Samsung has revealed the top 10 South African schools advancing to the finals of its 2025 Solve For Tomorrow (SFT) competition, an annual initiative aimed at empowering high school learners to tackle real-world problems using Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
This year’s challenge focuses on “Infrastructure and Safety”, calling on Grade 10 and 11 learners from underserved communities to find innovative solutions to pressing issues in their schools and local environments.
From Workshops to Prototypes
The finalists were chosen after completing Samsung’s Design Thinking Workshops, which ran from April 10 to May 30. These sessions equipped both learners and educators with problem-solving frameworks and tools to prepare for the competition’s next stage, the prototype development phase.
Over the coming weeks, the top 10 schools will receive resources and mentorship to turn their ideas into working prototypes. These will then be presented to a panel of volunteer judges, who will assess them based on innovation, feasibility and completeness.
More Than a Competition
While the prizes are significant, with R100 000 for first place, R50 000 for second, and R30 000 for third, plus Samsung devices for learners and cash for STEM equipment, the real value lies in the programme’s impact on participants.
The initiative promotes critical thinking, collaboration and social responsibility, with learners gaining confidence, leadership skills and a sense of community engagement. Samsung also emphasises the long-term potential for collaboration between schools, educators, and Samsung employee mentors beyond the competition itself.
Malcolm Darwin, Talent Partner at Samsung and returning judge, noted the importance of giving these learners a platform:
“There are many kids with ideas to change the world that may never be heard due to limited access. The SFT competition provides these learners the opportunity to showcase their ideas and gain the resources needed to succeed.”
The 2025 Top 10 Finalist Schools
In no particular order, the schools advancing to the finals are:
- Mbilwi Secondary – Limpopo
- Umlazi Comprehensive – KwaZulu-Natal
- Lenakeng Technical – Free State
- Tembisa West Secondary – Gauteng
- Phomolong Secondary – Gauteng
- Khwezi Lomso Secondary – Eastern Cape
- Koffifontein Secondary School – Free State
- Adams College – KwaZulu-Natal
- Lereng Secondary School – Free State
- Masibambane Secondary School – Western Cape
A Platform for the Future
Samsung’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Southern Africa, Lefa Makgato, congratulated the finalists and reinforced the company’s commitment to STEM education:
“The level of innovation displayed was truly inspiring, and we are excited to see these ideas come to life through prototypes. This competition reaffirms Samsung’s commitment to fostering innovation and problem-solving skills as a responsible corporate citizen.”
The Solve For Tomorrow programme continues to grow as a vital pipeline for developing South Africa’s next generation of innovators, ensuring that bright ideas from underserved communities get the attention, mentorship, and resources they need to make a real-world impact.
To stay updated on the Solve for Tomorrow competition, including announcements, progress and results, be sure to follow the official Samsung Solve for Tomorrow channels. You can find the latest information on the Samsung Newsroom and the Solve for Tomorrow section of the Samsung website. These are the best places to get accurate and timely updates on the competition as it unfolds.
