Samsung R&D launches startup incubation drive, offers upto $50,000 grants

Bengaluru: Samsung's R&D Institutes (SRI) in Bengaluru and Noida on Tuesday announced the 2026 edition of Samsung Mobile Advance (SMA), its global startup incubation and partnership programme focused on next-generation mobile technologies.

The programme, anchored in Samsung's open innovation strategy, seeks to connect deeptech startups with its global mobile ecosystem to drive innovations across devices and platforms, said the company in a statement.

Under the initiative, startups will be eligible for grant funding of up to $50,000 to build proof-of-concept (PoC) solutions, with no equity stake taken by the company.


"SMA reflects our commitment to open innovation, bringing together startup capabilities and Samsung's R&D strengths to co-create scalable mobile solutions," said Mohan Rao Goli, managing director and corporate vice president, Samsung R&D Institute India, Bengaluru.

Kyungyun Roo, managing director, Samsung R&D Institute India, Noida, said the programme will focus on startups that demonstrate strong technological alignment and can integrate with Samsung's ecosystem.

The 2026 edition will invite applications across areas such as artificial intelligence, extended reality, security, health, camera, audio and wearables, among others.

Applications are open until June 30. They will be reviewed in July, followed by a pitch day in September. Selected startups will start the programme in October, ending with a PoC demo day and potential partnership opportunities, said the statement.

Participants will also gain access to Samsung's global mentorship network, product ecosystem and potential investment opportunities.

Samsung said it has previously collaborated with startups in areas including voice intelligence, 4D modelling and security as part of the initiative.