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AI + FIRST Competition
Welcome to the AI + FIRST Video Competition — where your imagination becomes the star!
This challenge invites students to create an 8–30 second AI-powered video that inspires others to join FIRST. Whether you want to show the excitement of robotics today, imagine wild futuristic worlds, or build a story no one has ever seen before, this is your space to be bold, creative, and unapologetically imaginative. Use tools like Sora, Veo, Pika, Runway, or anything you love — mix real robot clips, animation, or sci-fi scenes, and create something that makes people say, “Wow… I want to join FIRST too!”
Have fun, take risks, and let your creativity lead the way!
Eligibility
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Open to all ages
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Solo or team submissions allowed
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Multiple entries welcome
WHAT TO CREATE
Create an 8–30 second AI-generated video that inspires others to join FIRST. Your video can show what FIRST is like today, imagine the future of robotics, or tell a creative story—as long as it encourages people to explore FIRST.
Video Requirements
Length
8 - 30 seconds
Orientation
Vertical (9:16) is preferred, but square (1:1) is also allowed.
AI Requirements
Participants must incorporate AI tools in a noticeable and creative way.
This can include:
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Fully AI-generated visuals or animations
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AI-assisted editing of real robot clips
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AI-generated characters, environments, voices, or effects
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Any other creative AI augmentation
Real footage and traditional editing are allowed, but AI must contribute significantly to the storytelling or visuals.
Originality
Students must create or significantly transform all content.
Allowed
Real robotics clips, voiceovers, and traditional editing are allowed.
Not Allowed
Harmful, political, or inappropriate material are not allowed and participants who do so may be banned from all future competitions.
Submission Process
1.
Submit through the official form by uploading your video file directly (mp4/mov/webm).
2.
At least ONE of the following must be provided in the form:
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Team number or
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Student name(s)
(This is required so we can publicly acknowledge who created the video.)
3.
(Optional)
If you provide a link to your own YouTube upload of the same video (in addition to uploading the video file), we will include your YouTube link in the description of the version we upload to the FTC 21229 channel.
Note: By submitting, you give permission for your video to be uploaded to the official FTC 21229 YouTube playlist.
Timeline
December 9, 2025
Submission opens!
March 31st, 2026
Deadline for all submissions.
April 1st - 10th
Judging period.
April 10, 2026
Winners announced!
Judged Awards
Grand Prize
Best Creativity
Best FIRST Spirit
About $200 Value
Best overall video (highest judge score).
$100
Awarded for the most original, engaging, and imaginative video concept and storytelling.
$100
Awarded to the video that best showcases Gracious Professionalism®, Coopertition®, and the core values of FIRST.
Best Technical & AI Innovation
$100
Awarded for the strongest use of AI tools and technical robotics concepts, clearly explained and creatively implemented.
Note: FTC 21229 members cannot win these awards.
Community Awards
Engagement counted 12/09/25 → 1/7/26 at 11:59 PM PSTVideos appear on the FTC 21229 YouTube channel.
Grand Prize
People's Choice
$100
Most Views during the voting window
Best Technical & AI Innovation
People's Favorite
$100
Most likes during the voting window.
Note: FTC 21229 members cannot win these awards.
Prize Options
🏆 Grand Prize — Winner Chooses ONE (~$200 Value)
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🎧 AirPods 4 (Active Noise Cancelation)
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🚁 DJI Tello Quadcopter Drone (for beginner)
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💳 $200 Amazon Gift Card
🥈 Category & Community Awards — Winner Chooses ONE ($100 Value)
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📸 Instax Mini 12
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🔊 JBL Grip Speaker
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🎥 Aurzen EAZZE D1 Smart Projector
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🎧 Sony WH-CH720N
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💳 $100 Amazon Gift Card
Example Videos
To help participants understand the creative style and possibilities, here are sample videos created by FTC 21229:
Examples Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/ai-first-robotics
These examples illustrate:
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AI-generated storytelling
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How FIRST themes can appear
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The intended creative direction
Note: 21229 videos are demonstration only and not eligible for prizes.