Engineers of tomorrow showcase their talent in Lego-building final

The young engineers from across the country took part in the FIRST LEGO League UK Final at Harrogate Convention Centre on the 3^rd May, with Yorkshire’s Incredilegos team, from Bradford Grammar School, taking home the prestigious Champions Award.

Some 67 teams of young innovators contested the FIRST LEGO League National Final, presented by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), an event which celebrates the creativity, teamwork, and technical skills of young people aged nine to 16. They took part in thrilling robot games and presented their own innovation projects to panels of expert judges.

Nadeem Asghar, Head of Science and Computing from Bradford Grammar School, said: “Thank you to the IET and to FIRST LEGO League, the children are still giddy with excitement. We have taken part in the IET FIRST LEGO League programme for the past three years.

“I am passionate that children get to explore all opportunities. This programme helps them think beyond the curriculum activities and exposes them to a world of opportunities and early career choices. What I really love is that anyone can take part; we have children of all years, the older children mentor the younger years, and boys and girls can take part.”

Hannah Rees, Senior Education Manager, FIRST LEGO League, said: “Hearing words from young people who want to clean plastic and rubbish from the oceans and make the world a better place brings joy, hope, and a sense of how proud we all are to have this fantastic #IETEDUCATION programme. It’s amazing to see the level of engineering, robotics coding and talent these young people demonstrate. They’ve worked incredibly hard, and this event celebrates their achievements and inspires the next generation of scientists, technologists, and engineers.”

The national final marked the culmination of months of hard work as each team designed, built, and programmed Lego robots to complete a series of dynamic challenges for this year’s #SUBMERGED season. The day showcased of real-world problem solving, with teams presenting innovative solutions that tackle marine issues, such as exploring the complex ecosystems and marine life, and how the oceans effect life on land and at sea.

The FIRST LEGO League encourages young people to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through hands-on learning, collaboration, and imagination. Throughout the day, the teams demonstrated not only technical skill but also core values such as inclusion, discovery, and innovation.

Winners were recognised in categories including robot design, core values, innovation project, and robot performance, with one overall Champion’s Award winner selected to represent the UK at an Open International FIRST LEGO League event in Florida later in June.

The national final was supported by sponsors BECHTEL, WOLF SPEED, and QUALCOMM who share the mission of empowering young people through engaging STEM experiences.