Samsung US honors 300 schools using AI to tackle real-world issues

Samsung announced it’s honoring 300 public middle and high schools from all 50 states across the US as State Finalists in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national STEM (Science, Technology (AI), Engineering, and Mathematics) competition.

The company will award over $2 million in prizes to 2024’s participating schools. For now, each State Finalist school has won a $2,500 Samsung technology prize package.

This is an initial milestone on the path toward becoming one of three National Winners that will each unlock $100,000 for their school.

• The full list of State Finalists can be viewed here.

“These State Finalist teams are answering that call by engaging technology for good, like their quick adoption of AI to power wide-ranging solutions that address not only pressing challenges in their communities but also global issues.” – Salman Taufiq, Director – Corporate Marketing, Samsung Electronics America.

Upcoming Competition Phases

Based on the activity plans, judges will select State Winners, who will be revealed in March 2025.

State Winners

50 State Winners will get a Samsung Video Kit to help create their “STEM solution pitch video,” along with $12,000 worth of Samsung technology.

One of the 50 State Winner schools will be recognized with a Sustainability Innovation Award for driving sustainable change through STEM innovation, and an additional $25,000 prize package, including Samsung ENERGY STAR technology.

From the 50 State Winners, one school will be selected for the Rising Entrepreneurship Award, receiving a $25,000 prize package to nurture and develop their STEM solution into a venture extending beyond the competition.

National Finalists

Based on their videos, 10 National Finalists will be chosen to participate in a live pitch event and present their project to a panel of judges. Seven of these schools will be awarded $50,000 in Samsung technology and classroom supplies.

From the National Finalists, one Community Choice Winner will be determined through online voting by the general public, winning an additional $10,000 in prizes.

One Employee Choice Winner will be selected by Samsung employees to receive $10,000 in prizes in addition to their National Finalist winnings.

National Winners

Judges will name three National Winners, each earning a $100,000 prize package.