Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, the free tech-for-good competition for 11 to 18-year-olds, is now open for entries across the UK and Ireland. Now in its seventh year, the national contest invites secondary school and college students to design a real solution to a problem they care about, with entries closing on 18 January 2027.
The timing is fitting. Ada Lovelace Day, which celebrates women in science, technology, engineering and maths, falls this month, and the competition is quietly helping to close the STEM confidence gap the day was created to address.
How Samsung Solve for Tomorrow works
Students can enter on their own or in teams of up to four. This year’s ideas must tackle one of three challenges: Smarter Sport, Greener Future or Safer Online.
Shortlisted teams turn their idea into a working prototype, with mentoring from Samsung volunteers and access to prototype funding. Finalists then pitch to a panel of industry experts at a national final, which takes place on 29 and 30 April 2027.
The programme is delivered with Tech She Can, an organisation dedicated to inspiring girls and women into technology careers, alongside the Design & Technology Association, Design Council and Internet Matters.
Prizes for students, teachers and schools
According to the competition website, prizes include mentoring, work experience, Samsung tech and the chance to appear on a display at Piccadilly Circus for students. Schools can win smart TVs, Samsung interactive whiteboards and a £2,000 Samsung tech voucher, while teachers can receive professional development and Galaxy devices.
Schools that submit five or more entries also unlock extra benefits, including digital badges and tech prize draws.
A real boost to confidence
The programme’s own figures suggest it makes a difference. Last year, participants’ self-reported confidence rose from 45% to 73%, and their wider skills in creativity, problem-solving, teamwork and self-management rose from 43% to 65%.
Teachers agree. Some 82% of those who took part say it builds both STEM and life skills, and 71% say it changed how their students see Design & Technology as a subject.
Past winners include Nell from County Limerick, who won the 14 to 16 category with AsthmaSense, a device that warns users before an asthma attack starts. She says the experience transformed her confidence with presenting and public speaking.
Since launching in 2020, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow has reached 401,444 young people and a third of all secondary schools in the UK and Ireland. It aims to reach one million by 2030.
How to enter
Entries are open now and close on 18 January 2027. Parents and teachers can find full details, challenge briefs and entry forms at solvefortomorrowuk.com.
