Semi-finalists will receive mentorship, prototyping support and access to innovation platforms to further develop their ideas
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow initiative is earning its stripes as a beacon of innovation and empowerment for India’s youth. In its fourth edition, the program has shortlisted 40 semi-finalist teams, each in line for significant resources to turn their inventive visions into a reality. This year, each team will receive not only INR 8 lakh in funding but also Samsung laptops for every member—tools to aid their journey of innovation.
Samsung India proudly announced the national shortlist of these innovative teams, showcasing a diverse selection from various states, stretching from the remote regions of Cachar in Assam to Mahabubnagar in Telangana. Each of these innovative minds brings a unique perspective to the table, ready to tackle real-world issues through technology.
Driving Innovation Through Diversity
This year’s edition of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow program emphasizes geographic diversity. Participants hail from 15 states, showcasing an impressive range of backgrounds and experiences. This inclusivity is vital as it fosters a richer pool of ideas, promoting solutions that resonate with various communities across India. The initiative strives to empower young changemakers to create impactful solutions, effectively bridging gaps in society through innovative applications of technology.
Key Themes of Innovation
The 2025 iteration focuses on four paramount themes that directly reflect the pressing issues faced by Indian society:
- AI for a Safer, Smarter, and Inclusive Bharat
- The Future of Health, Hygiene, and Well-being in India
- Social Change through Sports and Technology for Education and Better Futures
- Environmental Sustainability through Technology
These themes guide participants in the generation of innovative ideas that aim to address critical societal concerns. Ideas range from AI-based tools for monitoring air quality to gamified learning solutions for underserved students, effectively showcasing the breadth of creativity and technological application in tackling contemporary problems.
Highlights of the Shortlisted Innovations
The innovative entries reflect an understanding of today’s challenges. Projects include tools for biodiversity conservation, smart food waste management solutions, and personalized coaching apps designed for individual learning. Other significant projects aim at enhancing mental wellness and streamlining technical research through intelligent data tools, demonstrating a profound understanding of both individual and societal needs.
The Path Forward for Semi-Finalists
As the semi-finalists journey forward in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, they will engage in an intensive Innovation Bootcamp. This unique opportunity will allow them to refine their ideas into functional prototypes while receiving invaluable mentorship and training from industry experts. Participants will have hands-on interactions with professionals from Samsung’s R&D and Southwest Asia operations and attend tailored training sessions at IIT Delhi, nurturing a blend of technical and entrepreneurial skills.
A Comprehensive Award System
The support system during this process is robust, with various tiers of rewards designed to acknowledge the hard work and creativity of the participants:
- Top 40 Teams: INR 8 lakh prize and Samsung laptops for each team member
- Top 20 Teams: INR 20 lakh award and the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Flip smartphones
- Final Four Winning Teams: Incubation grant of INR 1 crore at IIT Delhi to help scale their innovations
- Special Awards: Including the Goodwill Award, Young Innovator Award, and Social Media Champion, with a combined prize of INR 4.5 lakh
This tiered approach not only financially supports the participants but also cultivates a competitive yet collaborative atmosphere, pushing the boundaries of innovation further.
A Global Vision for Empowerment
Samsung’s commitment to youth empowerment extends beyond Indian borders. The Solve for Tomorrow initiative, which began in the U.S. in 2010, now spans 68 countries and has inspired over 3 million young individuals to engage in societal change through technology. This program falls in line with Samsung Electronics’ corporate social responsibility vision—“Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People”—aiming to equip youth with the skills and opportunities they need to become adept leaders of tomorrow.
Young innovators across India are already demonstrating their potential through the Solve for Tomorrow program. As they build upon their ideas with Samsung’s support, the future indeed looks promising for a smarter, more inclusive Bharat.