Samsung Electronics has announced the return of its Solve for Tomorrow competition, a nationwide initiative designed to engage and inspire the next generation of Australian innovators and problem solvers using STEM skills.
Solve for Tomorrow – a free competition that is open to young Australians aged 14 to 24 – calls on students to use their creative, critical thinking, collaborative and communication skills to create tech solutions that address the social issues they are most passionate about.
Samsung is devoted to uncovering talent and supporting technological innovations that help build a better society. The ability to connect local youth with industry experts continues to be a powerful method to spark new advancements that yield positive transformation.
With the environment, equality, and mental health ranking as the three most important issues today by young Australians, Solve for Tomorrow provides individuals with an opportunity to bring their ideas to life in a meaningful way that drives impact.
The competition also serves as a launchpad for younger generations considering a future career in STEM, at a time when Australian jobs in STEM are predicted to grow over 14.2 per cent by 2026 – twice as fast as non-STEM occupations.
Brett Turnbull, director of corporate marketing, at Samsung Electronics Australia, said: “At Samsung, we believe in a shared mission to create real change that tackles economic, social, and environmental issues.”
“As technological connectivity and social media grows, so does activism. Through Solve for Tomorrow, we are providing purpose-driven young Australians a platform to establish themselves as pioneers and channel their passion into creating a better future by building their STEM and critical thinking skills,” he added.
Since winning the overall Solve for Tomorrow 2022 prize pack after presenting her animal conservation idea, Tasmania-based Meg Phillips has gone on to build her honours around the project and is looking to put the prize money towards testing and creating prototypes of her RFID system.
Beyond honours, Phillips is looking to get the technology to a place where she can run full scale trials and realise her goal of preventing roadkill. In her final year of a Science and Engineering combined degree at the University of Tasmania, majoring in applied mathematics and electrical engineering, she is also currently taking part in an Electrical Engineering internship in Singapore.
Phillips said: “The competition allowed me to stretch my skillset and gave me the confidence to pursue other ideas, turning one of my dreams into a reality. I’m grateful for the experience through Samsung and feel good knowing that I can help make a difference, whether that’s through a bigger idea like Solve for Tomorrow, or in my everyday life by the work that I’m doing.”
New this year, Samsung has partnered with Student Edge, an independent online platform that provides students and teachers with on-demand courses to learn practical life skills, and access job opportunities, and deals, competitions, surveys, student articles and free resources.
The organisation will help connect its network of 1.3 million students to the Solve for Tomorrow competition through its existing How Did I Get Here podcast and a series of five in-person Design Sprints structured to help potential participants brainstorm, shape, and present their ideas. All ideas will receive immediate entry into the Solve for Tomorrow competition, offering a chance to win multiple prizes.
Damien Langley, co-founder at Student Edge, said: “Creating success stories for students is at the heart of what we do, and we are honoured to work with an industry leader like Samsung on Solve for Tomorrow.”
“It’s a thought-provoking global initiative and locally, offers today’s youth a means to inspiring others and showcasing their passion for STEM.”
To participate, young Australians are invited to submit video or written project proposals by via the Solve for Tomorrow website. A panel of judges will review the proposals and select the winners based on their STEM application, creativity, feasibility, relevancy, and presentation.
Applications are open now until 7th January 2024.
With seven chances to win across the Design Sprints and Solve for Tomorrow competition, entrants could receive up to $10,000 in cash from the major prize alone to bring their idea to life. Two outstanding projects will be recognised as runners-up, and an additional will walk away as the Samsung Employees’ Choice winner as part of a polled vote for the best entry. Each winner will also receive a Samsung Productivity Pack, including a Samsung Z Flip4 5G, 27” M5 Smart Monitor, and Galaxy Buds2 Pro.
Since launching in Australia in 2021, the tech company’s Solve for Tomorrow has empowered young innovators and reached thousands of students, fostering their passion for STEM and encouraging them to pursue careers in the industry.