Samsung Electronics and the Olympic Spirit: Empowering Youth through ‘Solve for Tomorrow’
A Vision for the Future
Samsung Electronics has launched an inspiring initiative aimed at nurturing youth talent in alignment with the values of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). On February 8, 2023, a notable ceremony took place at Samsung House in Milan, where ambassadors for the global youth CSR program, ‘Samsung Solve for Tomorrow,’ were appointed. This event coincided with the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics, emphasizing the synergy between technology, sport, and community development.
Lee Won-jin (이원진), head of global marketing at Samsung Electronics, speaks at an appointment ceremony for ‘Samsung Solve for Tomorrow’ ambassadors held at Samsung House in Milan, Italy. [Photo: Samsung Electronics]
The ‘Samsung Solve for Tomorrow’ Initiative
Launched in 2010, ‘Samsung Solve for Tomorrow’ serves as a platform for young innovators worldwide to tackle pressing challenges through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills. This year, the program has gained momentum by selecting ten standout teams from various regions, showcasing innovative solutions with significant social impacts. The selected teams are divided into two categories: sports technology and health and environment.
Sports Technology Innovations
The sports technology category highlights five remarkable teams that have developed solutions designed to enhance safety and performance for athletes:
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Hearing Protection Headband (USA): Aimed at safeguarding hearing aids during workouts, this headband offers moisture and impact resistance.
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Smart Sneakers (Britain): These high-tech shoes watch for early signs of foot blisters, especially benefiting diabetes patients.
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Wearable AI Solution (Indonesia): This device recognizes running routes, acting as a guide for visually impaired runners.
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Waterproof Wristband (Turkey): Designed for visually impaired swimmers, this wristband provides vibrating alerts for boundary lines.
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AI Sports Team Connector (Australia): This platform connects individuals with local sports teams, fostering community engagement.
Health and Environment Solutions
In addition to sports technology, the health and environment category showcases a range of innovative solutions that address urgent societal needs:
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AI Smart Band (USA): This device monitors wound conditions in real time, providing early infection detection.
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Cloud AI Solution (India): This technology enhances speech clarity in real time, aiding communication for individuals with speech impairments.
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Brain-Signal-Based Wheelchair (China): A forward-thinking innovation that allows users to control their wheelchairs using brain signals.
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Oil Spill Cleaning Solution (Turkey): This eco-friendly approach utilizes recycled wool to effectively remove oil spills from water bodies.
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Smartphone Battery Reuse Kit (France): Aimed at environmental sustainability, this kit allows the repurposing of discarded smartphone batteries.
Support and Collaboration
The initiatives under ‘Samsung Solve for Tomorrow’ will receive ongoing support over the next two years, enabling these promising solutions to reach the market. Leveraging Samsung’s technological prowess alongside the IOC’s global platform, these ambassadors will be equipped to make a substantial impact in their communities.
During the Milan event, exhibition spaces were opened from February 9 to 10 at the Smart City Lab, a startup incubation center. Visitors had the chance to experience firsthand the innovative solutions crafted by the ambassadors, fostering an interactive environment for knowledge sharing and inspiration.
Voices of Leadership
IOC President Thomas Bach highlighted the significance of the program, stating, “Young people are using technology to build a more inclusive, sustainable, healthy, and active future.” Their ability to blend sport, technology, and innovative problem-solving to positively affect lives is a testament to the potential of youth.
Lee Won-jin, head of global marketing at Samsung Electronics, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that Samsung strives to contribute to society through technological innovation and sports. His commitment to supporting the chosen ambassadors reflects a desire to cultivate future leaders who will drive social change.
A Commitment to Change
As ‘Samsung Solve for Tomorrow’ continues to evolve, its collaborative efforts with the IOC are setting a precedent for how technology can empower the next generation. By aligning creativity and innovation with significant social issues, this initiative stands as a beacon of hope for young people determined to make a difference in the world.