Samsung Electronics has launched of the 2026 edition of Solve for Tomorrow (SFT), the educational programme that encourages secondary students to solve real-world challenges in their communities through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
In its 13th edition, the programme has expanded its regional reach to 14 countries, welcoming Jamaica to the group of participating markets which include Belize, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Marabella North Secondary were finalists in last year’s Solve for Tomorrow programme. In 2024, Five Rivers Secondary School; Holy Faith Convent, Penal; and Queen’s Royal College were semi-finalists.
To mark the launch for 2026, Samsung unveiled the official program video on its SamsungLatin channels, showcasing how a classroom idea can evolve into a real-world solution with meaningful social impact:
Innovation from the Classroom: PBL Teacher Training
The main innovation this year focuses on the initial “Inspiration” phase, during which teacher mentors will receive both in-person and virtual training in Project-Based Learning (PBL), as well as methodologies such as Design Thinking and Lean Canvas. Upon completing the training, teachers will receive official certification as SFT Mentors.
María Fernanda Hernández, Corporate Citizenship Manager for Samsung Electronics in Central America, the Caribbean, Ecuador, and Venezuela, stated:
“With this thirteenth edition of Solve for Tomorrow, we are strengthening the programme from the ground up by equipping teachers with the tools they need to better guide their students. We are not looking for the perfect idea from day one; we are looking for young people with the passion and commitment to transform their communities and demonstrate that talent knows no boundaries.”
Four Focus Areas for Projects
Teams of three to five students, guided by a teacher mentor, may submit ideas in one of four key categories:
- Sustainability and Environment: Initiatives focused on protecting the planet, reducing pollution, and promoting the efficient use of resources.
- Health and Well-being: Projects that support physical and mental health and encourage healthy lifestyles.
- Community Support: Solutions that promote inclusion, education, and support for vulnerable populations.
- Sports: Ideas that leverage physical activity to foster inclusion and accessibility, addressing the challenge of adapting or reinventing sports for people with disabilities.
The Future Is Built Today: Register Your Idea!
The programme consists of five stages: Inspiration, Ideation, Co-Creation, Bootcamp, and Regionals.
Following the selection of National Champions, three outstanding teams from across the region will be invited to travel, with all expenses covered, to the Regional Invitational Meeting where they will compete for the title of SELA Solve for Tomorrow 2026 Ambassador Team.
In total, Samsung will award more than US$100,000 in products, travel opportunities, and project development support.
Solve for Tomorrow offers the next generation of leaders an opportunity to demonstrate how knowledge and technology can be used to transform realities and create positive change. Applications are open until July 17 for students aged 14 to 19 through the official platform:
