Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp. (Sepco) has announced the winners of its Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition, a program that hopes to inspire students to use technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to address community issues. This year, nearly 1,000 students from public science high schools joined the initiative.
“Empowering communities is central to our mission,” said Min Su Chu, president of Sepco. “Through Solve for Tomorrow, we aim to nurture future innovators and equip them with the tools to make a positive impact.”
The grand prize was awarded to a team from Lipa City Science Integrated National High School for their project, Hi-LoWall: A Solar-Powered Rice Husk Fog Wall Utilizing Evaporative Cooling. This innovative solution addresses rising heat levels caused by El Niño using biochar fog walls, aiming to improve learning conditions in public schools. The team, composed of Celine Hariette Almarez, Margaret Bautista, Marcus Miguel Mojares, and adviser Francis Darril Albo, received ₱500,000 worth of Samsung devices for their school, ₱100,000 cash, and Samsung gadgets.
Second place went to the Philippine Science High School-Main Campus for their project Croprotech. Team members Chael Matthew Sze, Alden Julian Gonzales, and Janine Yrah Tolentino, with adviser Book Kristoffer Lauw, proposed a system to enhance soil quality and crop yields for farmers. They earned ₱320,000 worth of Samsung devices, ₱70,000 cash, and gadgets for the team and adviser.
Third place was awarded to Calamba City Science Integrated School for SIMS: A Smart Infrastructure Monitoring System. Using sound and thermal sensors, their project enhances structural safety and reduces maintenance costs. Team members Ysabella Maderazo, Danise Casilao, Frances Montano, and Wesley Macatangay, with adviser Marinel Degoma, received similar rewards to the Grand Prize winners.
Seven other finalists received cash prizes, including innovative projects focused on renewable energy, sustainable materials, and disaster resilience.
Launched globally in 2010, Solve for Tomorrow has reached over two million participants across 50 countries. This year’s Philippine edition was supported by the Department of Education and the Philippine Science High School System. The program reinforces Samsung’s vision of “Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People.”