McMaster University will be hosting a FIRST Robotics Canada Ontario District Competition, one of Canada’s premier science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions for high school-aged students, from March 20 to March 22, 2026.
Teams will compete using their STEM and collaboration skills to reimagine the past. In this REBUILT Presented by Haas challenge, teams will uncover the stories behind artifacts, innovations and works of art, revealing how the ideas of those who came before us shape who we are today. By digging deeper using modern tools and teamwork, teams will discover the potential within each of us to strengthen our communities and innovate for a better world.
The district competition is one of several in a series of successive events FIRST Robotics runs in Ontario. Teams must compete in at least two district events where they accumulate points, working toward competing at the Provincial Championship and possibly representing Ontario in a FIRST World Championship Event in Houston, Texas.
Everyone is welcome to attend this free event. Registration below is only required for Faculty of Engineering faculty, staff and alumni as noted below.
For more information regarding parking, schedules, activities, etc. please explore our Robots at McMaster site.
Mac Eng faculty, staff and alumni are invited to the FIRST Robotics Competition at McMaster with family and friends on Saturday, March 21 or Sunday, March 22….or both! You are welcome to come and go throughout the day’s schedule as it makes sense to you.
Mac Eng faculty, staff and alumni will have access to a refresh station area “VIP cafe” to grab a coffee/tea or treat throughout the day while visiting. If you plan on attending, we would appreciate your RSVP to plan our “VIP cafe” order numbers accordingly.
If you are bringing young students ages 5-10 with you, you may also be interested in the Fireball Family event on Saturday morning hosted by Community Outreach and Engineering Alumni Relations. This requires separate registration. See next section.
After a successful 2025 Fireball Family event, register and bring the kids in your life to our second annual Fireball Family event at FIRST Robotics!
This fun-filled morning invites families to experience robotics up close, spark curiosity and cheer on some of Ontario’s top high school robotics teams.
The day begins with hands-on STEM activities for children ages 5–10, led by our Community Outreach team. After the activities, families can head over to the FIRST Robotics competition to watch fast-paced matches and experience the excitement of live robotics challenges.
9:30 AM – Check-in & breakfast available
10 AM to 11 AM – STEM activity rotations
Children will rotate through all three activity stations, ensuring everyone gets a chance to participate.
- Ozobots – Kids will explore basic engineering and coding concepts by planning, testing, and troubleshooting solutions using small robots. This activity introduces cause and effect, logic, and how sensors help robots respond to their environment.
- Turing Tumble – A hands-on logic game where students build marble pathways to solve puzzles step by step. Children learn how simple mechanical systems can work together to solve problems – no computer required!
- Popsicle Flashlight – An introduction to electrical engineering where students build their own DIY flashlight using household materials, learning how circuits work in a fun and approachable way.
11 AM – FIRST Robotics opening ceremony + matches
Head over to the competition area for opening ceremonies and the start of the matches. Stay to enjoy the competition for a bit or the day!
Registration priority will be for members of the Faculty of Engineering faculty, staff and alumni community. Registration closes Friday, March 6.