New
Delhi, April 2024.
Samsung,
India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has announcedthe third edition of its
flagship CSR initiative - 'Solve for Tomorrow', in strategic collaboration with
the Foundation for Innovation & Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi,
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, andthe United Nations in
India. With Solve for Tomorrow, Samsung aims to usher in a culture of
innovative thinking and problem solving amongst the country’s youth.
Solve
for Tomorrow 2024 was inaugurated by Mr. JB Park, President & CEO,Samsung
Southwest Asia,Dr. Sandip Chatterjee, Sr. Director and Scientist ‘G’, Ministry
of Electronics & IT, and Mr. Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident
Coordinator in India, in the presence of other dignitaries.
The CSR
programme recognizes the power of innovative solutions and their ability to
transform lives, makesa strong social impact, and strengthens Samsung’s vision
of #TogetherforTomorrow #EnablingPeople.
This
year, the 'Solve for Tomorrow' programme introduces two distinct tracks –
School Track and Youth Track, each dedicated to championing a specific theme
and targeted towards different age groups. Both the tracks will run
simultaneously, ensuring equal opportunity and a level playing field for all
students.
The
School Track, is tailored for students aged 14-17, focusing on the theme “community
and inclusion”. The track underscores the importance of uplifting
underprivileged groups, improving accessibility to health & social
inclusion for all through social innovations and hence 'Solving for India'.
The
Youth Track on the other hand, targets individuals aged 18-22, with a focus on the
theme “environment and sustainability”. The track seeks innovative ideas for reducing
carbon footprint, protecting the environment & promoting sustainability and
hence 'Solving for the World'.
Mr.
JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia, said, "At Samsung,
we strive to inspire and shape the future through innovative ideas and
transformative technologies. Our mission revolves around fostering the next
generation of innovators and catalysts for social change. Solve for Tomorrow is
truly shaping up as a platform for India’s youth to come up with meaningful
innovations that can improve the lives of people.
In
the first two editions, we have seen this CSR initiative have a positive impact
on our next generation, who scaled greater heights, embarking on their social
entrepreneurship journey. In its third edition, with the introduction of two
separate tracks, we aim to solve simultaneously for India and for the world.
More importantly, with this flagship CSR programme, we want to play our part in
strengthening the innovation ecosystem in the country.”
Dr.
Sandip Chatterjee, Senior Director and Scientist ‘G’, The Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said, “Environment
and sustainable development are amongst the priority agenda of Government of
India. It is an opportune moment to
combine technology with the human capabilities for accelerating economic
growth. Indian youth, having innovative
mind and skills, cares deeply for the environment. Using radical innovations, various global grassroots
issues and challenges could be addressed.
Programmes like ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ are a testament to realise the
vision of the Government of India, by harnessing the power of youth.”
Prof.
Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi said, "We
are honoured to continue our partnership with Samsung as their keypartner inthe
'Solve for Tomorrow' programme. This collaboration underscores the commitment
to fostering innovation and empowering young minds to drive positive change in the
society.”
Shombi
Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India,said, “I am delighted to
participate in the third edition of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow programme,
an exciting initiative which encourages and promotes youth-led innovation to
solve challenges related to the Sustainable Development Goals. The UN system in
India works with and supports initiatives by the private sector that promote
the ambitions and leadership of young people, like The Solve for Tomorrow
programme. With the greatest youth generation in history, ever, India has more
young minds bringing their energy & solutions than ever before! This means
that Indian solutions will also be global solutions.”
Samsung
Solve for Tomorrow at a Glance
Who
can participate: 14-17
year-olds in School Track –individually or in teams of up to 5 members can
submit their ideas in the “Community & Inclusion” theme and 18-22 year-olds
in Youth Track –individually or in teams of up to 5 members can submit their
ideas in the “Environment & Sustainability” theme
Application
themes:
1.
“Community
& Inclusion”, under School Track, caters to empowering
underprivileged groups by improving accessibility to health, improving learning
methods and access to education, and ensuring social inclusion for all
2.
“Environment
& Sustainability”, under Youth Track, will focus on environment protection,
reducing carbon footprintsand promoting sustainability
What
will they get:Hands-on
training from various industry experts including Samsung, MeitY, IIT-Delhi, and
technical support from United Nations in India. In addition, participants will
get exclusive mentoring and coaching to build their ideas into prototype, an opportunity
to attend a curated innovation walkwith focussed interactions with Samsung
leaders, and milestone-based grants for prototype development and enhancement
School Track: Semi-finalists 10 teams will get INR
20,000 grant for prototype development & Samsung Galaxy Tabs. Finalists 5
teams will get INR 1 Lakh Grant each for prototype enhancement & Samsung Galaxy
Watches
Youth Track: Semi-finalists 10 teams will get INR
20,000 grant for prototype development & Samsung Galaxy Laptops. Finalists
5 teams will get INR 1 Lakhgrant each for prototype enhancement & Samsung Z
Flip Smartphones
What
do winners get:
School Track:
TheWinning Team will be declared as the “Community Champion” of Solve for
Tomorrow 2024 and will receive a seed grant of INR 25 Lakh for prototype
advancement. The Schools of the winning teams will also receive Samsung
Products to boost educational offerings, encouraging a
problem-solving mindset.
Youth Track:The
Winning Team will be declared as the “Environment Champion” of Solve for
Tomorrow 2024 and will receive a grant of INR 50Lakhfor incubation at IIT-Delhi.
The colleges of the winning teams also receive Samsung products to boost their educational offerings,encouraging social entrepreneurship.