Connecticut FIRST Robotics Teams Perform at National Championship

Ten Connecticut robotics teams performed on the national stage at the 2025 FIRST Championship in Houston last month.
FIRST Robotics is one of the world’s premier STEM competitions.
The program is run by FIRST, a global nonprofit organization with a suite of robotics programs for students in grades pre-K through 12.
In Connecticut, the program is funded by the Manufacturing Investment Fund and administered through the Office of Manufacturing and ReadyCT.
“These students prove what’s possible when we invest in opportunity,” said Gov. Ned Lamont. “They’re not just building robots, they’re building skills, confidence, and careers.”
‘Remarkable Achievement’
This year, seven Connecticut high school teams advanced to the championship after competing in regional and district-wide events.
Three are rookie teams and four were from Alliance Districts—Connecticut’s highest-need school districts.
“The remarkable achievement of seven Connecticut FIRST Robotics teams advancing to the national championship underscores the profound impact of the MIF’s $2.7 million investment in expanding robotics programs statewide,” said ReadyCT executive director Shannon Marimón.
The teams that competed in Houston were:
- FRC 7153, Aetos Dios from Manchester: Winner of the FIRST Championship Team Spirit Award
- FRC 3182, Athena’s Warriors from Hartford: Winner of the Imagery Award in honor of Jack Kamen
- FRC 176, Aces High from Windsor Locks
- FRC 195, CyberKnights from Southington
- FRC 230, Gaelhawks from Shelton
- FRC 5142, RoboDominators from New Haven
- FRC 7407 Wired Boars from Wallingford
STEM Education
In addition to the high school competition, FIRST featured events for younger age groups, including the FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge.
Three teams from Connecticut competed in those competitions on the national stage:
- FLL Challenge 52604, Aluminum Eyas from Pawcatuck: Awarded the Rising All-Star Award
- FTC 130, Blazing Spirits from Windsor
- FTC 7034, Singularity Technology 7024 from Wilton
“This strategic support not only enhances STEM education but also cultivates the essential skills.”
ReadyCT’s Shannon Marimón
MIF investments in FIRST Robotics wrere designed to expand the program in the state and support new team creation, equipment, mentorship, and travel.
“This strategic support not only enhances STEM education but also cultivates the essential skills—such as teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation—that are vital for building a robust manufacturing workforce for the future,” Marimón said.
Investing in the Future
The General Assembly established MIF in 2004 to strengthen Connecticut’s manufacturing sector.
It supports training programs, technology, and workforce pipeline development.
The robotics program is one of the fund’s key youth engagement strategies.
“Young talent is the future of Connecticut’s robust and thriving manufacturing industry,” Lamont said.
“From funding to mentorship, we’re building the next generation of makers and innovators right here in Connecticut,” added chief manufacturing officer Paul Lavoie.
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