Samsung UK Launches its Search for the ‘Tech Factor’

Samsung Electronics Ltd. has announced today that it is searching for the next generation of tech entrepreneurs as its Solve for Tomorrow competition opens for entries.

The competition, which has received over 1.8 million entrants globally, is now in its second year in the UK and is focused on finding tech ideas to help unpick and take action against four key challenges faced by society: education, sustainability, social isolation, diversity and inclusion.

The competition has been designed as a way for young people to receive support and share their passions outside of the traditional education system, as Samsung recognises the individuality of the learning process. Solve for Tomorrow is open to anyone aged 16-25 and can be entered via the Solve for Tomorrow website, entries close on 20th February 2022.

Previous entrants to the competition have drawn on real-life experiences to inspire their ideas. Last year’s winner Alec Conway devised a digital locker idea to help support people experiencing homelessness via his project, Dignity. As part of his prize, Alec won the mentorship of Samsung and Digital Catapult to develop his idea and £10,000. This year, Samsung has drawn on the support of rising stars within the world of tech to raise awareness of the competition and share their experiences of setting up their businesses.

Georgie Hyatt, Founder of Rotaro: a cult label fashion rental site and app serving the UK with plans on the horizon to expand globally. Georgie’s vision for a circular economy in fashion has helped shift the dial of sustainable fashion in the UK and made luxury items more accessible.

Mariam Jimoh, Founder of Oja: a technology solution transforming access to cultural groceries and foods around the world. Mariam is making it easier for people to buy cultural foods in South and East London by creating an app that allows you to order these goods and have them delivered directly to your door. Using the $3.4M raised in her funding round she plans to roll Oja out nationally.

Ibrahim Javed, Founder of Deen Developers: a not-for-profit organisation that brings together people in tech and creative industries to build solutions that solve community problems. Industry professionals can donate their time and skills to tackle some of the root causes that exist in society, which can be more valuable for projects than monetary donations.

Alec Conway, Founder of Dignity: a digital locker designed for people experiencing homelessness that doubles as a PO box, offering a postcode to sign up to local services such as the NHS and housing benefit. The lockers also serve as a safe space for them to store their belongings that is accessible 24 hours a day.

Each of these entrepreneurs has embraced technology to enhance and grow their ideas and are partnering with Samsung to inspire the next generation to do the same.

Successful entrants that proceed on the Solve for Tomorrow programme will take part in a series of inspiring workshops and one-to-one mentoring with Samsung experts. Mentors will help entrants apply real-world thinking to their idea as they look to support its evolution into a reality. One deserving winner will receive six months of support from Samsung UK and Digital Catapult, to help them realise the scope of their ideas, in addition to a £10,000 cash prize.

Commenting on the announcement, Sophie Edgerley Harris, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Samsung Electronics UK explained “Solve for Tomorrow was created as a platform and community to encourage 16–25-year-olds to develop their ideas using tech for societal good – no qualification required. Our search for innovative thinkers and supporting successful applicants to develop their ideas is such an exciting thing to be a part of whether you’re a participant, a mentor, or a judge. Every year we are blown away with the creative approaches to providing answers to society’s biggest issues”. 

The winning team for Solve for Tomorrow will be announced in July 2022, following two rounds of judging by a panel of experts from across the worlds of tech, innovation and social and community initiatives.