Indonesian Ingenuity Shines: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026 Crowns Visionary Youth Innovators

Jakarta, Indonesia – In a powerful testament to the ingenuity and problem-solving prowess of Indonesia’s youth, Samsung Electronics Indonesia proudly announced the winners of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) 2026 competition. Held in a vibrant ceremony in Jakarta on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the prestigious event celebrated two groundbreaking innovations: a moss-based air purification system and an AI-powered mathematics learning application designed for visually impaired students. These winning projects, one from the high school category and another from the university category, underscore Samsung’s unwavering commitment to fostering a generation of innovators capable of addressing pressing societal challenges through technology.

The SFT program, a global initiative by Samsung, aims to empower young minds to leverage STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills to develop solutions for local community issues. This year’s Indonesian iteration saw an unprecedented level of participation, highlighting a burgeoning ecosystem of innovation across the archipelago. The journey from ideation to implementation was rigorous, culminating in the recognition of projects that truly embody the spirit of innovation for social good.

Anggi Paramita, Head of Corporate Marketing at Samsung Electronics Indonesia, articulated the core philosophy driving the competition. "For Samsung, technology holds immense potential to make life better. However, technology only truly becomes meaningful when it can address real needs and deliver tangible benefits to society," Paramita stated, emphasizing the human-centric approach that SFT champions. This ethos resonated deeply with the diverse range of projects submitted, all striving to create a positive impact on their communities.

The Journey to Innovation: A Rigorous Selection Process

The 2026 edition of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Indonesia commenced with an overwhelming response, attracting over 4,000 registrants from 27 provinces across the nation. This broad geographical reach underscored the nationwide enthusiasm for technological problem-solving and sustainable development. The competition was structured to meticulously guide participants through various stages of innovation, ensuring that their ideas were not only creative but also well-researched, viable, and impactful.

Ideation and Skill Development: The initial phase saw 2,600 selected participants engage in intensive Design Thinking workshops. These sessions were crucial in equipping young innovators with methodologies to identify problems systematically, empathize with beneficiaries, brainstorm creative solutions, prototype their ideas, and test them iteratively. Design Thinking, a human-centered approach to innovation, is fundamental to SFT’s objective of developing solutions that are truly responsive to community needs rather than technology-driven for its own sake. Participants learned to translate complex societal issues into actionable project briefs, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges they aimed to address.

Leveraging Advanced Technology: Following the foundational workshops, a highly competitive pool of 40 teams advanced to the AI Amplification stage. This phase challenged participants to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their prototypes, pushing the boundaries of their innovations. The inclusion of AI was not merely a technical requirement but a strategic move to prepare participants for a future increasingly shaped by intelligent systems. Teams explored how AI could enhance the functionality, efficiency, and scalability of their solutions, from predictive analytics to natural language processing and machine learning algorithms. This stage demanded a sophisticated understanding of AI’s practical applications and its ethical implications.

The Grand Finale: From the AI Amplification cohort, a select group of 10 teams emerged as finalists, earning the opportunity to present their fully developed prototypes and business models to a distinguished panel of judges. The final judging round was a culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and iterative refinement. Teams were evaluated not only on the novelty and technical prowess of their innovations but also on their potential for social impact, market viability, scalability, and sustainability. The high caliber of presentations reflected the intensive mentorship and resources provided throughout the SFT journey, showcasing a generation ready to tackle real-world problems with cutting-edge solutions.

Pioneering Solutions: Two Innovations for a Better Tomorrow

The grand finale ultimately celebrated two outstanding teams whose innovations stood out for their creativity, technical excellence, and profound potential for societal benefit. These projects exemplify how technology, when guided by empathy and purpose, can genuinely transform lives.

Aerospora: Breathing Life into Urban Air Quality

In the SMA/SMK/MA (high school) category, the top honor was bestowed upon Briotech Alpha from SMAN 81 Jakarta for their ingenious project, "Aerospora." This groundbreaking device is a moss-based air purification system that seamlessly integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to combat urban air pollution, a critical concern in densely populated cities like Jakarta.

