Helena Robotics Teams Prepare for International and National Competitions

Two Helena, Montana robotics teams, Team Nebula and Team Fusion, are gearing up for prestigious international and national competitions, seeking community support to cover travel expenses. Their achievements highlight the growing impact of STEM education in the region and the dedication of Montana students to robotics.

Team Nebula Heads to Europe

Team Nebula has qualified for the FIRST Tech Challenge European Premiere Event, set to grab place in the Netherlands on June 17. This qualification is particularly noteworthy as it comes only four years after the team’s founding, marking a rapid ascent in the competitive robotics world. The team is aiming to raise $60,000 to cover the costs of the international trip. Source

Team Fusion Aims for World Championship Title

Team Fusion is preparing for its fourth appearance at the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in Houston on April 29. The team is seeking to raise $35,000 to fund their participation. Source Their consistent success, competing in the World Championship in four of the last six years, demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence in robotics. Source

The FIRST Tech Challenge and Montana Robotics

Both teams honed their skills through the FIRST Tech Challenge, a competition that requires students to design, build, program, and operate robots to achieve specific tasks. A recent qualifying event held at Carroll College in Helena on Saturday, March 7, 2026, saw twenty-five teams from across Montana compete for spots in the state championship. Source The competition emphasizes not only technical skills like coding and engineering but as well teamwork and communication. Source

Beyond Competition: Community Engagement and Skill Development

Both Team Nebula and Team Fusion actively engage with their community, giving presentations and conducting outreach to local businesses. They practice at least once a week throughout the year, dedicating countless hours to robot design, coding, and troubleshooting. Source Students involved in robotics emphasize the valuable skills they gain, including problem-solving, perseverance, and the satisfaction of overcoming technical challenges. Source

Supporting Montana’s Robotics Future

To help ensure all team members can participate, both teams are seeking sponsorships from community members and businesses. Source Interested individuals can learn more and donate through the teams’ websites: Team Nebula Website and Team Fusion Website. The teams’ journey exemplifies the potential of Montana students in STEM fields and the importance of supporting their endeavors.