For the first time in the competition’s 3-year history, every public school in South Africa can enter Samsung’s flagship STEM programme for young learners.
Samsung Electronics South Africa has opened applications for the 2026 edition of Solve for Tomorrow (SFT), its annual science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) competition aimed at Grade 10 and 11 learners. The programme, which launched in South Africa in 2023, has expanded eligibility this year to include quintile 5 schools, meaning all public schools across the country can now participate.
How the competition works
Schools may enter 1 team of up to 5 learners, guided by a teacher mentor. Teams must develop project proposals around 1 of 2 themes: “Social Change through Sports and Technology” or “Environmental Sustainability via Technology.”
Applications close on 6 March 2026 and can be submitted through the official Solve for Tomorrow website.
Prizes and incentives
The winning team will receive approximately $5,500 (R100,000) in STEM equipment and Samsung devices for their school. Second place earns approximately $2,750 (R50,000) and third place approximately $1,650 (R30,000) in STEM equipment.
Lefa Makgato, corporate social responsibility manager at Samsung Electronics South Africa, said the company was broadening access to ensure more learners benefit from the programme. “We are inviting more South African public schools to enter this competition so that their learners can have the exposure and networking opportunities that will help them connect with industry leaders and our Samsung mentors, aiding their transition to tertiary studies,” Makgato said.
Government backing
The Department of Basic Education has endorsed the initiative. Terence Khala, acting director for communications and research at the department, described the programme as “a strategic STEM enrichment platform that advances curriculum relevance, innovation capability and equitable access to opportunity within the public schooling system.”
South Africa has seen growing investment in youth-focused technology skills programmes. Analytics firm SAS committed to strengthening 4IR skills among young South Africans, while satellite operators Intelsat and MaxIQ launched a STEM programme targeting Africa’s space sector. Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow adds to this pipeline by reaching learners at secondary school level.
A growing global programme
Solve for Tomorrow operates in more than 60 countries worldwide. In South Africa, the programme has grown steadily since its 2023 debut, with the inclusion of quintile 5 schools marking its broadest intake yet. The competition encourages learners to apply STEM principles to real-world challenges in their communities.
Schools interested in entering have until 6 March 2026 to submit their applications.
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