From April 2–4, Berkeley High School came alive with innovation, energy, and teamwork as more than 1,200 students and 40 robotics teams gathered for the FIRST Robotics Competition East Bay District Event.
Over three action-packed days, students designed, built, and competed with industrial-sized robots, showcasing not only technical skill, but the collaboration, creativity, and resilience that define the FIRST community.
More Than Robots in the East Bay
The East Bay District Event was a powerful example of how FIRST is truly More Than Robots. It’s a place where students gain real-world experience in engineering, teamwork, and leadership while building confidence and community.
From intense matches on the field to collaboration in the pits, teams embodied Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition, supporting one another while striving for excellence.
Spotlight on Partnership: Empowerly
A highlight of the event was the presence of Empowerly, who connected directly with students and families through an on-site booth.
Founder Changxiao Xie also helped kick off the event, sharing insights and inspiration with participants during opening ceremonies. His message reinforced the importance of access, mentorship, and pathways to future success, values that closely align with the FIRST mission of preparing young people for the future.
This kind of engagement reflects the growing ecosystem around FIRST California, where partners play a critical role in supporting students and helping them explore what’s possible beyond the competition field.
Awards
- Impact Award Winner: Team 3256 – WarriorBorgs
- Winning Alliance: Team 4698 – Raider Robotics; Team 841 – BioMechs; Team 1854 – The Chomp Bots
- Leadership Award Semi-Finalists: Bhavya D with WarriorBorgs Team 3256; Brody I with SF UNITY Team 9038
- Engineering Inspiration: Team 5419 – Berkelium
- Full Awards List: 2026 Awards
Building the Future, Together
Events like the East Bay District competition highlight the impact of hands-on STEM experiences. Students are not just building robots. They are building skills in problem solving, communication, and leadership that prepare them for college, careers, and life.
With the support of mentors, volunteers, and partners, FIRST continues to create opportunities for students across California to discover their potential and shape their futures.
Be Part of the Impact
- Get involved as a mentor, volunteer, or sponsor
- Support local teams and events
- Help expand access to STEM opportunities across California
Together, we are building the next generation of innovators, leaders, and change makers.
Thank You!
A heartfelt thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors who helped write the first chapter of the East Bay District Event. We can’t wait to come back!
Feel free to download and share any of these photos. You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REBUILT and #FIRSTAGE.