Key Takeaways
- Samsung Electronics Canada awarded over $50,000 in technology vouchers to St. Malachy’s Memorial High School for winning the 2025‑2026 Solve for Tomorrow competition.
- The winning project, “Bio‑based chitosan hydrogel electrodes for ECG monitoring and biosensors,” demonstrates a sustainable, low‑cost approach to cardiac health monitoring.
- Eight national finalist teams each received a $5,000 Samsung e‑voucher, with additional prizes for second, third, and fan‑favourite placements.
- Since its launch in 2015, the Solve for Tomorrow program has engaged more than 40,000 students, supported 1,500 schools, and invested over $1 million in classroom technology and mentorship.
- The initiative underscores Samsung Canada’s commitment to fostering STEM education, youth innovation, and community‑focused problem solving.
Overview of the 2025‑2026 Solve for Tomorrow Program
Samsung Electronics Canada proudly announced the winners of its 2025‑2026 Solve for Tomorrow competition, marking the program’s eleventh consecutive year. The nationwide contest invites Canadian students in grades 6 through 12 to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to devise innovative solutions for pressing local challenges. By encouraging participants to translate community insights into broader, scalable ideas, the competition aims to nurture a generation of problem‑solvers capable of contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive, and connected future.
Structure and Evaluation Process
Following months of research, prototyping, and teamwork, eight National Finalist teams were selected to showcase their projects live at Samsung Canada Headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario. A panel of expert judges evaluated each entry on criteria such as scientific rigor, technological feasibility, community impact, and creativity. The live presentations allowed students to defend their methodologies, highlight iterative improvements, and articulate how their solutions could be adapted beyond their immediate locales.
Leadership Commentary on Student Innovation
Brian Shin, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics Canada, praised the participants for their ingenuity and dedication. He noted, “Through Solve for Tomorrow, we’re seeing firsthand how Canadian students are applying STEM skills to tackle real‑world challenges with creativity and purpose.” Shin congratulated the winning teams, emphasizing that their projects reflect strong technical thinking and a meaningful commitment to building a better future for their communities. He also reiterated Samsung’s pride in supporting the next wave of innovators as they transform ideas into tangible impact.
First Place Winner: St. Malachy’s Memorial High School
St. Malachy’s Memorial High School in Saint John, New Brunswick secured the top honor, earning the prestigious “School for Tomorrow” title alongside a $50,000 Samsung technology voucher. Their winning project, titled Bio‑based chitosan hydrogel electrodes for ECG monitoring and biosensors, proposes a biodegradable electrode made from chitosan—a natural polymer derived from crustacean shells—to capture electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. The hydrogel design offers flexibility, biocompatibility, and reduced environmental waste compared to conventional silver‑based electrodes. By leveraging locally abundant marine by‑products, the team aims to provide affordable, eco‑friendly cardiac monitoring tools that could benefit underserved clinics and remote health facilities.
Second and Third Place Recipients
Burnaby South Secondary School in Burnaby, British Columbia, claimed second place, receiving a $20,000 Samsung technology voucher for their school. Central Peel Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario, took third place, awarded a $10,000 voucher. Both schools presented projects that addressed distinct community needs—ranging from urban air‑quality monitoring to accessible assistive technologies—demonstrating the breadth of student‑driven innovation across the country.
Fan Favourite Award
The Fan Favourite Award, determined by public online voting, was also granted to Central Peel Secondary School, adding an extra $5,000 Samsung technology voucher to their prize pool. This accolade highlights the project that resonated most strongly with the broader Canadian public, underscoring the importance of community engagement and visibility in the competition’s evaluation framework.
Support for All Finalist Teams
In recognition of their efforts, each of the eight National Finalist schools received a $5,000 Samsung e‑voucher for the purchase of Samsung technology. This ensures that every participating team gains resources to further develop their prototypes, equip classrooms, or explore subsequent iterations of their ideas, reinforcing the program’s goal of sustaining momentum beyond the competition itself.
Historical Impact and Program Reach
Since its inception in 2015, Solve for Tomorrow has become a cornerstone of Samsung Canada’s global citizenship strategy, focusing on education, artificial intelligence innovation, and youth development. To date, the initiative has reached over 40,000 students and 1,500 schools nationwide, investing more than $1 million in classroom technology, grants, and mentorship opportunities. The program’s longevity reflects a sustained commitment to empowering young Canadians with the tools and confidence needed to tackle complex societal challenges through STEM‑based approaches.
How to Learn More About the Winning Projects
Interested readers, educators, and stakeholders can explore detailed descriptions of this year’s winning projects, including technical specifications, development timelines, and community impact plans, by visiting the official Solve for Tomorrow webpage at www.samsung.com/ca/solve. The site offers multimedia resources, student testimonials, and guidance for schools wishing to participate in future editions of the competition.
Conclusion
The 2025‑2026 Solve for Tomorrow competition exemplifies how corporate‑supported STEM initiatives can galvanize student creativity, foster community‑oriented problem solving, and yield tangible technological advancements. St. Malachy’s Memorial High School’s breakthrough in biodegradable ECG monitoring not only earned them top honors but also illustrates the potential of merging sustainability with health‑care innovation. As Samsung Canada continues to nurture the next generation of innovators, the ripple effects of these student projects promise to contribute meaningfully to local and national well‑being for years to come.