LONDON, UK – July 4, 2025 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the culminating winners of its fifth annual UK Solve for Tomorrow Competition, showcasing groundbreaking technological innovations aimed at tackling critical societal challenges. The prestigious event, held in London, celebrated the ingenuity of young minds across the United Kingdom who developed solutions ranging from accessibility tools to health interventions.
The competition, which invites young people aged 16 to 25, serves as a platform for aspiring technologists to translate their ideas into tangible projects. The 2024/2025 iteration saw a robust response, attracting 508 entrants from across the nation. A rigorous selection process narrowed the field to 100 shortlisted participants, with 49 teams ultimately engaging in intensive workshops and receiving expert mentoring to refine their concepts and prototypes.
Revolutionary Haptic Technology for Music Access
The top honour in the highly competitive 18-25 category was awarded to Eseose Okotako, a 23-year-old innovator from Nottingham. Leading her team, Athena, Okotako developed a revolutionary haptic collar designed to open the world of music to deaf individuals. The innovative device translates the complex layers of music – including melody, rhythm, and emotional nuance – into tailored vibrations that users can feel.
The Athena team’s project addresses a significant accessibility gap, offering deaf people a profound new way to experience sound and engage with musical performances. The haptic collar’s ability to provide distinct vibrational patterns corresponding to different musical elements promises to enrich the cultural lives of many, providing a sensory interpretation that goes beyond traditional visual or auditory cues.
Eseose Okotako’s work was lauded by the judges for its innovative application of technology, its clear social impact, and its potential for real-world implementation. The project exemplifies the competition’s goal of harnessing technology for positive change.
Early Addiction Detection Device Recognized
In the 16-18 category, the winning team, Sanoband, from Manchester, was recognized for their impactful project focused on public health. Comprised of Daniel Aju (18), Harris Asif (18), and Nahom Ghirmay (18), the team developed a device designed to detect cravings early in individuals managing alcohol addiction.
The Sanoband device aims to provide a crucial tool for intervention and support, potentially helping individuals recognize and respond to craving triggers before they escalate. This proactive approach could play a significant role in recovery efforts and harm reduction strategies for those struggling with addiction.
The judges praised the Sanoband team for their insightful approach to a complex health issue and the practical application of their technology in supporting vulnerable populations. Their project highlights the potential for young innovators to contribute meaningfully to addressing challenging societal health concerns.
Prizes Fueling Future Development
Both winning teams received substantial support to further develop their projects and bring them closer to realization. Each team was awarded a £10,000 cash prize, providing essential funding for prototyping, testing, and potential scaling. In addition to the financial reward, they will receive expert mentoring from industry professionals, offering invaluable guidance on technology development, business strategy, and bringing their solutions to market.
Furthermore, the winners were equipped with Samsung technology, enabling them to continue refining their innovations using cutting-edge tools and devices. These prizes underscore Samsung’s commitment not just to recognizing talent but also to investing in the future of these promising social impact technologies.
Samsung’s Commitment to Social Innovation
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition stands as a testament to the company’s global initiative to empower future generations to use technology for good. By providing resources, mentorship, and a high-profile platform, Samsung aims to inspire young people to apply STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills to solve pressing issues within their communities and globally.
The competition’s focus on a diverse range of societal problems – from accessibility for disabled individuals to mental health and addiction – reflects a broad understanding of the challenges facing modern society. The caliber of entries and the innovative nature of the winning projects demonstrate the immense potential within the UK’s young population to contribute to meaningful technological advancements.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Athena haptic collar and the Sanoband addiction detection device at the 2024/2025 UK Solve for Tomorrow Competition offers a glimpse into the future of socially conscious innovation. As these projects move forward with the support provided by Samsung, they hold the potential to make a tangible positive impact on the lives of deaf individuals and those battling addiction.
The fifth anniversary of the competition marks another milestone in fostering a generation of innovators dedicated to using technology not just for commercial gain, but as a powerful force for addressing some of the world’s most critical needs. The future, as envisioned by these young technologists, is one where innovation serves humanity.
