A parent's view
A parent on what changed for their teen: the result, in their own words.
The new season has started · Free Open Day · Taguspark, Oeiras
For ambitious students aged 14 to 17
At Thunderstrike, Portugal's first FIRST® Tech Challenge team, students run it like a tech startup: they design, program and build a competition robot every season, finding sponsors, managing budgets and pitching their work, then competing across Europe. See it in action at our free Open Day.
Book your visit →What's working: sports, coding classes and STEM workshops are good. They build habits and curiosity.
What's missing: most are passive. No real deadlines, no competition and no project that stands out in a university application.
Competitive robotics is still new in Portugal, and Team Thunderstrike is leading the way.
Families are looking for a new way to…
An independent, selective competitive robotics team for committed students aged 14 to 17. In one season, students design, program and build a competition robot, and then take it to international FIRST® competitions.
A typical STEM activity vs Team Thunderstrike
✓ Easy to join and trusted by parents
✓ A good first contact with tech
✕ Passive learning, no real competition
✕ No real university leverage
✕ Low commitment, low intensity
✓ Real deadlines and engineering pressure
✓ International FIRST® competitions
✓ A portfolio for top universities
✓ A team that counts on them every week
→ Commitment required, that's what builds discipline
How a season works
What your teen gains
Designs, codes and builds a new robot every season.
Real projects and results that strengthen university applications.
Takes part in international FIRST® tournaments against top teams.
Real deadlines and pressure that build the discipline to solve complex challenges.
Learns to lead, collaborate in alliances and pitch their work to judges.
Belongs to the FIRST® community, a worldwide network of mentors and ambitious students.
Real stories from our team members
A parent on what changed for their teen: the result, in their own words.
Students on building, competing and working as a team.
About FIRST® and Team Thunderstrike
FIRST® is a global non-profit organization founded in the US in 1989 that inspires young people through robotics competitions. In the FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC), teams of students aged 12 to 18 design, build and program robots to compete in alliances against teams from around the world.
We opened the door to FTC in Portugal. Team Thunderstrike #33535, based in Taguspark (Oeiras, Lisbon), is an independent, selective team. We're not a school club or a hobby class. In 2026, our first year as team, our students competed in 3 European tournaments, earning 7 awards and 2 event wins.
How to join the team
Free Open Day · Taguspark, Oeiras
The new season has started. Join early to be part of this year's build and competitions. Every Saturday, 09:00 to 12:00.
Visit booked. We will confirm your Saturday by email.
Is Thunderstrike right for your child?
✓ Love building and solving problems
✓ Are ready to commit every week
✓ Want a portfolio for top universities or love solving complex challenges
✕ A casual, just-for-fun hobby
✕ A class with no commitment
✕ Passive learning
FAQs
No. Commitment matters more than experience. The trial and interview help us both see if it's the right fit.
The Open Day is free. We share membership details during your visit.
No. Team Thunderstrike is an independent team, open to students from any school.
At Taguspark in Oeiras, Lisbon, the epicenter of Portugal's tech scene.
The season has started. Come and see it for yourself.
© 2026 Team Thunderstrike #33535 · Taguspark, Oeiras