Solve for Tomorrow is a competition challenging Fiji next generation of innovators to unleash their creativity and use STEM to help improve their communities.
Delivered in partnership with the University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, and the Ministry of Education, Fiji, the competition is open to high school students in Suva. The finalists will receive prizes both as a team and for their schools.
The opportunity
The Solve for Tomorrow competition is designed to build interest and proficiency in STEM (Science, Technology, English, or Math), and challenges Year 10-13 students to show how design thinking can be applied to help improve their communities.
Simply identify an issue our community is facing - check out the New Zealand 2023 winners and the Pacific winners for great examples - then unleash your creativity and demonstrate how STEM and design thinking can be applied to create an amazing new solution.
Prizes
Samsung is putting up a selected range of awesome tech and cash prizes for the winners.
Resources
Teacher resources
If you're a teacher and want to learn more about how this competition could work for your students, view our educator resource.
You can also check out our Solve for Tomorrow Project Plan or Design Thinking Toolkit.
Our friends at the New Zealand Solve for Tomorrow team have kindly developed some design-thinking resources for teachers to download and help students with their entry projects.
How to enter
Step 1 (recommended)
- The project proposal submission process is designed to help you refine and improve your ideas. Our facilitators are available to guide you through the process and ensure your proposal is well-prepared.
- Submit your Project Proposal by 17th February 2025 and receive feedback from experts to enhance your final entry. While this step is optional, incorporating feedback can strengthen your proposal and increase your chances of success. We highly recommend this step!
Step 2 Submission Process (required)
- Prepare your project proposal following the required guidelines.
- Ensure your proposal is in the accepted formats: Word (.Docx) or PDF.
- Make sure to submit before the deadline: 17th February 2025.
Entries can be submitted in the following formats:
Fill Project Proposal
(submitted via word or pdf format)
Criteria
Relevance (20%)
- Identifying an issue that impacts your community or group of people.
Feasibility (30%)
- Feasibility of the solution with current technology and resources considered.
Creativity (20%)
- Creativity and originality of the idea
Application of STEM (20%)
- Application of STEAM to help solve the problem / issue
Presentation (10%)
- How well the idea is communicated.
Timeline (Tentative Dates)
School outreach / orientation
25th April 2025 (Friday)
Opening/ Launch event
5th June 2025 (Thursday)
Online Registration Starts
5th June 2025 (Thursday)
Design thinking workshop
7th July 2025 (Monday)
Submission period (Start - Deadline)
5th June 2025 (Thursday) - 15th August 2025 (Friday)
Announcement of Semi-Finalist
22nd August 2025 (Friday)
Final Submission Deadline
19th September 2025 (Friday)
Final Pitch/Awards Ceremony
26th September 2025 (Friday)
Our judges
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Shannon Watts
Group Marketing Director at Samsung NZ
Shannon Watts is the Group Marketing Director for Samsung New Zealand, ranked 5th in Global Brand Value, working across the entire portfolio from leading mobile phones and TVs through to your staple home appliances. She oversees the Marketing Communications, Digital Marketing, Corporate Comms & Market Intelligence.
Shannon is from New Zealand but spent ten years overseas working in Canada, Ireland and the UK, before returning to New Zealand.
She worked in the beauty industry for nearly 20 with eight years working in London for Coty Beauty UK before returning to NZ as Marketing Director for L'Oreal Consumer Produces for six years. Shannon then moved across to Mars New Zealand where she headed up the marketing team across confectionary, food & petcare.
Watts brings with her a wealth of local and international FMCG marketing experience in addition to consumer electronics, along with digital brand building and a strong focus internally within people and culture.
Read More...
Maria Hill
Business Director at Cheil New Zealand
No stranger to technology marketing and solving problems in the community, Marysia Hill was born and raised in Poland. Armed with a Masters degree in English and Linguistics as well as Executive MBA from Helsinki School of Economics, she then moved to London to work across the European market for Samsung.
