Samsung Electronics Philippines, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Science High School System, announced the much-anticipated return of its global Solve for Tomorrow initiative, marking its 15th year worldwide and third year in the Philippines. This innovation-driven competition invites Grades 8–10 students from government-managed science high schools across the nation to develop bold, technology-driven solutions that address pressing local challenges. With a prize pool exceeding PHP 2 million in cash and Samsung devices, the program empowers young Filipinos to become “next-gen heroes” by harnessing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to create meaningful change. From Manila’s bustling urban centers to rural communities in Mindanao, Solve for Tomorrow encourages students to think creatively and act locally, aligning with global trends in youth-led innovation seen in markets like India and Singapore.
The 2025 edition of Solve for Tomorrow challenges teams of up to four students and one teacher-adviser to submit STEM proposals tackling one of three thematic areas. The first theme, Environmental Sustainability through Technology, encourages students to leverage STEM principles to promote recycling, material regeneration, or waste reduction, addressing issues like plastic pollution or energy inefficiency. The second theme, Social Change through Tech and Sport, invites teams to use technology and sports to foster education, entrepreneurship, or social inclusion, creating opportunities for underserved youth. The third theme, Solving Community Problems with AI, taps into the growing role of artificial intelligence in daily life, urging students to design practical AI-driven solutions for local issues such as public safety or resource management. These themes reflect Samsung’s commitment to fostering innovation that resonates with Filipino communities, from urban Quezon City to coastal Cebu.
To participate, teams must submit a proposal of up to 2,500 words as a PDF (maximum 40 MB) by October 26, 2025, at 11:59 PM via https://www.samsung.com/ph/solve-for-tomorrow/. Proposals can be formatted as a 7-page Word document (Arial, 11-point font) or a 5-slide PowerPoint presentation, outlining a solution that demonstrates design innovation, community relevance, feasibility, STEM integration, sustainability, and clarity. A panel of judges, including industry experts and Samsung representatives, will evaluate submissions based on these criteria. On November 11, 2025, the top 10 teams will be announced and receive mentorship to refine their ideas. These finalists will present their solutions to a distinguished judging panel on December 3, 2025, with the top three winners revealed on December 9, 2025, during a ceremony celebrating their impact.
The competition’s prize structure is designed to reward innovation and support schools:
- Grand Prize: PHP 500,000 in Samsung devices for the school, PHP 250,000 in devices for the team and teacher, PHP 100,000 cash for the team, and PHP 30,000 cash for the teacher.
- Second Prize: PHP 300,000 in devices for the school, PHP 250,000 in devices for the team and teacher, PHP 70,000 cash for the team, and PHP 25,000 for the teacher.
- Third Prize: PHP 200,000 in devices for the school, PHP 250,000 in devices for the team and teacher, PHP 50,000 cash for the team, and PHP 15,000 for the teacher.
- Remaining Top 10 Teams: PHP 15,000 cash for the team and PHP 5,000 for the teacher.
Since its inception in 2010, Solve for Tomorrow has transformed from a simple essay contest into a global platform for hands-on innovation, impacting over 2 million people across 50 countries and awarding more than $29 million in technology to 4,300+ schools, per news.samsung.com. In the Philippines, the program has gained traction since its 2023 debut, with nearly 300 submissions in 2024, including standout projects like the Intellimeter from Philippine Science High School-Cagayan Valley Campus, which used AI to monitor energy usage, and Project O.A.S.I.S. from Bansud NHS-Regional Science High School, which addressed microplastic pollution. This year’s focus on AI reflects its integration into everyday tools like smartphones and voice assistants, empowering Filipino students—who are already tech-savvy—to create solutions with real-world impact. Mentorship from experts like Monchito Ibrahim of the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines further equips teams to refine their ideas, ensuring feasibility and scalability.
The cultural resonance of Solve for Tomorrow extends beyond the Philippines. In Manila, where SM Cinemas host films like Wicked: For Good that celebrate transformation, the competition’s emphasis on community-driven solutions mirrors local values of bayanihan (communal unity). In India, where youth innovation thrives at events like TechSparks, the program’s sustainability and AI themes align with efforts to address urban challenges, as seen in initiatives like Smart Cities Mission. Social media buzz on X, with posts from @SamsungPH and @TechPH, hails the competition as “a launchpad for Filipino innovators,” while TikTok showcases student teams brainstorming ideas, amplifying engagement. With its global legacy and local impact, Solve for Tomorrow 2025 is not just a competition—it’s a movement, inspiring Filipino youth to shape a better tomorrow through STEM.
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