top of page

2026 Asia Pacific Open Championship

FIRST  LEGO  League

®
®

Experience UNEARTHED on the Global Stage in Sydney!

The 2026 FIRST LEGO League Asia Pacific Open Championship will take place from 9–12 July 2026 in Sydney, Australia, bringing together inspiring young innovators from across the region. Teams will showcase their skills in robotics, research, and teamwork as they take on the UNEARTHED℠ season theme, exploring challenges inspired by archaeology, discovery, and understanding the past.

​

Over four dynamic days, teams will compete, share ideas, celebrate diverse cultures, and connect with peers from around the world. More than a competition, the Asia Pacific Open Championship is a collaborative learning experience that empowers young people to think critically, work together, and see themselves as the innovators and problem-solvers of the future.

Closing Ceremony 35_edited.jpg

Event Details

Thursday 9 July - Sunday 12 July, 2026

Capacity for 60 FIRST LEGO League teams 

9:00am - 5pm (Times will vary depending on day) 

1 Central Courtyard (1CC) Macquarie University, Macquarie Park NSW 2113 

$380 + GST (AUD) per person - 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. 

Season theme will be UNEARTHED

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.

Stay an extra day (Monday 13 July) after the excitement of APOC 2026 and dive into the next season’s challenge before anyone else! 

This 2026-2027 Season Enrichment Experience is a full-day, hands-on learning opportunity designed for FIRST LEGO League teams attending the 2026 Asia-Pacific Open Championship (APOC).

 

Delivered by FIRST Australia in partnership with Macquarie University, this optional experience extends the season journey beyond competition by immersing students in authentic, real-world inquiry guided by university researchers and educators.

Why Take Part?

 

  • Get a head start on the new season’s innovation project!

  • Extend your team’s season learning beyond competition

  • Engage directly with university researchers and STEM professionals

  • Experience Australia’s unique learning environments

  • Strengthen teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking

  • Inspire future study pathways across science, engineering, and related fields

Who can attend?

 

  • FIRST LEGO League teams attending APOC 2026

  • Students, coaches, and team leaders

  • Places are limited — registration details shared with APOC teams closer to the event

What does it cost?

 

  • The program will be delivered for free by FIRST Australia and Macquarie University. A catering charge of AU$30 per person will apply (approx. €17 or US$20)

Relive the energy and excitement of last year’s Asia Pacific Open Championship. Teams from across the region came together for four unforgettable days of robotics, innovation, and collaboration.

​

From high-intensity robot matches to inspiring innovation projects, cultural exchange, and exciting adventures, the event captured everything that makes FIRST LEGO League special. Explore the highlights below — and get ready for what’s coming in Sydney in 2026.

Photo Gallery 

Highlights Video

Q: When Teams register for APOC, do all registrations need to be done at the same time? 

 

  • A: It is easier for us administratively, if all team members do register at the same time. However, we also understand this is not always possible. So, you can add additional team members after the initial group is registered and closer to the event. However, if they register too late, we cannot guarantee we can provide shirts in the correct sizes, or even APOC shirts at all. 

 

Q: Do parents/siblings usually attend? 

 

  • A: Lots do and parents and siblings and spectators are always welcome to join the fun. Come and cheer on the teams that have worked so hard to make it to APOC.  

​

Q: Can people who have not registered (parents, family and other accompanying persons), attend the event and watch the competition?  

​

  • A: Yes, the event is open to the public. So, anyone can watch the competition for free. But only registered guests can join us at the other additional activities such as the Sydney Harbor Boat cruise or catch the bus transfers.  

​

Q: Can parents/siblings register for the full APOC experience?  

​

  • A: Absolutely, we always encourage siblings and parents to enjoy the whole APOC experience with their children.

 

Q: Can parents and other accompanying family just pay for a particular event they would like to attend?  

 

  • A: Sometimes, if there is spare capacity we may open up the ability to attend a particular activity such as the boat cruise. However, these tickets will not be available until the last few weeks before the competition.

 

Q: Can teams get materials and supplies shipped to the location ahead of time? 

 

  • A: We do not have facilities to receive or store teams goods before the event. So teams will be required make other arrangements and bring any items they need on the day of the competition.  

​

Q: What is the set-up for the pits? How much space will we be given in the pits? 

​

  • A: Each team will be given a 2m x 2m space in the pits with a small single person examination table.  There will not be walls to hang things. Please assume you need to bring everything you need to create your space. Ie poles etc. 

​

Q: We have heard there will be a Cultural Performance night. What will this involve? 

​

  • A: For the Cultural Night teams can do a performance that showcases their country. It can be a song, dance, story or demonstration that engages the audience and teaches them about where they come from.  More details on this to follow. 

bottom of page