FIRST Robotics Competition
ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL
2021 Season Updates
While this season will look different, we are confident that new team-based opportunities will allow our participants to have a fulfilling season, as we continue to execute the mission of FIRST and inspire the next generation of our future science and technology leaders – the same mission that has guided us for more than 30 years.
To address the uncertainties and range of restrictions brought on by COVID-19, FIRST has made the tough decision to open the FIRST Robotics Competition registration built around a 2021 season experience that does not include in-person Regional competitions.
3 New Remote Engagement Opportunities
Recognizing ongoing challenges for teams with remote and hybrid learning, we are excited to introduce new creative challenge opportunities for FIRST® Robotics Competition teams to participate remotely this season.
INNOVATION CHALLENGE presented by Qualcomm
In the Innovation Challenge presented by Qualcomm, registered teams will identify a real-world problem related to this season’s theme, FIRST® GAME CHANGERSSM powered by Star Wars: Force for Change, design a solution, build a business model, and deliver a pitch to compete with other FIRST Robotics Competition teams for judged awards. This new challenge will have an advancement track, culminating in the Global Innovation Awards, a multi-day experience where students showcase their innovations, participate in workshops and receive mentorship from experts, and compete for awards.
GAME DESIGN CHALLENGE
The Game Design Challenge will allow registered teams to design their own FIRST Robotics Competition game using real-world, virtual, or hybrid design elements, and compete for judged awards. Winning concepts will be considered for use in future official games.
INFINITE RECHARGE AT HOME
INFINITE RECHARGESM at Home brings components of events to you in two ways:
Teams show off what their robots and drivers can do in a skills challenge based on the 2020 INFINITE RECHARGE game. Scores are posted, and teams virtually compete against each other for the Skills Challenge Awards
Teams illustrate their robot’s technical qualities by sharing information with judges remotely in competition for traditional robot-based awards. Teams can participate with or without access to their robot.
THIS YEAR’S STAR WARS-INSPIRED CHALLENGE
INFINITE RECHARGE
This year’s game, INFINITE RECHARGE, is part of the 2021 FIRST season, FIRST GAME CHANGERS, powered by Star Wars: Force for Change.
In INFINITE RECHARGE, two alliances work to protect FIRST City from approaching asteroids caused by a distant space skirmish. Each alliance, along with their trusty droids, race to collect and score Power Cells in order to energize their Shield Generator for maximum protection. To activate sections of the Shield Generator, droids manipulate their Control Panels after scoring a specific number of Power Cells. Near the end of the match, droids race to their Rendezvous Point to get their Shield Generator operational in order to protect the city.
Thank you to our Sponsors!




Gerald Oppenheimer Family Foundation
Stephen and Jill Petty
The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation
WAYS TO SPONSOR
SUPPORT THE ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL
To discuss sponsorship opportunities and benefits of sponsorship, please contact FIRST California Senior Regional Director, David Berggren, through the Contact Form at the bottom of this page.
For 30 years, FIRST® volunteers have fueled the mission by inspiring millions of young people to reach for the stars. You are part of a global support system we’ve built for students who need a spark of curiosity and encouragement to launch their dreams. Together, we’re inspiring the next generation of innovators, technology leaders, and change-makers here on Earth – and beyond.
Remote Volunteer Opportunities!
Non-Technical and Technical Roles Available
LET’S CONNECT!
ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA