In a firm nod to the future, Samsung India has welcomed 19 dynamic and driven Management Trainees from 12 top-tier business schools under its flagship Samsung Talent Enablement Programme (STEP). These exceptional young professionals, hailing from institutions including FMS, IIFT, IIM Lucknow, IIM Mumbai, JBIMS, MICA, NMIMS, SCMHRD, IIM Bangalore, IIM Trichy, XIMB and XLRI represent a new wave of ambition, innovation, and purpose – hallmarks of the Gen Z workforce.

Now in its 12th season, the STEP Programme has become a cornerstone of Samsung India’s talent strategy since its inception in 2013. With over 500 young leaders groomed over the past 12 years, the programme exemplifies Samsung’s steadfast commitment to building the next generation of business leaders.

“Joining Samsung is not just a career move—it’s a mindset shift. I’m here to push boundaries, question the norm, and grow into the leader I aspire to be,” said Shreyash Sonawane from XIMB.

“It’s rare to find a place where your curiosity is matched by opportunity. At Samsung, I see a future full of challenges, growth, and real impact,” said Chayan Banerjee from XLRI.

JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia in conversation with the trainees

From Campus to Corporate: A Bold New Beginning

The 2025 cohort brings together 14 men and 5 women from across 12 institutes that have contributed to the programme over the years. Each of these management trainees brings with them a fresh outlook, fearless energy, and an eagerness to make a meaningful impact. At Samsung, they will immerse themselves in structured learning, real-world business challenges, and mentorship from seasoned leaders—all while contributing to the company’s mission of innovation and excellence.

“This cohort represents the future of Samsung India,” said Rishabh Nagpal, Head, People Team, Samsung India.

“Their energy, creativity, innovative mindset and passion will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of our journey. At Samsung, we believe in unlocking the potential of people through opportunity, purpose, and impact. These young leaders are here not just to learn but to lead and we can’t wait to see the ideas they’ll bring to life.”

The enthusiasm among the new trainees is palpable

The STEP programme is more than an entry-point—it’s a launchpad. With a focus on people, change, integrity, excellence, and co-prosperity, Samsung equips its young professionals to solve real-world problems and lead transformation in a dynamic business landscape.

Voices of the Future: MTs Speak

The enthusiasm among the new trainees is palpable:

“Stepping into Samsung feels like stepping into possibility. I’m ready to bring bold ideas to the table, learn from the best, and contribute to a brand that’s shaping tomorrow,” said Simran Sahu from IIFT.

“Samsung isn’t just a workplace—it’s a launchpad. I’m buzzing with excitement to explore, experiment, and evolve with one of the world’s most iconic brands,” said Nidhi Krishnan from IIM Trichy.

“From day one, I’ve felt the energy, the ambition, and the trust Samsung places in its people. I’m all in to learn, grow, and make my mark,” said Kriti Bansal from NMIMS.

The 12th cohort of STEP Programme stepping into roles that will challenge, inspire, and transform them

A Legacy in the Making

Over the past decade, the STEP programme has not only enabled talent but cultivated leaders who now drive key strategic functions across Samsung India. The legacy continues this year, with the 12th cohort stepping into roles that will challenge, inspire, and transform them.

For these young professionals, it is the beginning of a journey. A journey powered by curiosity, guided by purpose, and lit by the spirit of innovation.

Welcome to Samsung India, Class of 2025.

The future is yours to build.

Winning teams with Mr. Ken Kang, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia

Samsung, India’s largest and most trusted consumer electronics brand, concluded the seventh edition of its pan-India campus program Samsung E.D.G.E., with over 9,000 students from 27 top institutions participating.

Shreyas S, Amrita Singh and Shinde Chaitanya Sharad of Team Transcendence of IIM Bangalore took home the first prize. Their innovative and unconventional solution around enhancing adoption of IoT devices among consumers in India impressed the jury the most and won them a cash prize of INR 450,000, Samsung’s flagship smartphones and pre-placement offers from Samsung.

Team Srujan from NID Bangalore, with their design solution for modern ways of direct communication with consumers using gamification through full motion video, stood second. They won a cash prize of INR 300,000 and pre-placement interviews with Samsung.

Team G.U.G. from IIFT came third for presenting a solution to enable consumers to experience the connected devices ecosystem through an in-store smart home model and a Metaverse experience store. The team was awarded a cash prize of INR 150,000.

After two years of the program being conducted online, the 2022 edition of Samsung E.D.G.E. was a physical one. The finale in Gurugram was attended by Mr. Ken Kang, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia and other senior leaders of Samsung India.

“At Samsung, we nurture the brilliance of young minds, bringing out the true spirit of innovation in them. As a platform, Samsung E.D.G.E. endeavours to bring to life creative and innovative ideas of students who want to drive change. We are glad to be back to a physical program and connect with young bright minds, the leaders of tomorrow. The level of enthusiasm to ideate and participate across campuses in India this year has been heartwarming,” said Sameer Wadhawan, Head, Human Resources, Samsung India.

Samsung E.D.G.E. is a nationwide campus platform that provides thousands of brilliant minds the opportunity to showcase their business acumen, strategic thinking and leadership skills each year. The program, which started in 2016, sees the brightest minds from top B-Schools, Engineering & Design Institutes come together from top institutes and provide distinctive solutions to real-time challenges. The program provides an opportunity to the country’s brightest students to exhibit their talents, exchange meaningful insights and get a head-start in their careers.

The 2-month program is conducted over three rounds of rigorous evaluation. This year, over 2,700 teams from 27 colleges participated. The first round requires each participating team to present an executive summary after thorough research and ideation. Post evaluation, one team is selected from each campus. They work on a case study, submit and present their detailed solutions in the regional round. This year, nine teams were shortlisted and mentored by Samsung’s leaders to battle it out for the top 3 spots in the national round.