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Published: Fri 20 Mar 2026

Next-gen engineers to put their skills to the test at UK’s FIRST® LEGO® League National Final in Harrogate

Hundreds of young people from across the world will be battling it out to be crowned champions of the FIRST® LEGO® League National Final hosted by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in Harrogate on Saturday 25 April.

Taking place at the Harrogate Convention Centre, talented students aged between 9-16 will come together to showcase their skills in robotics, computer programming, teamwork, research, problem solving and communication, in a challenge that gives participants the opportunity to develop modern technologies and build robotic prototypes designed to uncover and solve real-world issues.

This year’s theme, UNEARTHED℠, is an immersive, adventure-focused challenge exploring archaeology, history, heritage and cultural preservation. Around 72 teams are encouraged to think like explorers and engineers, designing innovative solutions to uncover artefacts, hidden treasures and long-forgotten stories.

Young innovators from multiple countries including Brazil, France and Kazakhstan will join UK finalists to take part in the robot game missions and celebrations. Throughout the event, teams will present their Innovation Project and Robot Design, showcasing their technical ability, creativity and collaboration.

Designed to inspire the next generation, the competition aims to help participants build essential life skills and gain practical, hands‑on engineering experience they can carry into their studies and future careers, including teamwork, problem‑solving and innovation.

Hannah Rees, Senior Education FIRST® LEGO® League Manager at the IET, said:

“FIRST® LEGO® League allows young people to experience engineering in action. It gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with coding and robotics, design innovative solutions to tackle real-world problems.

We are proud to be the UK delivery partner of this fantastic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) initiative, which introduces children to the world of engineering at an early age. We also are grateful to our volunteers who mentor, coach, referee and actively engage in the programme.

Last season, we have seen more than 66,000 students and over 10,000 outstanding teams compete at regional tournaments, highlighting an exceptional calibre of young talent.

There is a significant need for young people with STEM skills to fill the next generation of engineering roles. With the UK needing approximately 3.5 million STEM roles by 2028, highlighting an ongoing workforce demand.”

The National Final will feature a dedicated STEM exhibition, showcasing interactive initiatives and introducing the new FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition – The new Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence ‘Futures Edition’ game, which launches in August 2026. 

Students and educators will have the opportunity to experience the new kit first-hand at the event. As technology continues to evolve and AI is the forefront of everyday life, the Futures Edition marks an exciting new era for young people's education. 

The IET proudly delivers FIRST® LEGO® League in the UK as part of its mission to inspire young people to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

For more information about this year’s competition, visit: FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge

The FIRST® LEGO® League National Final is being streamed live throughout the day on Saturday 25 April on the IET’s YouTube channel where you can experience all the action from this global STEM competition first-hand, including the positive impact it has on the children taking part!

Watch here: FIRST® LEGO® League UNEARTHED UK National Final 2025/26

Media are invited to attend the National Final. Interview opportunities with students, international teams and IET spokespeople will be available throughout the day. 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About the IET

  • We inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community to engineer a better world.
  • We are a diverse home for engineering and technology intelligence throughout the world. This breadth and depth means we are uniquely placed to help the sector progress society.
  • We want to build the profile of engineering and technology to change outdated perceptions and tackle the skills gap. This includes encouraging more women to become engineers and growing the number of engineering apprentices.
  • Interview opportunities are available with our spokespeople from a range of engineering and technology disciplines including cyber-security, energy, engineering skills, innovation, manufacturing, technology, transport and diversity in engineering.
  • LEGO Education launch new CS & AI programme around the world. Computer Science & AI Learning Solutions for 1-9 | LEGO® Education
  • For more information, visit www.theiet.org.
  • Follow the IET on LinkedIn and Instagram via @TheIET / @InstitutionofEngineeringandTechnology.

Media enquiries to:

Sarah Jenkins
External Communications & PR Lead
E: SarahJenkins@theiet.org