IOC and Samsung celebrate Solve for Tomorrow, Sport & Tech winners in Milan

05 November 2025 – Five outstanding teams were celebrated in Milan on 30 October 2025 as European winners in Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow challenge, a global initiative empowering young people to tackle real-world issues through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and the recently launched theme, a joint initiative with the IOC, called “Sport&Tech”. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) joined the regional final event, highlighting the impact of youth-led initiatives that combine sport and technology to address social issues in communities and provide potential solutions.

This year’s European Solve for Tomorrow edition brought together finalists from 10 countries to address issues like well-being, physical activity in schools, and accessibility for people with disabilities, using AI and wearable technologies to address health, sustainability, and social inclusion through technology and/or sport.

Held at Samsung’s Italian headquarters, the event included presentations of the 10 finalists’ projects, workshops led by IOC Young Leaders, mentoring by Samsung experts, and the announcement of the five winning teams selected by a panel of judges based on creativity, quality and impact, who will be invited to visit Samsung’s headquarters in the Republic of Korea in 2026 and also be eligible for the Global Solve For Tomorrow competition to be held later this year.

The winners of the European Solve For Tomorrow competition are:

• Raye Ryong Woon and Suhan (Sarah) Xie – CuraStep (GBR) – a smart biometric shoe that addresses the challenges of diabetic patients to practise sport – Sport&Tech category
• Simon Cénet and Evan Dessables – Liova (FRA) – an eco-designed power bank using recovered components from all types of device
• Petra Zsofia Hargitai and Zóra Cserni – My Hormone (HUN) – a health app combining menstrual cycle-tracking and structured education appropriate for each stage of life
• Alica Böttjer and Gabriel Zaiton – SkillFit (GER) – an AI-powered platform with a focus on individual progress in physical education in schools, ensuring a more wholistic approach to practising sport – Sport&Tech category
• Jakub Aldorf and Jakub Kuzel – VisionNex (CZE) – smart glasses that use an embedded camera to capture content and use AI to translate it into audio descriptions played via earbuds.

Launched in 2024 with the IOC, the Sport&Tech theme inspires young people to drive change by combining sport and innovation, supporting the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy for sustainable development.

“Olympism is not only about competition; it is about building a better world through sport,” said Ollie Dudfield, Associate Director of Olympism365 at the IOC. He congratulated Samsung for the Solve For Tomorrow programme and the Sport&Tech collaboration with the IOC, noting that “our shared vision through initiatives like Olympism365 empowers young people to use sport and innovation to tackle global challenges.” Dudfield encouraged participants to be proud of their journey, adding that “together, we can help create a healthier, more inclusive and better-connected world.”

“We are thrilled to see the incredible talent and creativity demonstrated by these young innovators,” said Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Electronics Europe. “The Solve for Tomorrow competition is a testament to the power of technology in driving positive change. We are proud to support these young innovators as they work towards creating a better future for all.”

Sport&Tech winning teams

We had a lot of fun meeting new people and exploring Milan during the European Solve for Tomorrow competition. It’s been incredible to win with CuraStep. We can’t wait to see what’s next!

Raye Ryong Woon / CuraStep

We have dreamt of reaching the top five with our My Hormone project since the moment we stepped into the European finals. Seeing our ideas come to life and sharing this moment with everyone who believed in us is an incredible feeling.

Petra Zsofia Hargitai / My Hormone

The IOC’s participation in Solve for Tomorrow reflects both Samsung’s and the IOC’s broader commitment to leveraging technology and sport as tools for sustainable development.  

Building on a relationship that began at the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games, Samsung became a Worldwide Olympic Partner in 1998. The partnership now extends through to 2028 and includes a shared focus on engaging young people globally to promote the power of sport and the values of Olympism. Through initiatives like Solve for Tomorrow, the partnership aims to harness the combined potential of sport, youth and technology to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future.