Samsung opens innovation contest for Filipino students

A diverse group of university students actively participating in a lecture, engaging with the professor. Photo: Yan Krukau/Pexels

Samsung Philippines has opened the application period for its annual innovation competition, Solve for Tomorrow, with a deadline set for November 2. The program challenges students to use science, technology, and creativity to address issues within their communities. Nearly P2 million in prizes is available for teams that develop solutions to real-world problems.

Eligibility and Team Structure

The challenge is open to Grades 8 to 10 students enrolled in government-managed science high schools across the country. Each team can consist of up to four members and must be guided by a single teacher adviser. Students are encouraged to focus on issues that matter to them, ranging from environmental sustainability to social change through sports or technology.

Teams are expected to explore the specific challenges closest to their local environment. For many participants, this requires identifying a gap in their community and applying academic knowledge to bridge it. The competition emphasizes that age is not a barrier to making a significant impact through structured innovation.

Prize Structure and Past Winners

Winners will receive substantial support for their schools and teams. The grand champion takes home P400,000 worth of Samsung devices for their school, P200,000 in gadgets for the team, P100,000 in cash, and P30,000 for the adviser. The second-place team receives P300,000 in devices for the school, P200,000 in team gadgets, P70,000 in cash, and P25,000 for the adviser. Third place awards P175,000 in school devices, P200,000 in team gadgets, P50,000 in cash, and P15,000 for the adviser.

Every team in the Top 10 receives P15,000 in cash, while teacher-advisers receive P5,000 each. Last year’s winners demonstrated the program’s potential. Team MaHeMo from Cavite Science Integrated School built a solar-powered buoy to monitor mangrove health, while Team EGGNovation created an automated egg-sorting system. Team BANTALAY from Tuguegarao City Science High School proposed a solar-powered pest trap to support sustainable farming.

Participants can submit entries or learn more about the initiative by visiting the official website or following Samsung Philippines on social media platforms. The program is currently in its fourth year in the Philippines, continuing to encourage the application of STEM principles to community development.