Charter School of Wilmington named in final 10 for national STEM competition

The Charter School of Wilmington is gearing up for the finals of the national 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition in Washington, D.C. on April 28.

Tuesday, the charter, located at 100 North Dupont Road in the city, was named one of 10 finalists across the country.

The competition is a national initiative that challenges public school students in grades 6-12 to use STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) knowledge to address real-world issues in their communities.

This year, 50 state winners have been selected based on their project pitch videos, with each finalist team set to receive a prize package worth $50,000 in Samsung technology and classroom supplies.

Now in its 15th year, Solve for Tomorrow encourages students to develop solutions to pressing local challenges, fostering both interest and proficiency in STEM while promoting equity.

Launched in 2010, the program has awarded over $27 million in resources to nearly 4,000 public schools across the United States, reshaping the way STEM is perceived and ensuring it plays a critical role in preparing the workforce of tomorrow.

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Wilmington Charter’s project was focused on public health and the ongoing physician shortage.

Delaware’s physician shortage has left several counties without adequate access to healthcare, causing primary care wait times to soar by nearly 200%.

The students developed the AKQUA-Gel hydrogel bandage—a smart, AI-powered smart bandage with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and 3D-printed components that monitors wound healing in real-time. L

inked to a mobile app, it tracks biomarkers like moisture, pH, and oxygen, providing data to patients and doctors, advancing treatment, and reducing hospital congestion by enabling remote wound monitoring.

Watch the school’s project video here.

Each finalist team will now enter the final competition round, with the chance to present their STEM solution prototypes to a panel of judges at a live pitch event in nation’s capital on April 28.

These students, working closely with teachers, mentors from Samsung, local businesses, and public officials, have developed innovative solutions incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, 3D modeling, and IoT.

These projects address critical issues including accessibility, public health, public safety, sustainability, and mental health.

Of the finalist teams, half come from Title 1 schools, further emphasizing the program’s focus on promoting equity in STEM education.

Judges for the final event will include Charlotte Dungan, Chief Learning Officer at the Mark Cuban Foundation, Rameen Rana, Investor at Samsung NEXT, and other distinguished experts.

“Watching Year 15 of Solve for Tomorrow unfold, it’s clear that care, compassion, and creative genius are alive and well among America’s 6-12 grade students,” said Allison Stransky, CMO of Samsung Electronics America. “It’s inspiring to see Gen Z and Gen Alpha, as digital natives, embracing emerging tech like AI to improve lives and communities. We are proud to recognize not only the National Finalists but also the many students from schools across the country who participated this year, showcasing the incredible promise of the next generations.”

Salman Taufiq, Head of Brand Marketing for Samsung Electronics America, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the program’s role in cultivating the potential of young minds.

“Solve for Tomorrow highlights the incredible potential of young students. As they embrace the power of STEM, they’re not just learning—they’re actively shaping a future where innovation and technology create real, positive impact,” he said.

At the conclusion of the live pitch event, three National Winners will be selected, each receiving further recognition for their innovation and contribution to their communities.

These winners will join the ranks of previous Solve for Tomorrow participants, whose work continues to inspire and drive positive change across the nation.