Team Update 4-15-2021

FIN Pitch Competition Sponsored by InnovateWithIN

We are excited to announce an opportunity for all teams to take part in a pitch competition.  Take your innovation challenge ideas and pitch them to our judges for a chance at some cash prizes.

Teams will submit a one-page business plan executive summary and a 2-3 minute video explaining their idea. (production value on the video isn’t important it is to give the judges an idea of your proposal. Simply layout your innovation and the problem you are trying to solve.  Save your well-rehearsed pitch and other information for the judged call.)

Then, on May 12th, teams will be assigned a judging session on a virtual platform.  A team of up to 3 students will do a 4-5 minute “Shark Tank” style pitch, and a 5 minute Q&A will follow.

Judges will convene, and then we will announce the top 3 teams on May 13th during our Awards Show.

  • 1st Prize $1500
  • 2nd Prize $1000
  • 3rd Prize $500

Complete this form to enter your team.  You do NOT have to have competed in the Innovation Challenge with FIRST to take part in this.  All teams are eligible!

bit.ly/FINPitchSubmission 


Senior Recognition – Still Looking for Lots of Seniors-Extended Deadlines – Final Extension

We will be celebrating our seniors again this Spring with a video honoring them.  What do we need from you?  Your seniors…

Please send a spreadsheet with the following information (if you have it)
First Name, Last Initial
Team Number
Plans for Next Year – College name and major if known, military, straight to the workforce.
Picture of the senior.

Email to cosborne@firstindianarobotics.org  Deadline extended to April 23rd, 2021


FTC – FRC Swag Exchange

The Swag Swap Closes Friday, April 16th!  Sign Up Today!

The FIRST Indiana Robotics Student Board of Directors is putting on a  team Swag Swap!

We need a mentor from each team that wants to participate to complete this google form.

The way it works is to fill out the form, and then the student board will email you who your “secret swag” team is.  You will then put together a swag package together and ship it to them.  You will receive a swag package from another team.

FRC and FTC teams are encouraged to participate in this fun activity to connect with other teams around the state!

Email Chris Osborne – cosborne@firstindianarobotics.org if you have any questions.


Student Board of Directors

FIRST Indiana Robotics is excited to announce that we are opening membership to our Student Board of Directors to any student in FTC or FRC that will be entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade for next year.  Any interested student will need to apply here.  We will then select a pool of candidates to interview from the applications and after the interviews choose the board for next year.  FTC Dean’s List Finalists and FRC Dean’s List Finalist Nominees will automatically be invited to interview.

Application for Student Board of Directors

Student Board expectations and other information.


FIRST Mentor Network

Did you know that Lead Mentor 1 or Mentor 2 can create a profile for your team inside your dashboard for the FIRST Mentor Network?  You can search for available mentors that have created profiles.  Here are some tips for creating your profile.


FRC Mentor Call-In Hours

Beginning Tuesday, April 20th FIN will host an FRC Mentor Call in on Zoom.  This will be open every Tuesday and Wednesday 7 PM – 7:30 PM.  Call in with your questions, thoughts, etc.  FIN staff will be on and available to answer questions you may have.  Mentors, check your team update email for the link.  Feel free to share with your other mentors, students, and parents.  We will be on to answer any questions you may have.  If you are not on the team update email distribution list and would like the call-in link, please email Chris Osborne – cosborne@firstindianarobotics.org and he will send you the link.