Entries open for Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026

Monday, 4 May 2026

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is returning for its sixth year in Aotearoa, in partnership with the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) and Technology Education New Zealand (TENZ), with a refreshed format designed to help students turn big ideas into focused, real-world solutions.

This year, the competition introduces new challenge categories to give students more direction, while keeping the competition open to the ideas and issues that matter most to them, says MOTAT’s Head of Education Julie Baker.

“We want to give students a clear starting point for their innovation, helping them focus on areas that truly matter in their communities and everyday lives. By introducing the categories, we’re encouraging ideas that are not only creative, but grounded in real-world impact, from sustainability to community connection and wellbeing,” says Baker.

The 2026 challenge categories are:

• Future Tech and Space

• Big Ideas for Better Communities

• Powering a Better Planet

• Play, Sport and Wellbeing

Students entering will also be supported by a judging panel that brings together expertise across science, education, innovation and social impact, including new VIP judge Dr Ratu Mataira from OpenStar - a Wellington-based deep tech start-up developing next-generation nuclear fusion technology.

“Starting a world-leading nuclear fusion company from the bottom of the world has taught me a lot about the incredible minds we have here in New Zealand, and the innovative ideas we can come up with. I’m so excited to see what the next generation of future problem-solvers can come up with to help change the world,” says Mataira.

Solve for Tomorrow 2026 offers a prize pool of $24,000 in cash and Samsung technology for winning students, their teachers, and schools.

To enter, students are tasked with using STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) and design thinking to develop innovative solutions that contribute to a brighter future for Aotearoa.

In 2025, Jack Harker and Cameron Moore impressed the judges with their practical, high-impact solutions.

Jack, a student from ACG Parnell College in Auckland, took out the Year 7 to 10 category with Sail Race Tracker, a low-cost live tracking system for youth sailing that enables coaches to analyse races and spectators to follow fleets in real time.

In the Year 11 to 13 category, Cameron, a student at Rotorua Lakes High School, developed a project called Air Brace, an inflatable neck brace for mountain biking that uses motion detection to deploy during a crash, helping to reduce the risk of serious spinal injury.

As entries open for 2026, Simon Smith, Head of Brand Marketing at Samsung Electronics New Zealand, says anticipation is high for what students will deliver this year.

“What excites us every year is the way students take a small idea from something in their community and turn it into an incredible prototype. Solve for Tomorrow gives young people the space to think differently, test their ideas and see what’s possible, and that’s something Samsung is proud to support. We can’t wait to see the innovation that comes through in this year’s entries, including how the new categories shape their thinking,” says Smith.

Entries are now open for Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026. All students in years 7 to 13 are invited to participate, either individually or in teams.

Students who submit a project plan by 12 June 2026 can benefit from valuable feedback from our VIP judges to help refine their final entries, and go in the draw to win a Samsung tablet.

Final submissions are due by 18 September 2026.

Students who have already created an innovative solution through a school project or science fair can refine and submit it as an entry.

The winning individual or team for Solve for Tomorrow 2026 will be announced prior to the awards ceremony on 22 October 2026.

To find out more, visit: www.samsung.com/nz/solvefortomorrow

ENDS

About Samsung Solve for Tomorrow

Delivered in partnership with the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), the Solve for Tomorrow competition is designed to build interest and proficiency in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). The nationwide competition tasks students in years 7-13 to identify and create a solution for an issue important to them and their community, which are then judged on creativity and originality, relevance to the community, feasibility of the solution, presentation, and application of STEAM.

This is Samsung Solve for Tomorrow’s sixth year in New Zealand. Launched in the US in 2010, the competition has been hugely influential internationally, with more than 1.7 million students and teachers participating across 20 countries. Read more about the competition here.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. [ES1]

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com

About the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)

MOTAT seeks to use the past, present and future technology and ingenuity of Aotearoa to educate and inspire the innovators of tomorrow. MOTAT provides multi-platform learning opportunities, offering STEAM Cells programmes in schools, onsite education programmes at the Museum, micro-credentials and online workshops direct to the classroom. Experience interactive learning and exploration through exhibitions, events, and education programmes. Visit MOTAT.NZ

About TENZ

Technology Education New Zealand (TENZ) is a non-profit professional, collaborative association, promoting and supporting all levels of technology education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

TENZ is organised by teachers for teachers, and our aim is to enhance the learning and teaching of technology by creating a well-informed, well connected, supportive, and sustainable professional community that has a strong voice and provides effective advocacy for technology education. Visit TENZ.

For more information, please contact:

Ellen Sinclair, Acumen on behalf of Samsung Electronics New Zealand

M: 022 675 9665 E: Esinclair@acumennz.com

Julie Baker, MOTAT

M: 021 540 463 E: Julie.Baker@motat.org.nz

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