When Students Become Heroes

As a mom, I often tell my kids that heroes are not only found in movies or comic books. Some of them are in classrooms, wearing their school uniforms, holding ideas instead of shields. Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow program proves just that.

For 15 years, Solve for Tomorrow has inspired students worldwide to use science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to create solutions for real-world problems in their communities. What began as a small contest in the United States has evolved into a global movement spanning 68 countries, engaging over 2.8 million students, and generating more than 400,000 innovative ideas aimed at building a better world.

A Global Program that Inspires Local Change

Since 2010, Solve for Tomorrow has evolved from a simple essay competition into a life-changing experience for young innovators. It was launched in Asia in 2013, and by 2023, the Philippines proudly became part of this global initiative.

This year, Samsung introduces new global themes that reflect today’s most pressing challenges:

• Environmental Sustainability via Technology, which encourages students to use tech to protect natural resources and promote eco-friendly practices.
• Social Change through Sport and Technology highlights how sports and innovation can bring communities together and create lasting impact.

For Filipino students, the 2025 competition will focus on Solving Local Community Problems with AI, empowering young minds to use artificial intelligence in developing innovative, practical solutions that improve everyday life in their hometowns.

Celebrating Filipino Ingenuity

Supported by the Department of Education since its first local run in 2023, Solve for Tomorrow has become a stage for young Filipino innovators to shine. Each year, the competition showcases projects that demonstrate creativity, compassion, and scientific excellence, all driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference.

In its first year, “Team Intellimeter” from the Philippine Science High School – Cagayan Valley Campus won first place with an intelligent energy management system designed to reduce power consumption and fight climate change.

Second place went to Bansud National High School – Regional Science High School for “Project O.A.S.I.S.,” a system that filters oil and microplastics from ocean water. Third place was awarded to “Team TomPost,” also from Cagayan Valley, for their “Agricultural Waste Compost Processor,” which turns farm waste into valuable compost.

The following year, students continued to impress. Lipa City Science Integrated National High School claimed first place with “Hi-LoWall,” a solar-powered fog wall that helps cool rising temperatures using rice husk biochar. The Philippine Science High School – Main Campus took second place with “Croprotech,” which enhances soil health and reduces degradation. Calamba City Science Integrated School earned third place for “SIMS: Smart Infrastructure Monitoring System,” a project that uses sensors to detect potential structural issues during disasters.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Innovators

As parents, we always hope that our children will grow up with a heart to help others. Through programs like Solve for Tomorrow, young people are learning that science and compassion can coexist.

“For 15 years, Solve for Tomorrow has challenged students around the world to use technology to address real issues in their communities. At Samsung, we see this competition as a way to encourage creating practical, problem-solving strategies with the power of tech innovation. We’re proud to support the next generation as they apply technology to make a measurable impact where it matters most,” says Min Su Chu, President of Samsung Electronics Philippines.

With more than PHP 2 million worth of Samsung devices and cash prizes up for grabs, the program is open to STEM students from Grades 8 to 10 in government-managed science high schools across the nation. Entries are accepted until October 26, 2025.

To learn more and submit entries, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/solve-for-tomorrow/.

Inspiring a Future that Starts in the Classroom

The Solve for Tomorrow program is more than just a competition; it’s a reminder that innovation begins with curiosity and the desire to make life better for others. For moms raising the next generation, this is a powerful lesson to pass on: heroes can be our own children, using their ideas and kindness to shape a brighter, smarter future for the world