A Closer Look at the Judging Process for Samsung Solve For Tomorrow Competition

A Fair & Effective Judging Process Relying on Clearly Defined Criteria, Consistency In Application & Objectivity

– Samsung Solve for Tomorrow programme is a respected competition that challenges students to apply STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to solve real world problems in their communities.

Given the scope and impact of the competition, it is essential that the judging process be both fair and effective, ensuring that all participants are evaluated equitably and that the most innovative, impactful solutions rise to the top. Samsung employees who have volunteered their time to judge the competition are passionate and generous individuals who are there to ensure that a fair process is followed.

Themed: “Infrastructure and Safety”, the 2025 Solve for Tomorrow competition is brought to life by a group of dedicated Samsung volunteers and carefully curated to show how technology can help tackle some of society’s biggest issues. Two Samsung employees: Craig King, an experienced Supply Chain and Logistics Professional and Astrud Meintjes, a head of e-commerce – are part of a group of judges that are evaluating and selecting the three finalist schools that are contending for the highest and ultimate prizes: R100,000 (first place winner); R50,000 (second place) and R30,000 (third place winner), respectively.

The judging process involves multi-stage phases and criteria that culminates in a final evaluation of prototypes. Initially, schools submit their entries and this dedicated panel of judges take the time to evaluate them based on innovation, feasibility and completeness. It is then followed by a paper prototype submission and then final prototype evaluation by judges that include Craig and Astrud, who volunteer their time and expertise to ensure the success and credibility of this competition.

Craig has extensive history of working in the information technology and services industry. He believes that he is also a student that’s learning daily, but also an aspiring leader who is a strong advocate of continuous improvement, development and progression. Craig has, over the last few years been part of the judging team that has ensured that the entire process is transparent, ethical and focused on evaluating every school’s submissions against established standards.

This year, Craig has been working in tandem with Astrud – an experienced Samsung E-Commerce and Business Development Professional whose experience is underpinned by a mindset that is both result and growth-oriented. With a career spanning over 25 years, Astrud has extensive breadth and depth of knowledge in financial management. She comes with a winning attitude that never forgets to have fun and, she has taken these traits with her to the judging process in the Solve for Tomorrow competition.

The competition has now progressed through several rounds, with the Top 20 finalists presenting their paper prototypes, which will then be judged to select the Top 10 schools. From here on, the Top 10 schools will develop physical prototypes and present them to this unique and dedicated panel of judges, who will then determine the ultimate winners. And, in the final phase – the selected top 10 schools will receive resources and support that will assist them to develop physical prototypes of their solutions.

These prototypes will then be presented to this panel of judges. After this entire process is finalised and the top three winners are determined – the winning teams will then receive outstanding prizes that will also be accompanied by STEM equipment and funding for their schools. 

Ultimately, the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition aims to use a fair and transparent judging process to identify and reward young innovators that are able to use STEM to solve real-world problems. And furthermore, this competition seeks to honour and recognise the innovative spirit of learners from underprivileged communities in South Africa.