Samsung announces winners of 2026 Solve for Tomorrow competition

Samsung South Africa and the National Department of Basic Education announced the winners of the 2026 Solve for Tomorrow competition on October 8, 2026. The initiative asks high school students to apply STEM skills to local challenges, using technology to find practical solutions. Taking first place, Cape Recife High School in the Eastern Cape received R100,000 for a project that transforms plastic waste into sports equipment. Their work pairs creative thinking with a direct response to the problem of plastic pollution in their community.

The competition has become a key part of promoting STEM education for South African youth, encouraging students to focus on innovation and problem-solving. By developing these skills, participants gain experience that is increasingly relevant in the modern job market. Beyond the technical aspects, the program offers a space for students to present their ideas while building an understanding of entrepreneurship and environmental responsibility. This year's success highlights the role of science and technology in solving tangible, everyday issues.

Following the top prize, Mbilwi Secondary School from Limpopo took second place, earning R50,000 for a project that turns waste into affordable construction materials. The entry demonstrated the practical side of recycling and the value of sustainable building methods for local neighborhoods. Third place went to Sekete IV Secondary School in the North West, which received R30,000 for the Mighty Sekete Smart Bin. Their invention focuses on improving waste management systems within the school environment.

The influence of the competition reaches further than the prizes themselves. By encouraging a mindset of inquiry, the program helps prepare a new generation to handle social and environmental difficulties. The projects submitted this year reflect a genuine interest in sustainability and community welfare, showing how young people can lead the way in creating positive outcomes through their own research and design.

The results of the 2026 Solve for Tomorrow competition provide a clear path for future efforts. As more students take up STEM subjects to address local needs, the possibility for meaningful change grows. Samsung South Africa and the National Department of Basic Education intend to continue their support for programs that empower students and encourage sustainable habits. This partnership remains focused on how collaboration between the private and public sectors can support education and innovation.