Company aims for 10,000 applications and offers Rs 1 crore grant for top winners
In a significant push to foster youth innovation and drive technological solutions for real-world challenges, Korean electronics giant Samsung has announced the 2025 edition of its flagship innovation competition, Solve For Tomorrow. The company is ramping up its efforts by expanding outreach to over 100 educational institutions across India and aiming to attract more than 10,000 student applications — a remarkable 66% increase over last year.
The initiative is part of Samsung’s broader mission to encourage and empower India’s young minds to ideate and implement technology-driven solutions that address pressing societal issues. The 2025 edition of Solve For Tomorrow comes with a substantial boost in scale and scope, promising increased inclusivity, wider geographical reach, and enhanced rewards.
Speaking about the program, JB Park, President and CEO of Samsung Southwest Asia, said, “With Solve For Tomorrow, we are inspiring young innovators across every corner of India to dream big, tackle real-world challenges, and shape a smarter, more inclusive future through technology.” He added that the 2025 edition aims to be more expansive and diverse, engaging with students in cities and towns beyond major urban centres.
A Bigger Stage for Young Innovators
Launched in India in 2022, the Solve For Tomorrow initiative is modeled on similar global programs run by Samsung in countries like the United States and South Korea. The competition invites students between the ages of 16 to 22 to submit tech-based ideas that can positively impact communities and solve critical social issues. Themes often include environmental sustainability, healthcare, education, and public safety.
This year, Samsung plans to more than double the number of participating institutions from 63 in 2024 to over 100, as part of its broader campaign to democratize access to innovation opportunities.
The company’s target of 10,000 applications reflects a significant increase in outreach and marketing efforts. In 2024, the competition received 6,032 applications, many of which emerged from engineering and technical colleges. For 2025, Samsung is also actively looking to involve students from diverse academic backgrounds, including arts, science, and commerce, to encourage multi-disciplinary thinking.
Funding Innovation: Rs 1 Crore for Top Winners
One of the key highlights of the 2025 edition is the generous financial support offered to the most promising teams. Samsung has committed to providing a Rs 1 crore grant to the top four winning teams. These teams will also benefit from an incubation programme where they will receive mentoring and technical support to convert their ideas into viable products or solutions.
In addition to the top prize, the company will award Rs 20 lakh to the top 20 teams and Rs 8 lakh each to the top 40 teams. These rewards are designed to not only recognize talent but also provide early-stage funding and guidance — critical elements often missing in grassroots innovation journeys.
Samsung’s statement emphasized that the competition is not just about prize money but about building an innovation pipeline that can contribute meaningfully to the country’s socio-economic development. The winners will be mentored by industry leaders, domain experts, and Samsung engineers to fine-tune their solutions and prepare them for real-world deployment.
Innovation with Impact: Previous Success Stories
Over the years, Solve For Tomorrow has emerged as a launchpad for several impactful projects developed by Indian youth. In past editions, winning ideas included an automated beach-cleaning robot, a conversational AI platform designed to promote STEM careers among young women, and a personal cooling device aimed at helping outdoor workers beat the heat.
Other notable entries have included a water purification system to remove arsenic from groundwater, and a project ensuring equitable access to clean, potable drinking water. These ideas not only demonstrated the creative potential of Indian youth but also showcased their deep awareness of challenges faced by marginalized communities.
In the inaugural 2022 edition, three projects were declared winners: a wearable device to reduce stress through safe brain modulation, eco-friendly sanitary pads made from sugarcane bagasse, and a smart wristband to help monitor Alzheimer’s patients and alert caregivers in real-time.
A Vision for Inclusive Tech-Driven Change
Samsung’s initiative aligns well with India’s increasing emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation, particularly among the youth. Government programs such as Startup India and Atal Innovation Mission have created a strong foundation, and corporate efforts like Solve For Tomorrow further supplement these national goals.
With plans to reach even more cities, tap into underrepresented demographics, and provide robust incubation support, Samsung is positioning Solve For Tomorrow 2025 as a catalyst for inclusive technological advancement.
As India continues to grapple with challenges related to climate change, healthcare access, education inequality, and rural development, the need for fresh, localized, and scalable solutions has never been greater. By placing the power of innovation in the hands of students, Samsung is not only investing in the future of technology but also in the future of India itself.
Applications for Solve For Tomorrow 2025 are expected to open soon, with Samsung encouraging students from all academic backgrounds to participate and be part of the change they want to see.