Prior to joining the Samsung/Cheil family, she worked on an Action Aid Project, helping build houses for Freed Camayas in Nepal. It is experiences like these that make her an ideal judge for students' Solve for Tomorrow projects, as they adapt the latest in technology to face current issues in their communities.
For the last 13 years, Marysia has held various roles with Cheil working for Samsung, currently holding the position of Group Business Director for Samsung New Zealand at Cheil New Zealand.
She's worked across many international markets, ensuring smooth operations and content management, and leading marketing initiatives across 12 languages. Some of her strategies for digital and social content have since become Samsung global best practices.
As well as taking a central role in Samsung' Solve for Tomorrow programme in Pacific Islands, Marysia has also been involved in the Samsung Enabling People Project with the Prince's Trust charity in the UK, aiming to inspire, nurture and cultivate entrepreneurship in young people.
Read More...FAQ
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Who can enter?
Year 10-13 students, along with their teacher(s), are eligible to enter. Solve for Tomorrow Fiji is open to teams consisting of three students.
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Does it cost to enter?
No. Solve for Tomorrow Fiji is free to enter, and there is no purchase requirement.
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How many times can I enter?
Each group may submit one application. Teachers or supervisors may submit entries on behalf of their students. There is no limit to the number of entries per school.
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How are entries judged and by whom?
Entries will be judged against five key criteria. The judging panel will include representatives from Samsung and other relevant professionals (TBD).
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I'm interested in entering my students in Solve for Tomorrow. Does it complement the Fiji curriculum?
Yes! Solve for Tomorrow is designed to align with the Ministry of Education, Heritage, and Arts (MEHA) objectives. The programme is tailored to complement the Fiji curriculum and foster core learning outcomes:
- Barrier-Free Access: Encouraging students to express innovative and creative ideas freely, regardless of prior qualifications or experience.
- Inclusive Education: Empowering students to explore their communities with curiosity. What makes it unique? What can be improved?
- Hands-On Learning: Providing opportunities to create tangible solutions that make a real difference in their community.
- Application of STEM Learning: Introducing students to how STEM can address real-world challenges.
- Leadership and Group Learning: Encouraging collaboration among teachers and students, sharing ideas, and fostering leadership as projects progress.
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Will Samsung own my idea?
No. You will retain the rights to any intellectual property surrounding your idea.
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What types of projects can be submitted?
Projects should focus on finding innovative STEM solutions to real-world challenges, particularly those relevant to Fiji and the Pacific region. While there are no strict limits on the project's topic, preference will be given to ideas that are practical, scalable, and sustainable.
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How do I submit my project?
Entries must be submitted through the official Solve for Tomorrow Fiji website. Detailed instructions on submission, including any required formats and materials, can be found on the competition page.
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When is the competition deadline?
Please refer to the official Solve for Tomorrow Fiji website for updated deadlines for entries, the announcement of finalists, and other key milestones.
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How many teams will be selected as finalists?
Finalist selection is based on the quality of entries and the alignment with judging criteria. Details on the number of finalists will be shared on the competition website as the program progresses.
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What kind of support will be available for participants?
Participants can receive guidance from teachers, mentors, or professionals in the field. Additionally, Samsung may offer workshops, resources, or mentorship opportunities to help participants develop their ideas.
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Can I work on the project independently or do I need to work as a team?
While the competition encourages teamwork, individual students can also apply, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Collaboration with teachers or mentors is encouraged for guidance.
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What happens if my project wins?
Winners will receive prizes, which may include technology, or other resources. In addition, winning projects may be featured in Samsung’s communications or showcased in community events.
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Can I update my project after submitting it?
Once a submission is made, changes cannot be accepted. Make sure to review your project thoroughly before submission.
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Where can I read the competition T&Cs?
See all T&Cs here.
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My question is not answered here
Please forward any enquiries to support@solvefortomorrow.com.fj
Participating Schools
Saint Josephs Secondary School
DAV girls
Jai Narayan College
Yat Sen
Suva Grammar Sec Sch
Suva Muslim College
Partners
Contact us
If you need to reach us, email support@solvefortomorrow.com.fj