On 26 September 2024, the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow winners’ event was held at MOTAT, Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology. Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow is a global initiative aimed at harnessing the power of young minds in solving real-world issues using STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Each of the winning projects developed by the students was a clear demonstration of their commitment to addressing challenges faced by their local communities and stakeholders.

• Gabriel Anthony from Whitby Collegiate, our first-place winner in the Years 7-10 category, developed the Pill-Bot, an AI-powered medication identifier designed to help his grandmother and others with low vision safely take the right medications. His innovation was rooted in empathy for his grandmother’s daily struggles, and he worked closely with her and with pharmaceutical companies as he conducted extensive stakeholder engagement of his Pill-Bot. 

• Carlos Tait from Howick Intermediate was awarded second place for the Years 7-10 category, for Scaling New Weights, a tool for conservation volunteers, like his grandad, to quickly measure and weigh pest bait. The judges were impressed by his application of scientific principles and his focus on a problem faced by conservation workers in Aotearoa New Zealand, underlining the importance of integrating local context into design solutions.

• Awarded a Highly Commended for the Years 7-10 category, Emily Huai from Northcross Intermediate focused on a Multifunctional Stretcher. This innovative design was intended to help emergency responders by providing a portable, lightweight, and foldable stretcher that could be easily transported and used in various environments. Emily’s solution was meticulously researched, and the judges noticed her use of the design thinking process to create a detailed model. 

• The Enviro-Saver, developed by Logan Gardiner from Burnside High School, won first place in the Years 11-13 category. This project was an outstanding example of how clever engineering can address environmental issues. Logan’s device helps clean rivers by removing rubbish and debris, harnessing the natural flow of the water to power the machine. His prototype is a prime example of how young people can tackle global challenges like pollution with innovative, practical solutions.

• Second place in the Years 11-13 category went to Ash Beaton from Mount Aspiring College for his customisable, ergonomic gear stick for cars. Ash’s project was designed with input from a wide range of users, making it a highly personalised solution to a common problem for drivers.

What struck me the most about this year’s winners was their ability to engage with stakeholders in meaningful ways. Each winner identified a specific need, consulted with those affected by the problem, and iterated their designs to ensure their solutions were both practical and impactful. These students didn’t just create solutions—they created needed solutions, ones that have the potential to scale and be developed further in partnership with industry and communities.

In 2024, the competition produced incredible results, showcasing just how impactful young people’s ideas can be, and now we’re gearing up for 2025. As technology educators, we are always on the lookout for opportunities that inspire and challenge our students to use their creativity and problem-solving skills. Here’s how you and your students can get involved in this incredible opportunity next year.

What Is Solve for Tomorrow?

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a global competition that invites students to develop innovative ideas that address pressing challenges in their communities. Students in Aotearoa New Zealand, from years 7 to 13, are encouraged to combine STEAM disciplines and design thinking to create tangible solutions that help solve social, environmental, or economic issues.

The competition is open to year 7-13 students, and the challenge focuses on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Students can work as an individual or as a team to bring their ideas to life, with mentorship and guidance provided throughout the process.

Entering the competition is simple:

1. Form a Team: Students form a team and brainstorm ideas for solutions that align with this year’s theme.
2. Develop the Concept: Using design thinking principles, students outline their problem and solution, considering feedback from potential stakeholders.
3. Submit Your Entry: Teams submit their projects via the official Solve for Tomorrow website, showcasing their innovative designs and their design’s impact on society.

The competition is divided into two categories: Years 7-10 and Years 11-13, allowing a range of students to participate at a level appropriate to their experience and knowledge. Each category has its prize winners, and the winning teams are announced at a prestigious prize-giving event.

Getting Involved in 2025

If you’re a teacher or technology educator in Aotearoa New Zealand, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025 is a brilliant opportunity to engage your students in a real-world challenge that aligns with the curriculum. This year, we are working to ensure that both NZC and TMoA students can enter and succeed in the competition, with dedicated resources and development to support the inclusion of diverse learning approaches and cultural perspectives.

Why You Should Get Your Students Involved

1. Solve for Tomorrow is a perfect fit for technology and science learning objectives. It promotes computational thinking, design thinking, and innovation. Participating in the competition can provide a rich context for students to demonstrate skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, making it an excellent vehicle for both formative and summative assessment.
2. What sets Solve for Tomorrow apart from other competitions is its focus on addressing real-world issues. Students are encouraged to engage with stakeholders in their community, identify actual problems, and create solutions that can have a tangible impact. 
3. In 2025, we’re ensuring the competition is accessible for all students, including those learning in Māori-medium schools. 
4. Solve for Tomorrow also develops key skills that will serve them well in the future, such as teamwork, project management, and communication. The competition process—from ideation through to prototype development—helps students hone their skills and gain confidence in their abilities as innovators.

Ready for 2025?

The success of the 2024 competition has set the stage for an even more exciting 2025. We’re looking forward to seeing more groundbreaking ideas, more stakeholder engagement, and more students inspired to tackle the challenges facing their communities.

As educators, we play a crucial role in guiding our students through this process, helping them develop the skills and mindset needed to be the problem solvers of tomorrow. Encourage your students to participate in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025, and let’s continue to nurture the next generation of innovators.

Keep an eye out for the official 2025 competition dates and entry details, which will be released soon. In the meantime, start brainstorming, prepare your teams, and help your students unleash their potential!

The video resources put together to support the technological design process can still be used if doing your own projects with your students. Access them here on the TENZ YouTube channel.