Team VI has arrived in South Korea as the Virgin Islands’ young innovators prepare to represent the Territory at the 2026 FIRST Global Challenge, one of the world’s largest international robotics competitions for teenagers. Photo: Facebook/ JTVchannel 55

According to JTV Channel 55, the delegation began its first full day in South Korea with experiences beyond the competition arena, including a visit to the Starfield Library at Starfield COEX Mall in Seoul. The students explored how technology, architecture and education can come together to create modern learning environments designed to inspire creativity and research. Photo: Facebook/ JTVchannel

For Team VI, the visit offered a broader view of innovation as the students prepare to compete against peers from around the world. Members of the delegation also visited the Starfield Aquarium and the National Folk Museum of Korea, gaining exposure to aspects of Korean culture and society ahead of the official programme. Photo: Facebook/ JTVchannel

The delegation began its first full day in South Korea with experiences beyond the competition arena, including a visit to the Starfield Library at Starfield COEX Mall in Seoul. The students explored how technology, architecture, and education can come together to create modern learning environments designed to inspire creativity and research.

For Team VI, the visit offered a broader view of innovation as the students prepare to compete against peers from around the world. Members of the delegation also visited the Starfield Aquarium and the National Folk Museum of Korea, gaining exposure to aspects of Korean culture and society ahead of the official programme.

International competition

The 2026 FIRST Global Challenge is being held in Incheon from October 7 to 10, bringing together high-school-aged students from more than 190 countries under the theme “Igniting Innovation.” The Olympics-style event challenges participants to design, build, and operate robots while collaborating to address global challenges through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Team VI’s participation marks another opportunity for young Virgin Islanders to test their technical skills, exchange ideas with international counterparts and represent the Territory on a global stage. The competition is about more than building and operating a robot; it also gives students the chance to learn from different approaches to technology, teamwork and problem-solving.

Mentors accompany the students as they move into registration and the official FIRST Global 2026 activities, which will unite young innovators and mentors from countries around the world.

VI's participation is being supported by the Government of the Virgin Islands through the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, as well as corporate sponsors including Harneys, Exness VG and Nagico Insurance BVI.