FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FARGO, N.D. (April 28, 2026) — NDeavor Barry D. Batcheller Tech Park is sponsoring the Lightning Turtles 3100 robotics team as the team prepares to compete at the 2026 FIRST® Robotics Competition World Championship, held April 29–May 2 in Houston, Texas.
Based in Mendota Heights, Minn., the Lightning Turtles earned their place at Worlds after winning the 2026 Lake Superior Regional Tournament — the team’s first regional championship since its founding in 2009. The team also received the Autonomous Award, recognizing the high performance and reliability of its robot’s autonomous operation.
The FIRST World Championship brings together hundreds of top robotics teams from around the world, giving students the opportunity to compete at the highest level while learning alongside leading universities, companies, and peers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
NDeavor’s support, alongside additional contributions from North Dakota State University, is helping make the team’s trip to Houston possible. The sponsorship reflects NDeavor’s commitment to hands-on learning, applied engineering, and creating more opportunities for students to build real skills through real technical work.
“Qualifying for the FIRST World Championship is a huge milestone for our team,” said Eric Bergquist, advisor for the Lightning Turtles. “It gives these students the chance to compete on a global stage, learn from some of the best teams in the world, and bring that experience back home. NDeavor’s support made that possible.”
“Before this partnership, I didn’t realize NDSU had a place like NDeavor’s Innovation Studio,” said Camille Lamb, co-captain of the Lightning Turtles and a senior at Two Rivers High School. “Now I know there’s a place for me here to keep creating with my hands and see my ideas become real.”
“The Lightning Turtles are exactly the kind of students we want to support — curious, capable, and willing to put in the work to build something real,” said Brenda Wyland, CEO of NDeavor. “Helping them get to the world stage is an investment in their growth and in the kind of talent our region needs.”
NDeavor team members will attend the championship in Houston to support the students. After Worlds, the Lightning Turtles plan to bring their robot to NDeavor for a live demonstration.
About NDeavor
NDeavor is a tech foundry that serves as a catalyst for innovation in North Dakota and beyond. By connecting research, industry, public partners, and entrepreneurial talent, NDeavor helps move ideas into real-world use through engineering, prototyping, commercialization, and venture support. Its work strengthens workforce development, startup growth, and applied technology across key sectors including defense, precision agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.
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