HARTFORD, CT - Governor Ned Lamont today is congratulating ten Connecticut-based teams for advancing to the 2025 FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas – one of the world’s premier STEM competitions – and is highlighting the role of the state’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF) in helping prepare young talent for careers in advanced manufacturing and engineering.

This year, seven high school-level FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams from Connecticut represented the state on the national stage. Among them were three rookie teams and four teams from Alliance Districts, which are Connecticut’s thirty highest-need school districts. In total, ten teams across multiple FIRST programs competed from Connecticut, including FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams.

“Young talent is the future of Connecticut’s robust and thriving manufacturing industry,” Governor Lamont said. “These students prove what’s possible when we invest in opportunity. They’re not just building robots, they’re building skills, confidence, and careers. I am very proud of what they’ve accomplished on the world stage. This is what it means to ‘Make It Here.’”

These positive outcomes reflect the growing impact of the $2.7 million MIF investment administered through the Office of Manufacturing and ReadyCT, which has helped scale robotics programming statewide. The investment directly supports new team creation, equipment, mentorship, and travel – all of which are opening doors for students in underserved communities to gain hands-on experience in design, coding, and collaboration.

The MIF was established by the General Assembly in 2014 to strengthen Connecticut’s manufacturing sector. Since then, it has supported training programs, technology adoption, and workforce pipeline development to meet evolving industry needs. The robotics program is one of the fund’s key youth engagement strategies.

“This is exactly what the Manufacturing Innovation Fund is all about,” Paul Lavoie, Connecticut’s chief manufacturing officer, said. “These robotics competitions reflect the foundation of our industry – collaboration, ingenuity, and passion. From funding to mentorship, we’re building the next generation of makers and innovators right here in Connecticut, showing the world that if you can dream it, you can make it here in Connecticut.”

Among the standout teams were:

• FRC 7153, Aetos Dios from Manchester – Winner of the FIRST Championship Team Spirit Award
• FRC 3182, Athena’s Warriors from Hartford – Winner of the Imagery Award in honor of Jack Kamen
• FLL Challenge 52604, Aluminum Eyas from Pawcatuck – Recipient of the Rising All-Star Award

Additional teams include:

• FTC 130, Blazing Spirits from Windsor
• FTC 7034, Singularity Technology 7024 from Wilton
• FRC 176, Aces High from Windsor Locks
• FRC 195, CyberKnights from Southington
• FRC 230, Gaelhawks from Shelton
• FRC 5142, RoboDominators from New Haven
• FRC 7407 Wired Boars from Wallingford

“The remarkable achievement of seven Connecticut FIRST Robotics teams advancing to the national championship underscores the profound impact of the Manufacturing Innovation Fund’s $2.7 million investment in expanding robotics programs statewide,” Shannon Marimon, executive director of ReadyCT, said. “This strategic support not only enhances STEM education but also cultivates the essential skills – such as teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation – that are vital for building a robust manufacturing workforce for the future.”

As Connecticut continues to expand its manufacturing ecosystem, programs like FIRST are critical to ensuring that students from all backgrounds see a future for themselves in high-skill, high-wage careers. The success of these teams – especially those from high-need districts and rookie programs – demonstrates the talent and drive that exists across the state.

To learn more about the MIF and its youth initiatives, visit manufacturing.ct.gov/mif.