Future Edition 8+FIRST® LEGO® League
The next generation of FIRST® LEGO® League is here — powered by LEGO Education Computer Science & AI Sets, new game mechanics, and four unique player roles.
The New Generation
Is Here.
The FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition offers a modern and hands-on learning experience using the new LEGO Education Computer Science & AI Sets. Students take on exciting building, programming, and research challenges.
The program integrates easily into classrooms, after-school clubs, full-day programs, and other learning environments. With technology from LEGO Education, it supports many different learning styles — even students with little prior experience in robotics or STEM can get started easily.
In Finland, groups can participate in Future Edition 8+ starting with the 2026/27 season. Registration opens in May 2026.
Future Edition 8+ — program overview
Two editions running
side by side.
During the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons, both the Founders Edition and the Future Edition run in parallel — giving groups the flexibility to transition at their own pace.
Founders Edition
The established program, based on LEGO Education SPIKE™ Prime. Teams of 2–10 students aged 9–16, competing in regional qualifiers and the national championship.
Future Edition 8+
The next generation, powered by the new LEGO Education Computer Science & AI Set. Groups of up to 24 students aged 8–16, with four player roles and semi-cooperative gameplay.
Important: The Future Edition is not compatible with LEGO Education SPIKE™ or other legacy products. If you already have SPIKE™ Prime sets, please register for the Founders Edition (FLL Challenge).
Everything you need
to get started.
Future Edition 8+ is designed to be flexible and accessible. Here's what participation looks like for groups in Finland.
Participation
Future Edition 8+ is open to students aged 8 to 16 (Grades 4–10). Groups of up to 24 participants are organized into teams of up to 8 students, each supported by 1 to 2 coaches.
Participation is possible as a school or community-based group. Teams can optionally participate in events — regional qualifiers and the national championship.
In Finland, participation is free of charge for the 2026/2027 season, made possible by our sponsors and Aurora Math ry.
Age range
Ages 8–16, Grades 4–10
Group size
Up to 24 participants per group
Team size
Up to 8 students per team
Coaches
1–2 coaches per group
Cost
Free for all Finnish groups in 2026/2027
2026/2027 Season Schedule
Registration for Future Edition 8+ opens on May 19, 2026. The deadline for teams participating in events is October 31, 2026; groups without event participation can register until March 31, 2027.
The Game Release takes place online on August 4, 2026 — the same day as FLL Challenge. Material shipping begins August 5.
Regional events start from November 2026. Contact us at league@auroramath.fi for the full Finnish event calendar.
Registration opens
May 19, 2026
Registration deadline (events)
October 31, 2026
Game Release
August 4, 2026 (online)
Materials shipped
From August 5, 2026
Regional events
From November 2026
What Your Group Needs
In addition to the season materials provided by FLL Finland, each group will need the following:
• LEGO Education CS & AI Sets — two sets per team of up to 8 participants (8+ or 11+ version)
• Multiple programming languages are supported: Word Blocks, Icon Blocks, and Python
• At least one laptop and/or tablet per team
• A game table for the field mats (building instructions provided free)
Contact us at league@auroramath.fi if you need help sourcing the kits.
CS & AI Set
2 sets per team (8+ or 11+ version)
Device
1 laptop or tablet per team
Coding options
Word Blocks, Icon Blocks, or Python
Game table
Build-it-yourself, instructions provided
Tested at the
FIRST Championship
Houston 2026.
At the FIRST® Championship in Houston in April 2026, four teams — including Team rhsRobotX2 from Ricarda-Huch-Schule Braunschweig — had the exclusive opportunity to present the Future Edition 8+ game.
They tested the new game materials, explored challenges on the playing field, and gained early insights into the research topics of the BIOGLOW season.
First impressions — FIRST Championship Houston 2026
Computer Science
& AI.
The LEGO Education Computer Science & AI Sets are the new technological foundation of Future Edition 8+. They provide a hands-on introduction to robotics, programming, and artificial intelligence, and were specifically developed for educational use.
CS & AI Set
8+
Two sets are required per team with up to 8 participants. In addition to the sets, extra hardware is needed — including motors, controllers, and connection cards.
The amount of additional hardware required depends on the number of CS & AI Sets being used. Contact us or visit LEGO Education for full hardware bundle details.
Hardware bundle information →
CS & AI Set
11+
Two sets are required per team with up to 8 participants. The 11+ set includes all materials needed for participation — no additional hardware is required.
This makes the 11+ version the simpler out-of-the-box choice for groups already familiar with STEM concepts. Multiple programming languages are supported: Word Blocks, Icon Blocks, and Python.
LEGO Education →Founders Edition vs
Future Edition 8+
Not sure which program is right for your group? Here's a direct comparison to help you decide.
What teams explore
this season.
Marine Ecosystems
Bioluminescent creatures of the deep sea and ocean health.
Forest Biodiversity
How forests host thousands of species and why diversity matters.
Microorganisms
Tiny glowing organisms and their role in larger ecosystems.
Bioinspired Tech
How nature's light inspires sustainable technologies and innovations.
Plant Life
Plant diversity, pollination networks, and ecosystem resilience.
Pollinators & Insects
The vital role insects play in sustaining biodiversity.
Climate & Change
How climate shifts affect ecosystem diversity and balance.
Urban Biodiversity
Creating space for nature in cities and towns.
Common questions.
Join Future Edition 8+!
Be among the first Finnish groups to experience the next generation of FIRST® LEGO® League.