Recapping the 2024 Indiana Robotics State Championship

RECAPPING THE 2024 INDIANA ROBOTICS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2024 Indiana State Robotics Championship was our boldest yet with over 1,600 students from more than 300 elementary, middle and high school teams uniting to represent the best of robotics sportsmanship across the state of Indiana.

Nearly 10,000 fans attended the nation’s largest state robotics championship competition to cheer on their local teams in a high energy day full of surprises, friendly competition and creative problem-solving.

The event, presented by TechPoint Foundation for Youth (TPF4Y), powered by Group 1001 and Indy Women in Tech, was hosted by the City of Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium for the sixth consecutive year!

CHECK OUT THE HIGHLIGHT FILM FROM THE EVENT:

Special guest Mayor Joe Hogsett of Indianapolis shared a rousing message of encouragement during the Opening Ceremony and the audience was captivated by messages of good luck from surprising figures in STEM.

After a rigorous day of non-stop robotics competition across 6 total solar eclipse-themed stages, the event culminated in championship matches and formal Awards Presentations recognizing the top performers, including the prestigious Ballard Teamwork Challenge Awards presented by Indy VRC founder, Former Mayor Greg Ballard.

The event was also attended by representatives from TechPoint Foundation for Youth's major sponsor companies and organizations, including Group 1001, Indy Women in Tech, Indiana Department of Education, Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, Purdue University, Ball State University, Cook Medical, and Sallie Mae. Their support and contribution to the event was invaluable, and we are grateful for their continued partnership in promoting STEM education and empowering the youth of our community.

Photo credit to Mick Hetman Photography

Photo credit to Mick Hetman Photography

Photo credit to Mick Hetman Photography

“I look forward to this championship because, as a former teacher, I love seeing kids light up with excitement over their own ingenuity,” says TPF4Y President and CEO George Giltner. “I’m excited to see students not only find joy in STEM education, but explore their potential career paths.”

“As Indiana’s tech industry continues to grow, tech-skilled workers are needed more than ever before. Our role as educators is to prepare students for the jobs of the future, through in-school curriculum and access to after school programs that explore the skills needed for STEM careers. Students need awareness of the types of career paths available to them and awareness that there are jobs available right here in their home state.”

Photo credit to Mick Hetman Photography

TPF4Y was honored to recognize Seniors in robotics on a special Robotics Senior Wall of Fame. Be sure to check out our Senior Wall of Fame below to learn more about our 2024 Seniors.

In partnership with Purdue University, Tech Point Foundation for Youth has awarded a scholarship to a deserving senior robotics student for the third consecutive year. This scholarship will cover the full cost of resident tuition for four years, enabling the recipient to pursue their passion for robotics and STEM education.

Congratulations to Austin Guerrero from Boone Grove High School on team 12896A for being this year's recipient of the prestigious Purdue Robotics student scholarship. Austin’s dedication, hard work, and leadership have earned him this well-deserved recognition, and we are proud that our mission and efforts have played a role in his success.

We also want to express our gratitude to Purdue University for their unwavering support and commitment to recognizing and nurturing the talents of Indiana robotics students.

Photo credit to Mick Hetman Photography

We have partnered with Cook Medical again this year to present the Cook Medical Robotics Community Award, which recognizes a high school VEX VRC Robotics team that embodies the spirit of robotics by supporting and inspiring other teams in their local community.

Join us in congratulating the 42784A Giant Cyborgs from Marion High School as this year’s recipients of this prestigious award. It is a special honor to shine a light on a team that has make exceptional efforts to make a positive impact on the robotics community. We commend the team for their exceptional efforts and dedication to promoting STEM education and inspiring their peers.

Photo credit to Cory Li

By the end of the day, an impressive 84 teams qualified for the 2024 VEX World Championship!

YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED! We are excited to have a record number of teams qualifying from all corners of the state. However, due to the high volume of teams, we are actively fundraising to assist with the costs associated with the World Championship, including fees and travel accommodations. We believe that every qualified team deserves the opportunity to experience this amazing event, and we are calling on our community to help make this a reality.

Please consider supporting us in our efforts to provide these students with an unforgettable experience. Any contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on the lives of these young robotics enthusiasts. You can donate today using the button below.

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to empowering the youth of our community.

For more photos from the event, click ON THE BUTTON BELOW:

Opening Ceremony Hype Video

Celebrity Good Luck Video

Since 2016, the State Robotics Initiative grant program has helped launch over 2,100 Indiana robotics teams and impacted over 24,000 students. TechPoint Foundation for Youth’s 2023-24 grants are now open and the TPF4Y Robot Team plans to award eligible elementary, middle, and high schools beginning in April!

Learn more about TPF4Y robotics opportunities HERE.