The Knightsbridge Conference Centre in Bryanston hosted the official Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) 2026 Launch and Top 20 Schools Announcement on 14 April 2026, bringing together the DBE; Samsung Electronics South Africa; SITA; CETA; Telkom; educators; mentors; media; and public schools in a shared commitment towards advancing STEM education, youth innovation, and practical problem-solving in South Africa.
The event formed part of the DBE’s ongoing work with strategic partners to strengthen Mathematics, Science and Technology education, curriculum innovation, and e-learning, while also marking the next phase of the Solve for Tomorrow 2026 programme. Building on the momentum of the 2025 competition, won by Tavisa West Secondary School for its green energy AI system, the launch underscored the programme’s role in creating opportunities for learners to apply classroom knowledge to real community challenges through technology and innovation.
More than 200 schools joined the ceremony via live stream, reflecting the broad national reach of the programme and the growing interest amongst schools in participating in innovation-driven STEM initiatives. The event also served as a platform for the announcement of the Top 20 schools, selected to progress into the next stage of mentorship, design thinking workshops, and prototype development.
At its core, Solve for Tomorrow South Africa promotes innovation, collaboration, and youth-led problem-solving. The programme supports Grade 10 and 11 learners from public schools to identify challenges within their communities and design technology-driven solutions aligned to the 2026 themes of Environmental Sustainability through Technology and Social Inclusion through Sports and Technology. Through sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors, learners are provided with mentorship, digital tools, and access to workshops that strengthen creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.
This shared vision was reinforced during the launch, where Mr Simon Lee, President and CEO of Samsung Africa, noted that “the future of Africa lies in the hands of its young innovators”, adding that through the SFT 2026, learners are being equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to solve real-world challenges, drive social inclusion, and build a more sustainable digital future for all. This message aligned strongly with the Department’s strategic priorities. Ms Elspeth Khembo, the Director of Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST), Curriculum Innovation and e-Learning at the DBE, emphasised that education remains the greatest game changer in shaping the future of the country, and that the continued strengthening of Mathematics, Science and Technology, curriculum innovation, and e-learning is creating pathways for learners to excel, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s growth and the aspirations of the National Development Plan 2030.
The launch also recognised the important contribution of educators and mentors, whose guidance continues to support learners as they refine ideas into practical solutions, while reaffirming the importance of collective action amongst government, industry, schools, and communities in addressing complex social and developmental challenges.
As the Top 20 schools move into the next phase of the programme, the 2026 cycle is expected to further expand opportunities for learners to develop scalable solutions with social impact. The initiative continues to demonstrate how strong collaboration between education and industry can foster opportunities for capable young innovators who are prepared to contribute to a more inclusive, technologically enabled, and sustainable future.