab, 2024 FIRST Global Challenge Athens partner
WHO CAN APPLY TO HOST
We welcome proposals from governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, corporate sponsors, and national STEM organizations. Many successful bids are collaborative efforts that bring together multiple partners to support the event.
Whether led by a national government, a university, a nonprofit organization, or an industry coalition, host proposals should demonstrate strong local partnerships and a shared commitment to inspiring young people through STEM.
High-Level Hosting Requirements
Host organizations work in close partnership with FIRST Global to support the event financially and logistically. While detailed requirements are outlined in the Host Application, successful hosts typically provide:
- A suitable venue for the robotics competition, team workspaces, and ceremonies
- Coordination with government agencies, sponsors, and local partners
- Support for transportation, volunteers, and on-site logistics
- A collaborative local team to help deliver a multi-day international event
What FIRST Global Brings to the Table
Hosting an international event of this scale can sound daunting — and we want to be upfront that it is a significant undertaking. But host organizations do not carry this alone. FIRST Global provides event management expertise, the full competition infrastructure, international team coordination, robot kits and technical support for participating nations, and a dedicated staff team that has done this nine times before. We come to you with a decade of experience and a genuine investment in making your hosting experience as smooth as possible.
The most successful host partnerships are built on strong local knowledge, enthusiasm, and a network of people who want to make something meaningful happen in their community. If that describes you, we want to hear from you.
Application Process
The application can be viewed below. The application consists of completing all information asked in both the document and spreadsheet linked below. To apply, please submit both the document and spreadsheet no later than 1 November, 2026 for consideration for 2028 and beyond.
The process to apply is as follows:
- Download and review both the FIRST Global Challenge Host Information document and the FIRST Global Challenge Host Information – Budget spreadsheet.
- Prepare your proposal, including your host organization, venue, and key partners by answering all questions in both the document and spreadsheet as best you can.
- Reach out to FIRST Global via caitlin@first.global with any questions about your proposal and to engage FIRST Global in a dialogue about the specifics of your application.
- After dialogue with FIRST Global, Submit your completed application to the FIRST Global team by emailing both documents to caitlin@first.global.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to follow-up meetings and site visits before a final host is selected.
Document Links
The FIRST Global Challenge Host Information document has all of the information you need to learn about hosting the FIRST Global Challenge. Read through the document and answer the questions throughout.
Document Links
The FIRST Global Challenge Host Information – Budget spreadsheet details some of the financial information related to hosting. You can use the Host Information document to complete this spreadsheet.