The National Tournament of the 22nd season of the FIRST LEGO League Challenge, organized under the “Science Heroes Meet” program, has begun at Fuar İzmir. Hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and supported by İZFAŞ, the event is organized by Bilim Kahramanları Derneği (Science Heroes Association) and brings together a total of 74 teams from 21 cities across Türkiye.
Each year, the FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to inspire children and young people aged 9–16 to see themselves as “socially responsible scientists and engineers.” With more than 300,000 participants from over 100 countries worldwide, the competition’s 22nd season National Tournament is being hosted in İzmir this year. Held under the theme “UNEARTHED,” teams explore archaeological processes, underground structures, and hidden traces of ancient civilizations. Students develop innovative solutions to the problems they encounter and complete missions using robots they design and code. The program, which aims to increase young people’s interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), also enables participants to showcase their skills in robot design, software development, problem-solving, and teamwork.

74 Teams Compete
The National Tournament, held in Hall A at Fuar İzmir, brings together 74 teams and approximately 750 students and teachers from 21 cities across Türkiye. Attendees at the opening ceremony included CHP Group Deputy Chair in the İzmir Metropolitan Municipal Council, Altan İnanç, Chair of the Board of the Science Heroes Association, Prof. Dr. Sıddıka Semahat Demir, General Manager of İZFAŞ, Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu, as well as executives from the Science Heroes Association and İZFAŞ, academics, teachers, and students.

Thanks to the Metropolitan Municipality and İZFAŞ
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Sıddıka Semahat Demir stated that through the “Science Heroes Meet” tournaments held over the past 22 years, they have reached more than 47,000 children and young people. “Today is a day of celebration for all of us. This season, we are proud to have made possible a program involving 501 teams and more than 4,500 children and young people. Knowing that we will continue to work and produce with the goal of reaching even more children each year gives me great strength,” she said, thanking İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and İZFAŞ for hosting local and national tournaments for many years.

“We Are Delighted to Host This Tournament”
The General Manager of İZFAŞ, Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu, said: “We are very happy to have been hosting this tournament for 10 years. At Fuar İzmir, we usually organize trade and industry fairs, but none are as joyful, as science-filled, or as vibrant as this one. That is why we are already looking forward to being here together with you again in the coming years. I wish you all two days full of success, enjoyment, science, and excitement. Thank you for being here.”

Transformation in the Tournament Program
Secretary General of the Science Heroes Association, Aslı Yıkıcı Yurtsever, announced that a new model will be introduced in the FIRST LEGO League Challenge tournaments starting next year. Emphasizing the need to adapt to a changing and evolving world, Yurtsever noted that a transformation process will begin in the program, aiming to create a more participatory structure with new applications that will also incorporate artificial intelligence.
Throughout the two-day tournament, robot competitions, project presentations, and various activities will take place. At the end of the tournament, six teams will qualify to represent Türkiye at the international competition.

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