Rust Belt Robotics is Buffalo’s only free, community-based FIRST Robotics team. While the team’s ongoing success story is both exciting and heartwarming, the push is on to create a sustainable, year-round program that is not only stable, but vibrant.
The story of Rust Belt Robotics starts in a garage, where a handful of students from across Buffalo and Erie County came together to launch their dream robotics team. That was in 2022. Now, four years into its journey, the team has announced that it has earned a spot at the 2026 FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas.
Students from multiple schools and neighborhoods learn engineering, programming, fabrication, and systems together, regardless of family income or school resources.
What makes this achievement so significant is Rust Belt Robotics’ unwavering mission: access without barriers. Incredibly, the team and its supporters have been able to overcome many financial hurdles (travel, lodging, shipping, tools, and materials) thanks to its steadfast commitment to the cause. That said, in order to continue to provide consistent, barrier-free access to high-quality STEM learning, a push is on to not only sustain the program, but to nurture and grow it. In theory, this is an ideal that should self-manifest. But in reality, costs associated with the burgeoning program are one of the team’s biggest contenders.
This season, Team 424 didn’t only build a robot, they conducted local research, documented peer stories, and mapped what they call “opportunity density,” highlighting how few pathways exist for Buffalo teens to enter high-impact robotics programs.
“This team has shown—again and again—that talent is everywhere in Buffalo,” said Founder and Lead Mentor of Rust Belt Robotics, Dillan Sayers, whose team is currently preparing to compete at the Tech Valley Regional (April 15–18th), before traveling to Houston for the World Championship (April 29–May 2nd). “What’s been missing is consistent access. Our students have earned their place on the world stage. Now we’re asking the community to help build a sustainable, year-round program—so we can stay free for students, grow our mentor base, and keep opening doors for the next generation long after this season ends.”
“Our students are not just competing,” said Dmitri Tsabai, local businessman who has been quietly supporting the team. “They are representing what Buffalo can become when opportunity is protected, talent is trusted, and a community stands behind its youth.”
Rust Belt Robotics is currently raising funds to sustain a no-cost, community-based robotics program with dependable workspace, equipment, and year-round training for Buffalo students.
Organizations interested in multi-year sponsorships or in-kind support (materials, machining, workspace, transportation) are encouraged to reach out.
Click here to make a donation.
Get connected: rustbeltroboticsbuffalo.com | Email: RustBeltRoboticsBuffalo@gmail.com
