South African Schools Invited to Solve Tomorrow’s Problems Through STEM Innovation

Last updated: March 6, 2026

If you’ve watched your child light up when figuring out how something works, you’re witnessing the power of young minds ready to solve real problems. Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow competition recognizes what parents have always known: our children are capable of remarkable thinking when given the right opportunities and support.

This year’s expanded program opens doors for more South African learners than ever before.

TL;DR

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026 competition invites Grade 10-11 public school learners to submit STEM solutions to community challenges by March 6, 2026.
First-time inclusion of quintile 5 schools makes the competition more inclusive than ever before.
Two themes focus on sports technology for social change and environmental sustainability through technology.
Prizes include R100,000 in STEM equipment for winning schools plus Samsung devices for top three teams.
Former participants have successfully transitioned to tertiary education in STEM fields.

Expanded Access Transforms STEM Opportunities

Grade 10 and 11 public school learners have until March 6 to enter the 2026 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) competition, and this year marks a significant milestone. For the first time, quintile 5 schools—historically under-resourced institutions serving disadvantaged communities—can participate, making the competition more inclusive and nationally representative than ever.

The competition invites learners to submit innovative STEM-based solutions addressing community challenges. Participants will use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics principles while gaining professional guidance from Samsung employee mentors.

South African teens can now solve real-world problems through Samsung's STEM competition. Quintile 5 schools included for the first time. Here's what this means for young innovators: Tweet Now Follow Learning Success

Two Themes Shape 2026 Competition

This year’s competition centers on two powerful themes: Social Change Through Sports and Technology, and Environmental Sustainability via Technology. The sports theme recognizes sport’s unifying role in South African communities and challenges young innovators to use digital platforms, data, and smart solutions to improve access to sports, develop talent, and create safer, more connected communities.

The environmental sustainability theme addresses South Africa’s urgent challenges including climate change, water scarcity, waste management, and energy access. Learners are invited to develop tech-driven solutions that protect natural resources, promote renewable energy, and support sustainable living—skills that prepare them for careers in growing green industries.

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Quote: By engaging in this year’s incredible themes, as well as fostering innovation and providing critical skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, public school learners who enter the 2026 SFT competition have an opportunity for their lives to be significantly impacted and transformed in more positive ways. Attribution: Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Samsung Electronics SA

Not applicable - no significant bias identified

Prizes and Lasting Benefits

Winning teams receive substantial STEM equipment for their schools: R100,000 for first place, R50,000 for second, and R30,000 for third. Additionally, learners on the top three teams receive Samsung devices to further develop their STEM-based, tech-for-good projects.

But the benefits extend far beyond prizes. According to Samsung, former participants and winners have successfully transitioned into tertiary education, often pursuing degrees aligned with the STEM skills developed during the programme. The competition aims to reduce skills gaps, encourage youth-led innovation, and show young South Africans that their ideas have real-world value and impact.

Key Takeaways:

Expanded Eligibility: Quintile 5 public schools now included for the first time, opening STEM opportunities to more learners.

Competition Themes: Social Change Through Sports and Technology, and Environmental Sustainability via Technology.

Substantial Prizes: R100,000 in STEM equipment for first place, plus Samsung devices for winning learners.

How Schools Can Participate

Teams must consist of maximum five learners from grades 10 to 11, with each public school entering only one team. Candidates must be South African citizens, and schools must obtain written consent from parents or legal guardians before registration.

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics SA, emphasized the programme’s transformative potential: “By engaging in this year’s incredible themes, fostering innovation, and providing critical skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, public school learners who enter the 2026 SFT competition have an opportunity for their lives to be significantly impacted and transformed in positive ways.”

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Every child carries within them the capacity for remarkable innovation. Programmes like Samsung Solve for Tomorrow recognize this truth by giving young South Africans platforms to develop their problem-solving abilities and see their ideas become reality.

For parents seeking ways to help their children build skills for tomorrow’s careers while making meaningful contributions today, this competition represents an extraordinary opportunity. The skills developed—critical thinking, collaboration, and technological literacy—create lasting foundations regardless of whether your child wins.

If you’re ready to help your child discover their potential through structured skill-building that leverages the same neuroplasticity principles driving this competition, the Learning Success All Access Programme offers a free trial including a personalized Action Plan—keep it even if you decide to cancel.