Addressing a Pressing Environmental Crisis: Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), poses a significant health risk to millions in urban centers. Traditional air purifiers often rely on energy-intensive filters that require regular replacement, contributing to waste. Aerospora offers an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative, leveraging the natural biological capabilities of moss. Designed to resemble a living green wall, the device is intended for semi-indoor spaces, offering both aesthetic appeal and robust air purification. Moss, known for its ability to absorb pollutants and convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, forms the core of this innovative system.

Smart Technology for Enhanced Efficiency: What sets Aerospora apart is its intelligent integration of AI and IoT. The system features a "Predictive Hydration Model," an AI-driven mechanism that automatically waters the moss based on predicted hydration needs. This smart irrigation system optimizes water usage, ensuring the moss remains healthy and effective without human intervention. Equipped with sophisticated air quality sensors, Aerospora continuously monitors its environment, providing real-time data on air quality. This data is then displayed on a user-friendly VERA dashboard, accessible via a repurposed Samsung tablet, further enhancing the device’s sustainability credentials by giving new life to electronic waste.

Economic Viability and Broad Impact: Briotech Alpha has meticulously planned for Aerospora’s accessibility, targeting a consumer price of approximately IDR 1.2 million. Its energy efficiency is remarkable, consuming only 15-25 watts of electricity, making it an affordable and sustainable solution for households and small businesses. With a coverage area of 50-80 square meters, Aerospora has the potential to significantly improve indoor air quality, contributing to better public health and environmental sustainability. The project demonstrates a holistic understanding of product development, from scientific principles to market strategy and environmental responsibility.

NovaSight: Illuminating Mathematics for the Visually Impaired

In the D3/D4/S1 (university) category, the winning team, I-Seung from Universitas Komputer Indonesia (Unikom), captivated the judges with "NovaSight." This revolutionary AI-based mathematics learning application is specifically designed to empower visually impaired students, breaking down barriers to STEM education.

Bridging the Educational Gap: Visually impaired students often face immense challenges in learning subjects like mathematics, which heavily rely on visual representations, complex equations, and graphical interpretations. Traditional teaching methods and materials are often inaccessible, leading to significant educational disparities. NovaSight directly addresses this critical gap, aiming to provide an inclusive and effective learning platform.

A Suite of Intelligent Features: NovaSight is equipped with five core features, each meticulously crafted to facilitate independent learning for visually impaired students:

1. Annoter: This feature converts visual learning materials, such as textbooks and diagrams, into descriptive narratives, allowing students to "see" the content through detailed audio descriptions.
2. Scriber: Enabling students to record calculation steps and mathematical expressions through voice commands or haptic feedback, making complex problem-solving accessible without pen and paper.
3. Clarifier: An AI-powered chatbot that provides clear, concise explanations for mathematical problems and concepts, offering personalized tutoring and immediate assistance.
4. Quizzer: A dynamic assessment tool that generates interactive quizzes, allowing students to test their understanding and track their progress through auditory and tactile interfaces.
5. Evaluator: Designed for educators, this feature simplifies the process of evaluating visually impaired students’ work, providing insights into their learning patterns and areas needing improvement.

Empowering Independent Learning: The impact of NovaSight was vividly demonstrated during initial testing, where visually impaired students were able to independently complete approximately 80% of mathematical problems using the application. This astounding success rate highlights the transformative potential of NovaSight in fostering self-reliance and academic achievement among a demographic often marginalized in STEM education. By leveraging AI, NovaSight not only makes mathematics accessible but also fosters a more engaging and personalized learning experience, opening doors to future opportunities in STEM fields for visually impaired individuals.

Voices of Support and Vision for the Future

The SFT 2026 awards ceremony was not just a celebration of winning projects but also a platform for key stakeholders to underscore the importance of nurturing innovation and talent in Indonesia.

