TORONTO, ONTARIO – Humber Polytechnic will welcome hundreds of high school students from across Ontario as it hosts the Humber District FIRST Robotics Competition at its North Campus from March 12 to 14, in partnership with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Canada.
Featuring 30 teams, including groups travelling from as far away as Sudbury, the event features two high-energy days of competition, complete with opening and closing ceremonies, team celebrations, fan engagement, and remarks from provincial representatives.
Participants will program and operate industrial-size robots - designed and built by the students themselves - to complete a series of fast-paced challenges on the competition field. Combining the principles of sport, science, and teamwork, students earn points by collecting and delivering game pieces, pushing the boundaries of engineering, math and coding.
Beyond the arena, the pits are a hub of innovation as teams repair, upgrade, and fine-tune their machines. Other team members gather match data and scout competitors for alliance strategy and chronicle their progress on social media.
Even before the competition begins, teams spend months designing, fabricating and welding their machines, as well as engaging their communities, securing sponsorships, and developing marketing campaigns to bring their robots to life.
“At Humber, we recognize how hands-on, technology-focused learning prepares high-school students for post-secondary education and careers in Ontario’s in-demand skilled trades and innovation-driven sectors,” said Derek Stockley, Associate Vice-President, Academic. “This competition offers a unique opportunity for students to cultivate teamwork and passion for STEM."
This year’s theme, REBUILT™, celebrates archaeology and challenges teams to re-imagine the past, drawing inspiration from historical tools, artifacts and innovations.
“Events like the Humber District FIRST Robotics Competition show what young people can accomplish when they are given the opportunity to design, build and compete as a team,” said Dave Ellis, President of FIRST Robotics Canada. “Students spend months developing technical skills, learning how to solve complex problems and working together toward a shared goal. We are proud to partner with Humber Polytechnic to create opportunities where students can showcase their achievements and explore future pathways in technology and the skilled trades.”
Teams with top rankings at the end of the district season will advance to the FIRST Ontario Provincial Championship in Niagara Falls, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the FIRST® Championship in Houston, Texas - where 600 teams from around the world will compete.
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About the Event
Dates: March 12 to 14, 2026
Location: North Athletic Centre, Humber Polytechnic; 205 Humber College Blvd., Toronto, ON
About Humber Polytechnic
As Canada’s largest and most comprehensive polytechnic, Humber builds what has yet to be imagined. With credentials from short-cycle diplomas to baccalaureate and master’s degrees, polytechnics are designed for speed, for relevance, and for impact. Humber is able to adapt quickly, respond directly to industry needs, and convert knowledge into tangible outcomes for learners, employers, and partners. This combination of program relevance and applied research drives meaningful change in local and global communities. We empower our students to discover their edge and reach their full potential, Building Brilliance every day. Visit humber.ca to learn more.
About FIRST Robotics Canada
FIRST Robotics Canada, a registered charity, is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4–18 (Kindergarten–Grade 12) that can be facilitated in school or in structured afterschool programs. Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators, and sponsors, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges.
FIRST has a proven impact on STEM learning, interest, and skill-building well beyond high school. FIRST impacts over 500,000 students in 114 countries. Alumni of FIRST programs gain access to exclusive scholarships, internships, and other opportunities that create connections and open pathways to a wide variety of careers.
From local classrooms to international competitions, FIRST transforms education and inspires the next generation of leaders. Learn more at firstroboticscanada.org
For more information, please contact:
Chad Derrick
Media Relations and External Communications Specialist
Humber Polytechnic
chad.derrick@humber.ca /416.729.8940
Joanna Whitney
Marketing and Communications Manager
FIRST Robotics Canada
joanna.whitney@firstroboticscanada.org