Important Update for Massachusetts FIRST Tech Challenge

Please see the email from FIRST Global Field Operations to Massachusetts FIRST® Tech Challenge Coaches and Leaders:

As we prepare for the BIOBUZZ™ presented by RTX season, we want to share some exciting updates about how the Massachusetts FIRST Tech Challenge community will be supported moving forward.

After four seasons as the Program Delivery Organization (PDO) for the Massachusetts FIRST Tech Challenge program, Boston Tech Initiative's (BTI) role as PDO ended with the 2025–26 DECODE™ season. FIRST is very grateful for BTI's support of the FIRST mission.

To ensure the community doesn't miss a beat, NE FIRST will be the new Program Delivery Organization starting with the 2026–27 BIOBUZZ season. If you aren't familiar with NE FIRST, we already run the FIRST Robotics Competition across New England and the FIRST Tech Challenge program in Connecticut. Our main goal is to ensure local teams have the resources, events, and backing they need to thrive.

What does this mean for Massachusetts FTC teams?

The best part: your day-to-day experience isn't changing. Jacob Janssens, who successfully guided the Massachusetts program under BTI, is transitioning with us. He will continue to serve as your main program partner and point of contact under the NE FIRST banner.

You can expect the same great events, the same local support, and a completely seamless transition into the BIOBUZZ season.

How can I learn more?

All coaches are invited to join us for a Town Hall on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET to talk about the upcoming season and introduce everyone to NE FIRST. Please register for the webinar in advance at this link.

If you have any questions about the upcoming season or this change, please don’t hesitate to reach out directly to Jacob at jjanssens@firstpartners.org or jjanssens@nefirst.org.

Thank you for everything you do for the students in Massachusetts!