Banu Ahwan Pribadi, Head of Product Integration Group at Samsung R&D Institute Indonesia, reiterated the fundamental principle behind meaningful innovation. "What we need are talents who are not only intelligent but also possess the ability to read and be sensitive to the problems that exist in society," he remarked. His statement emphasizes that true innovation stems from a deep understanding of societal needs and a genuine desire to create positive change, rather than merely technological advancement for its own sake. This perspective guides Samsung’s R&D efforts and shapes its talent development programs like SFT.

The academic sector also weighed in, with Assoc. Prof. Suparto, Expert Staff to the Vice Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, advocating for greater institutional recognition of student innovations. "I hope that universities can provide academic recognition in the form of credit (SKS), for example, in accordance with applicable learning outcomes and academic provisions," Suparto stated. This call for formal academic integration would not only incentivize student participation in such competitions but also validate their practical problem-solving skills as an integral part of their educational journey, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application.

Asep Sukmayadi from the Directorate of SMA (Senior High School) within the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, expressed profound appreciation for the student innovations, acknowledging their immense potential for further development. Echoing the urgency of action, Sukmayadi passionately declared, "If Samsung says ‘Solve for Tomorrow,’ I want to say, ‘but tomorrow is now!’" His words served as a powerful reminder that the challenges of the future are already upon us, and the innovative spirit of today’s youth is crucial for building a better tomorrow, starting from the present moment.

Samsung’s commitment extends beyond the awards ceremony. The company expressed its profound hope that both Aerospora and NovaSight would continue to be developed, refined, and eventually scaled to ensure their benefits reach a wider segment of society. This ongoing support underscores Samsung’s long-term vision for SFT: not just to identify talent, but to empower these talents to bring their solutions to fruition and make a lasting impact.

Implications: Catalyzing Indonesia’s Innovation Ecosystem

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026 competition holds significant implications for Indonesia’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem and its national development goals.

Nurturing Future Leaders: SFT serves as a vital platform for identifying and nurturing young Indonesian talent in STEM. By providing mentorship, resources, and a structured innovation pathway, Samsung is directly contributing to the development of a skilled workforce capable of driving the nation’s digital transformation and economic growth. The exposure to Design Thinking, AI, and IoT prepares these students for future careers in technology and entrepreneurship, fostering a culture of innovation from an early age.

Addressing National Priorities: The winning projects directly address critical national priorities. Aerospora tackles air pollution, a major environmental and public health concern, particularly in urban areas. NovaSight promotes inclusive education, a cornerstone of equitable societal development, by making STEM accessible to visually impaired students. These solutions demonstrate how grassroots innovation can contribute to large-scale national challenges, aligning with Indonesia’s vision for sustainable development and human capital improvement.

Bridging Industry and Academia: The collaboration between Samsung, the Ministry of Education, and universities highlights a crucial synergy between industry and academia. Samsung’s initiative provides practical application opportunities for academic learning, while governmental support can help integrate such experiential learning into formal curricula. This partnership is essential for creating a robust pipeline of innovators and ensuring that educational outcomes are relevant to industry needs and societal demands.

Inspiring a Generation: The success stories of Briotech Alpha and I-Seung will undoubtedly inspire countless other young Indonesians to embark on their own innovation journeys. By showcasing what is achievable with creativity, perseverance, and technological acumen, SFT motivates students across the archipelago to think critically, identify problems in their communities, and develop impactful solutions. This ripple effect is crucial for fostering a nationwide culture of innovation and problem-solving.

In conclusion, the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026 competition was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of potential, a testament to the power of youth, and a beacon of hope for a future where technology serves humanity. With innovations like Aerospora and NovaSight leading the way, Indonesia is poised to embrace a future where its brightest young minds are at the forefront of solving the world’s most pressing challenges, today and for generations to come.