Saginaw Valley State University
04/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/15/2026 13:13
Robots return: SVSU to host FIRST® Robotics state championship
April 15, 2026
Robots return: SVSU to host FIRST® Robotics state championship
Millions in economic impact expected
Robots are returning to Saginaw Valley State University for the eighth year. SVSU will host the FIRST® in Michigan state championship beginning Thursday, April 16, and running through Saturday, April 18. The competition is expected to bring 160 FIRST® Robotics teams representing high schools throughout the state. In addition to the 5,000 students, SVSU expects an additional 4,000 visitors.
The state championship event is an economic boon for businesses throughout the community, with past competitions generating more than $4 million in direct spending.
FIRST in Michigan seeks to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators. Their mission is to establish a sustainable robotics competition team at every high school in the state. Teams compete in qualifying district events, with winners being determined by a point system. The 160 top-ranked teams advance to the state championship. Winners at the state level will advance to the FIRST championship in Houston.
SVSU faculty, staff and students volunteer their time to support local schools and education programs and on campus during the FIRST in Michigan state tournament.
For more information about the competition at SVSU, visit svsu.edu/firstatsvsu.
Saginaw Valley State University published this content on April 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 15, 2026 at 19:13 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]