top of page

Asia Pacific Open Championships

The Asia Pacific Open Championships (APOC) consist of two events run in the June/July period each year and are hosted by the home of FIRST    Australia, Macquarie University. These events provide wonderful opportunities to explore Sydney and celebrate the international FIRST community!

®

2016-07-05-ChrisStacey1-25.jpg

FIRST   Tech Challenge: 3 - 5 July 2026

FIRST   LEGO  League: 9 - 12 +13 July 2026

​

®

®

®

1 Central Courtyard (1CC)

Macquarie University

Macquarie Park NSW 2113

The event is free and open to spectators from the general public - tickets are not required.

FIRST LEGO League

FIRST LEGO League Asia Pacific Open Championship: 9 - 12 + 13 July 2026

The FIRST LEGO League Asia Pacific Open Championship is an international invitation-only FIRST LEGO League Challenge event. 60 teams from across the globe will submerge on the shores of Sydney to compete in this event. FIRST LEGO League regional partners around the world will select teams to advance to this event based on Champions Award criteria.

The event is four days, with registration on the first morning, three days of competition including an alliance challenge, and a closing ceremony on the last day. Teams will participate in an official FIRST LEGO League Challenge event, as well as fun activities such as a Cultural Night and offsite activities to experience the best of Sydney. 

Extend Your FLL Experience at Macquarie University into the following season!

​

Stay an extra day (Monday 13 July) after the excitement of APOC 2026 and dive into the next season’s challenge before anyone else! Join us for an exclusive day of hands-on workshops, sneak peeks, and interactive sessions exploring the upcoming FLL theme — guided by world-leading experts and researchers in the field.

​

Get a head start on the following season’s project. Discover new STEM concepts, build your knowledge, and be inspired for the season ahead in a fun, collaborative environment. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and lead the way into the next FLL adventure!  Places on this STEM immersion day program are free but limited, so please sign up early.

​

(Signup details and a promotional PDF to follow)

2026 participation cost: $TBA AUD per person (inclusive of GST) 

Cost includes competition participation, event gift pack and activities. Team students and at least one mentor/coach must register. Paid registration is also open to parents and siblings travelling who wish to receive a gift pack and participate in extra activities. Please note that this cost does not include meals during the event. 

* This may be subject to change as the registration window approaches. 

2026 Team Guide coming soon!

2026 Schedule coming soon!

FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST Tech Challenge Asia Pacific Open Championship: 3 - 5 July 2026

The FTC Asia Pacific Open Championship is an open event that all registered FIRST Tech Challenge teams are welcome to register for. Teams can place an expression of interest from the November prior to the event and will have until April to officially register. 

The event is four days, with registration on the first afternoon, two days of FIRST Tech Challenge official competition and a closing ceremony on the final day. In addition to the competition, teams will participate in fun activities. 

Starting November 2025, the FIRST Tech Challenge Asia Pacific Open Championship 2026 is taking RSVP applications from FTC teams around the world that meet the following criteria: 

  • All teams officially registered with FIRST for the DECODEâ„  season are eligible to participate. 

  • Registration is based on the order that RSVPs are received. 

  • The event can accommodate a maximum of 42 teams. 

  • Teams who RSVP after the 42 team cut-off will be placed on a waiting list in order of RSVP. 

  • The 42 RSVP'd teams will receive an official registration and payment link in January 2026 to finalise participation. 

  • If you are registering for more than one team, please submit a separate form for each team. 

2026 participation cost: $180 AUD per person (inclusive of GST) 

Cost includes competition participation and event gift pack. Team students and at least one mentor/coach must register. Please note that this cost does not include meals during the event. 

* This may be subject to change as the registration window approaches. 

Below are some recommendations for accommodation for teams that will be attending the Asia Pacific Open Championships. We strongly suggest that teams book early. 

Nearby hotels

Budget hotels

On-campus accommodation

If you are not renting cars, there are many options for public transport in the area. Please note that for all public transport, you will need an Opal card. See below for details. 

  • Parking: A link will be emailed to attendees to register for free parking.

  • Opal Card information: You have the option to get a physical Opal card, or 'tap and pay' from your phone.

  • Transport NSW: Transport NSW offers a 'trip planner' which will map out a route via public transport for you; the website also offers route maps for buses and trains. 

  • Macquarie University Metro Station: Across the street from the shopping centre - 10 minute walk to venue.

  • Taxi Rank, Macquarie Shopping Centre: There is a taxi stop located at the bus interchange at Macquarie Shopping Centre if you are looking for more direct and private transport.

  • Uber: Uber is an alternative to taxis that can be called via the Uber app. 

In 2026, meals are not included as part of event registration. Please plan to organise your own food throughout the competition.

bottom of page