By Linda Barney, Barney and Associates
The Oregon Robotics Tournament and Outreach Program (ORTOP) is a premier organization that is part of a global robotics community. ORTOP provides the FIRST Tech Challenge program to help students begin exploring technical careers, and Oregon has one of the larger FIRST Tech Challenge programs in the nation.
The ORTOP 20th FIRST Tech Challenge Championship Tournament (FTC) was held at Liberty High School in Hillsboro, Oregon on February 28 through March 1, 2026. Each FIRST Tech team is composed of up to fifteen students in grades 7 through 12 that work as a team to design, build, and program a unique robot. The theme for the robotics season was “DECODE” which featured challenges in archeological exploration. The top 48 of 148 teams from around Oregon participated in the 20th FIRST Tech Challenge Championship Tournament. Robots are allowed to block each other in some cases but no destructive behavior is allowed. During each match one pair of robots and their drivers participate with alliance partners for playoff matches.
Winners of the Championship Tournament
A big congratulations to all teams who competed in the tournament. Team 23918, SUPER SIGMA ROBOTICS won the top award called Inspire. Twenty-seven teams went home with awards and fifteen teams earned advancement slots to the international FIRST Championship and other premier events. The FIRST Championship will be held in Huston, Texas from April 29 to May 2, 2026. A full list of awards given at the Oregon Championship as well as additional information can be found here.
The ORTOP Mission
“ORTOP’s mission is to welcome, engage, educate, and inspire Oregon’s youth and their diverse communities through robotics programs. Through the use of team-based projects and an annual challenge, students learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). While working collaboratively to design and build robots, students learn and practice real-world skills such as problem solving, project management, mechanical design, and programming. Students are invited to demonstrate these skills during seasonal tournaments, where they are welcomed into an engaging community, while showcasing their successes and accomplishments,” states Bruce Schafer, ORTOP Executive Director. To donate to ORTOP or suggest a person or organization who might be interested in becoming a donor or sponsor, see the Support page.
TechStart is Proud To Be Involved as ORTOP Volunteers
TechStart powers K-12 computer science education in Oregon. TechStart provides Teacher of the Year annual awards to K-12 computer science teachers who are awarded $1,000 to use for tech education materials to spend in their classrooms on hardware, software, services, or curriculum. TechStart provides Student of the Year awards to both a young man and young woman high school junior or senior. In addition to awards, TechStart members volunteer as trainers, judges, and assist in organizing ORTOP events as well as working with a variety of other K-12 computer science and technology organizations. According to Peter Steinfeld, TechStart Executive Director, “ORTOP is Oregon's best choice for tech education, and the FTC state tournament is the premier showcase for Oregon's high school students to display their technical prowess.” To volunteer for TechStart, see the Contact page or click here to donate to TechStart.