Rural students excelled in the first round of the Solutions for Tomorrow challenge

Samsung and EdisonKids are once again giving students and their teachers the opportunity for professional and personal development, and to put their interest in technology and science, as well as their empathy, at the service of important social issues. The challenge, for which students in grades 7-12 who did not meet the entry requirements applied, moved an average of 16-year-olds, along with 60 teachers. Of the students who applied, 200 (83%) came from rural areas, and 41 (17%) from Budapest.

The most applications came in the Sustainable Future theme, from a total of 28 teams – the Community issue inspired 25 and Health 21 teams. The problems raised and the proposed solutions – just like in previous seasons – this time also point to the openness, awareness, and social sensitivity typical of young people. In the first phase of the challenge, many applications were received that demonstrated the students’ empathetic attitude, insight, willingness to act, and aptitude, so the jury had a difficult time selecting the TOP 50 this year. The finalists brought innovative ideas, from classic offline projects to applications based on digital tools or artificial intelligence.

Of the top 50 teams that advanced – 158 students – most will develop ideas in the Community theme in the coming weeks. 20 teams brought topics and solutions focused on the interests of the community. These include topics that are still very relevant, such as education to prevent discrimination, helping victims of abuse, curbing internet fraud, or making everyday tasks easier for those in need. Based on the suggestions, it is clear that young people are particularly concerned with issues affecting their own generation. These include issues related to career choices, but building bridges between generations is also an important goal.