Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has once again proven its commitment to nurturing young talent with the conclusion of the ninth edition of its flagship campus program, Samsung E.D.G.E. (Empowering Dreams Gaining Excellence). This annual initiative provides a platform for some of the country’s brightest students to showcase their business acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership skills. The 2023 edition saw an overwhelming response, with over 15,000 students from 40 premier institutions, including top B-schools, engineering colleges, and design schools, participating in the competition.

The grand finale, held in Gurugram, was graced by JB Park, President and CEO of Samsung Southwest Asia, along with other senior leaders from Samsung India. The event celebrated innovation, collaboration, and the spirit of problem-solving, which are at the heart of Samsung’s philosophy.

“Innovation is the cornerstone of everything we do at Samsung,” said JB Park. “Through Samsung E.D.G.E., we aim to empower young minds by providing them with a platform to showcase their creative solutions for enhancing consumer experiences. This year’s participation and the quality of ideas were truly inspiring. It was exciting to witness the next generation of leaders and innovators in action.”

Winners of E.D.G.E Season 9 Redefine Tech Solutions with Innovations in Geo Targeting and GenZ Hotspot Tagging

National Winner: Team RSP from XLRI Jamshedpur
Team RSP from XLRI Jamshedpur clinched the top spot with their innovative strategy to boost consumer engagement. Their idea revolved around using brand mascots, geo-targeting, Gen MZ hotspot tagging, and mall activations to create personalized and localized experiences for consumers. The team—comprising Pranjali Bhatia, Siddhartha Dwivedi, and Rohan Bhardwaj—impressed the jury with their creative approach to building deeper consumer connections. They walked away with a cash prize of INR 450,000, Samsung’s flagship smartphones, and pre-placement offers from Samsung.

First Runners-Up: Team Chevy67 from XLRI Jamshedpur
Team Chevy67, also from XLRI Jamshedpur, secured the first runners-up position with their forward-thinking strategy for the smart home market. Their idea focused on creating an interconnected, future-ready ecosystem that simplifies the user experience and guides consumers through their purchase journey. The team—comprising Apurvaa Mittal, Chayan Banerjee, and Shubham Tripathy—was awarded a cash prize of INR 300,000.

Second Runners-Up: Team Phoenix from IIFT Kolkata
Team Phoenix from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Kolkata, finished as the second runners-up. Their innovative ideas, including ‘Spin to Win’ Smart QR Codes and sustainable design concepts, aimed to elevate brand engagement through experiential retail and sustainability. The team—comprising Varun Goyal, Umang Jain, and Saksham Jain—received a cash prize of INR 150,000.

A Journey of Innovation and Mentorship

This year’s Samsung E.D.G.E. journey began with 5,713 teams registering for the competition. Of these, 1,432 teams advanced to the Campus Round, where they developed executive case summaries through extensive research and ideation. From there, 59 teams moved on to the Regional Round, where they presented detailed solutions. Finally, the top eight teams earned their place in the National Round, where they received one-on-one mentorship from Samsung leaders to refine their ideas before presenting them at the finale.

Samsung E.D.G.E.: A Legacy of Empowering Young Talent

Since its inception in 2016, Samsung E.D.G.E. has grown into one of India’s most prestigious campus programs, offering students a unique opportunity to exchange meaningful insights, solve real-world challenges, and gain a head start in their careers. Over the years, the program has become a launchpad for innovation, fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration among India’s brightest young minds.

As Samsung continues to champion innovation and excellence, initiatives like E.D.G.E. reaffirm its commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers. With each passing year, the program not only grows in scale but also strengthens its impact, inspiring students to dream big and turn their ideas into reality.

If you’re a student with a passion for innovation and a drive to make a difference, Samsung E.D.G.E. is the perfect platform to showcase your talent and take your first step toward a promising future.