Where do you meet?
gnite is based at the home of two of our mentors in Suwanee. The shop has two spaces. There is a tool and manufacturing space in the garage where we make custom parts and do some assembly. This space houses the large tools like the CNC, drill press, metal brake, etc. We custom make the majority of our parts here. There is also a classroom and assembly space in the basement where we hold meetings, have working sessions, and do robot assembly. Throughout the year, we also utilize practice fields that are hosted around the metro Atlanta area. Finally, as much as is permitted, we live-stream all meetings so that students, parents, and mentors can participate remotely when needed.
What can I learn and do as an Ignite student?
It takes knowledge and skill to build a robot, and Ignite is here to help you learn what you need to know. Whether it’s programming, electronics, mechanical engineering, business planning, video editing, or something completely new and amazing, we can help you find a role that fits your passion. This will be the hardest fun you’ll ever have.
How much does it cost to join Ignite?
Membership dues for the 2025-2026 season are $650. This does not include travel related expenses, but does include 2 custom season t-shirts.
What can be expected as far as basic scheduling for the year?
Sep – Dec: Offseason training and prep; one offseason comp in early October.
• Tuesday night and Saturday afternoon general meetings plus meetings and training sessions as scheduled. Expect 2-3 meetings per week that can be attended as your schedule permits. This year we also have a booth at Suwanee Fest mid-September, a demo scheduled at Dragon Con Labor Day weekend, and a demo scheduled at DreamHack the last weekend in October plus volunteer fundraising events at Vex tournaments.
Jan – Feb: Build
• Game reveal first weekend in January; a long weekend of strategy, analysis, and beginning design. Students can expect to spend all day Saturday and all of Sunday afternoon on Kick-Off activities
• 3-5 evening/weekend sessions per week of design, manufacture, build, test. We encourage students to have other outside interests and activities, but the more sessions they attend the more they typically gain from Ignite
Mar – Apr: Competitions and iterations on the robot between competitions.
• Georgia FIRST has five 2-day comps (“districts”), one or two per weekend starting late Feb. • Ignite attends 2 of these district comps— competition weekends are either all day Friday and Saturday or all day Saturday and Sunday. These choices are usually selected in October and November.
Hopefully we will qualify for District Championship (early April in Georgia)
• Hopefully we will qualify for World Championship (Houston, TX, 3rd week of April)
May – Aug: Training and summer projects
Can parents attend competitions?
We absolutely welcome families to travel with the team at their own expense. Many families do, and we have a great time at competitions!
Can parents volunteer with the team?
YES! There are lots of opportunities to pitch in from driving carpools and sending snacks, to teaching technical and business skills to our students.
Who are the “adults in charge?”
Our mentors are adults who are background checked and youth protection trained. Most of our technical mentors are professionals in the fields of engineering, computer science, and manufacturing, and many have had children on FIRST Robotics competition teams (and have stayed around even after their students graduated). Our mentors work collaboratively with our students through the entire design, build, programming, and competition process.
Can I visit an Ignite meeting?
Of course! Parents and students are welcome to join us for a meeting, either in-person, or virtually. Contact us at info@igniterobotics.com