Samsung has been working with youngsters around India for a long time. It’s not just about presenting the latest and greatest devices; the company has always involved youngsters when it comes to research and development. One of the big initiatives for the company has been Solve for Tomorrow, which welcomes a culture of innovative thinking and problem-solving amongst the country’s youth.

The winning teams for the latest edition of the Samsung initiative are Eco Tech Innovator and METAL. Eco Tech Innovator from Golaghat, Assam, was declared the Community Champion in the School Track, while METAL from Udupi, Karnataka, was announced the Environment Champion in the Youth Track, showcasing the reach of the programme beyond major Indian cities.

The group from Assam has developed an idea around equitable access to non-contaminated potable drinking water and it received a seed grant of ₹25 lakh for prototype advancement. METAL has developed technology for arsenic removal from ground water and it has received a grant of ₹50 lakh for incubation at IIT-Delhi.

JB Park, president and CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia, and Shombi Sharp, United Nations resident coordinator in India, awarded certificates and trophies to these teams.

“Through our flagship CSR initiative, we aim to empower young minds by providing them with the tools, mentorship and opportunities they need to address some of the most pressing challenges in their communities and the environment. Eco Tech Innovator and METAL’s achievements reflect the potential of the next generation to create meaningful impact through technology and innovation,” said JB Park.

The top 10 teams were selected for the grand finale to pitch ideas and showcase prototypes to a jury comprising Mohan Rao Goli, chief technology officer, Samsung R&D Institute, Bangalore, Dr Srinivasan Venkataraman, assistant professor, department of design at IIT- Delhi, Dr Sapna Poti, director, strategic alliances at the office of principal scientific advisor to the government of India, and Sunita Verma, Scientist ‘G’ and group coordinator, R&D at Ministry of Electronics & IT.

Shankar Srinivas, the 2022 Solve for Tomorrow winner recognised for his innovative Sputnik Brain and recently appointed as a ‘Together for Tomorrow’ ambassador, shared his inspiring journey and experience during the award ceremony.