Samsung Announces 10 Finalist Classrooms Advancing in National Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition

Spotlighting the next generation of innovators applying AI, design thinking, and advanced technologies to improve lives in their communities, Samsung Electronics America today announced the 10 National Finalist schools advancing in the 16th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. Selected from this year’s 100 semi-finalists based on their project pitch videos, the 10 finalist teams will head to the national competition to compete for the National Winner title and prize packages of Samsung technology and classroom supplies.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is an annual competition that tackles the tech-education gap by equipping grades 6-12 classrooms with the technology, training, and mentorship needed to apply STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) skills to real-world issues in their communities. Over the years, it has become a force for reshaping the perception of STEM as a vital field for fostering a skilled workforce and informed citizens of tomorrow. Collectively, Samsung has awarded more than $29 million in technology and classroom resources to public schools in all 50 states.

This year, with guidance from their teachers, schools, Samsung employee mentors, and local businesses and public officials, the Finalist teams—half of which are from Title 1 schools—will complete their STEM solution prototypes and present them to a panel of judges at a live pitch event on April 14, 2026 in Washington, D.C. These projects harness an array of emerging technologies, with 80% of projects incorporating tools such as AI, machine learning, Internet of Things sensors, drones, or 3D printing to address challenges in accessibility, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, public health, and medicine.

Three schools will ultimately be named National Winners, selected by a distinguished judging panel of experts across technology, education, and public policy. Notable guests attending the event include Yoonie Joung, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America, Allison Stransky, CMO of Samsung Electronics America and Cordell Hull, Executive Vice President and Head of Public Affairs, Samsung Electronics America.

“Each year, these students remind us that innovation is most powerful when it’s rooted in community,” said Allison Stransky, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Electronics America. “From advancing public health to strengthening climate resilience and expanding accessibility, this year’s finalists are harnessing AI and other emerging technologies in ways that are both visionary and deeply practical. We’re proud to support their journeys and can’t wait to see them take the stage in Washington, D.C., to share solutions that have the potential to create lasting impact far beyond their classrooms.”

Your Vote Matters: Help Choose the Community Choice Winner

The 10 Solve for Tomorrow National Finalists have showcased their groundbreaking STEM solutions in three-minute pitch videos, and now it’s your turn to weigh in! Cast your vote to help select one Community Choice Winner, who will receive an additional $10,000 prize. Watch the videos here, vote for your favorite, and make your voice count. You can vote once per day until 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 8, 2026.

This Year: An Interactive, AI-Powered Prize to Empower U.S. Classrooms

In celebration of Year 16 of Solve for Tomorrow, all 10 National Finalist teams will receive a Samsung WAFX-P Interactive Display, featuring built-in collaboration tools and the Samsung AI Assistant¹ to help power the classroom of the future. Its intuitive interface and integration with education apps, like Google Classroom and Google Drive, allow educators to seamlessly optimize lessons and foster in-class participation. Each teacher will also receive specialized training from the Samsung Education Solutions team to effectively utilize the new Interactive Display and its AI technology in the classroom.

What’s Next: Live Student Pitches & Game-Changing Prizes Await

• The 10 National Finalists will head to a live Pitch Event on April 14 in Washington, D.C. Based on the live pitch presentations, judges will name three schools National Winners, each of which will receive a $100,000 prize of Samsung technology and classroom supplies. The remaining seven National Finalist schools will receive $50,000 prize packages. All 10 National Finalist teams will receive a Samsung WAF Interactive Display and Samsung Education Solutions team training as part of their prize package.
• From the National Finalists, one Community Choice Winner, selected through online voting by the general public, will receive an additional $10,000 in prizes on top of their National Finalist winnings.
• One Employee Choice Winner will be chosen by Samsung employees from among the National Finalists to receive $10,000 in prizes in addition to their National Finalist winnings.

Introducing the 10 National Finalists

1Samsung AI Assistant app features will be available with a future software update later in 2026.