As the end of term approaches, teachers across the UK are looking for engaging activities that keep students inspired. Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow offers the perfect solution – a free, curriculum-linked competition that students can work on over the festive period, empowering them to use creativity and technology to tackle real-world problems.
Now in its sixth year, Solve for Tomorrow is more than just a classroom project. It’s a national tech-for-good challenge designed to spark innovation and open doors to careers in design, technology, and engineering. With flexible resources and mentoring support, it’s mapped to Gatsby Benchmarks 4, 5, and 6, helping schools embed careers education without adding to teacher workload.
Why It Matters Now
Recent research commissioned by Samsung reveals why initiatives like Solve for Tomorrow are so important. The study found that Brits stop actively learning at an average age of 51, and one in ten Gen X (aged 45–60) admit they haven’t learnt anything new in the past year – starkly contrasting with 58% of Gen Z who say they learn something new every week. Despite this slowdown, over a million Gen X’ers wish they could go back to school, with nearly half wanting to learn about emerging technologies like AI and a third saying they have an idea they’d love to bring to life. This highlights both a generational gap and an opportunity for inter-generational learning, as 39% of Gen X report they get most of their new information from young people.
To mark the launch, Samsung teamed up with actor and presenter Larry Lamb, sending him back to school to explore how creativity and innovation can unlock new ways of thinking across generations. In a new film, Larry’s perceptions of what young people do in school are flipped on their head as he discovers how students are using technology, such as AI, to make a positive societal impact. You can watch the film here.
The Challenge
Students aged 11–18 are invited to design tech-for-good solutions across three themes:
- Smarter Sport – Tech that makes sport more fun and inclusive
- Greener Future – Innovations that protect our planet
- Safer Online – Tools that keep us connected and confident
Whether you have one lesson or a whole week, Samsung’s Imagination Toolbox helps students go from a blank page to a brilliant idea – fast. Teachers who register early can even receive a FREE Imagination Toolbox delivered to their school.
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Finalists will pitch their ideas to industry experts and Samsung employees, with winners receiving tech prizes, mentoring, and work experience. Their innovations will even be showcased on Samsung’s national platforms – including the iconic Piccadilly Circus screen – amplifying youth-led creativity to audiences across the UK and Ireland.
Since its launch in 2020, Solve for Tomorrow has reached over 265,000 young people, with a goal to impact 1 million by 2030. Past projects include Athena, a haptic collar that helps deaf users feel music, and HeartAware, a mobile tool to detect heart risks in underserved communities – proof that young minds can drive meaningful change.
Why Teachers Love It
“Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is an excellent way to challenge your students to think creatively in new contexts. It’s a great opportunity to apply STEM skills, and students often find the challenges very relevant to their experiences with consumer tech,” says Colin Smethurst, Head of Computing at Byrchall High School, a previous winner.
Get Involved
Entries are open now, with a deadline of 1 February 2026. Students don’t need to be tech experts – just a problem they care about and the courage to explore.
👉 Register today at SolveforTomorrowUK.com and make this festive period a launchpad for creativity, innovation, and future careers.
