The Tech Challenge

Since 1988, The Tech Challenge has been the signature program of the Tech. The program has directly impacted over 40,000 students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in Silicon Valley and beyond.

What is The Tech Challenge?

The Tech Challenge is a months-long program for teams in Grades 4–12 to develop engineering skills. The program is meant to inspire the next generation by allowing students to build key skills such as collaboration, teamwork, critical thinking and perseverance. Through this hands-on project students will brainstorm, build, test, document and have fun creating their solutions.

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High school students participating in The Tech Challenge.

Who Can Participate?

The program is open to students in Grades 4-12. Students work in teams of 2-6 members and each team must have 1 adult adviser. We have teams from schools, afterschool programs, homeschoolers and even groups of engineering loving students with parent advisers. Each team brings their unique design ideas and energy to this exciting and educational program.

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A New Challenge Every Year

Each year the intrepid Tech Challenge team at The Tech design a new challenge that relates to a real world problem. Past challenges focused on water conservation, repairing a satellite and building structures to withstand earthquakes, wind storms and more.

View Past Challenges

Time Commitment

The program kicks off with the challenge announced in the fall, with free events to support teams along the way. Team registration is available from October - March. The Tech Challenge culminates in a final showcase in the spring, where the teams present their project to judges in front of family, friends and community members. In the two months leading up to the showcase, test trials are available at the Tech Interactive where teams can test their devices and get advice from judges.

See Participant Events

Affordable and Accessible

The Tech believes that STEM education and programs should be accessible to all! Team registration is free to Title I schools and on average registration is less than $25 per student for all other teams. We are proud to be able to produce this amazing program through generous donations from sponsors.

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