Samsung has opened its Solve for Tomorrow 2026 competition in the Philippines, inviting public science high school students to propose technology solutions for community problems, including projects using artificial intelligence (AI).

The competition offers nearly ₱2 million in devices and cash prizes for students, teacher advisers, and schools. Supported by the Department of Education (DepEd), it is open to students in Grades 8-10 from government-managed Science High Schools nationwide.

Now in its fourth year in the Philippines and 16th year globally, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a global competition that empowers young changemakers to tackle real-world challenges through STEM-based solutions.

The program gives students a way to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to local needs. Previous Philippine entries have addressed environmental monitoring and farming, including a solar-powered buoy developed by last year’s winner, Cavite Science Integrated School, to monitor water quality and mangrove ecosystem health.

Other entries included an egg-segregation solution and a sustainable, low-cost pest control solution designed to help farmers reduce their reliance on chemicals.

For 2026, teams can develop proposals under three themes. Environmental Sustainability through Technology focuses on reusing, recycling, and turning materials into useful products. Social Change through Tech and Sport covers projects supporting education, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion through technology and sports.

Solving Community Problems with AI asks students to explore practical uses of AI for challenges in their communities, with an emphasis on critical thinking and responsible technology use.

Each team may have up to four students and one teacher adviser. Entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 2, 2026, through Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow website.

Proposals may be prepared in Word, with a limit of 3,000 words or seven pages, or PowerPoint, with a maximum of six slides. All submissions must be PDF files no larger than 40 MB.

Judges will assess design innovation, community relevance, feasibility, STEM integration, sustainability, and proposal clarity.

Samsung will announce the top 10 entries on Nov. 16. Shortlisted teams will receive mentoring from a Samsung coach before presenting their proposals to judges on Dec. 7. The top three teams will be announced on Dec. 15.

The grand prize is valued at ₱730,000, followed by ₱595,000 for second place and ₱465,000 for third place. Each package combines devices for schools, students, and teachers with cash prizes.

Each remaining finalist will receive ₱15,000 for the team and ₱5,000 for its teacher adviser.

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