Samsung has announced its 2026 startup incubation program
Samsung has officially launched the 2026 edition of its flagship Samsung Mobile Advance (SMA) program in India, offering deep-tech startups up to $50,000 in non-equity grant funding to build and scale next-generation mobile technologies.
🤖 What the Program Offers
Selected startups receive grant funding without any equity dilution — Samsung takes no ownership stake in participating companies. Beyond funding, participants gain:
- Mentorship from Samsung’s global R&D experts
- Access to Samsung’s product ecosystem and distribution scale
- Opportunities for strategic partnerships and potential investment
- Long-term collaboration pathways within Samsung’s innovation network
Samsung’s R&D centers in Bengaluru (SRI-B) and Noida (SRI-N) are jointly managing the initiative, which operates under the company’s Open Innovation strategy.
🎯 Focus Areas for 2026
Samsung encourages applications across a broad range of categories relevant to its mobile ecosystem:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Extended Reality (XR)
- Security and privacy solutions
- Digital Health and wellness tech
- Camera and imaging technologies
- Audio innovation
- Wearables
- Other mobile-related domains
📅 Timeline for SMA 2026
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Submission | April – June 30, 2026 |
| Application Review | July 2026 |
| Pitch Day (shortlisted startups) | September 2026 |
| Final Selection | September–October 2026 |
| Program Commencement | October 2026 |
| PoC Demo Day | After completion of incubation |
Source: Samsung Mobile Advance 2026 announcement
Startups must submit a detailed 6-month proof-of-concept (PoC) proposal outlining innovation, feasibility, and potential impact.
📝 How to Apply
Indian startups interested in the SMA 2026 program can submit their applications via email to: startup.connect@samsung.com
The deadline for submission is June 30, 2026.
💡 Why This Matters for Indian Startups
The SMA program represents a significant opportunity for deep-tech startups to validate their solutions through a global platform while retaining full ownership of their intellectual property. For early-stage companies building mobile-focused technologies in AI, XR, security, or wearables, this could serve as a launchpad for global scale.
Samsung R&D leaders on the initiative:
“SMA reflects our deep commitment to open innovation, bringing together startup ingenuity and Samsung’s global R&D strength to co-create the future of mobile experiences. We aim to build long-term partnerships that not only accelerate innovation but also translate bold ideas into impactful solutions at global scale.”
— Mohan Rao Goli, Managing Director and CVP, Samsung R&D Institute India, Bangalore“Through SMA, we focus on partnering with startups that demonstrate strong cultural and technological synergy. We aim to integrate the best of external innovation with Samsung’s R&D expertise to shape the future of mobile experiences.”
— Kyungyun Roo, Managing Director, Samsung R&D Institute India, Noida
SUMMERY
Samsung has announced its 2026 startup incubation program, offering up to $50,000 in non-equity funding to Indian startups. This initiative is designed to support mobile ecosystem innovations and integrate promising ventures into Samsung’s global technology network.
By providing both funding and international exposure, Samsung is strengthening collaboration between large corporations and early-stage companies. For startups, this means not only financial support but also access to a global platform that can accelerate growth and innovation.
This program highlights the increasing role of corporate-backed incubation in India’s startup ecosystem, where partnerships between established tech giants and emerging innovators are shaping the future of technology. With Samsung’s backing, Indian startups have a unique opportunity to scale their ideas and make a mark on the global stage. 🚀💡
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About sumsung
Samsung, founded in 1938 by Lee Byung-chul, is a South Korean conglomerate (“chaebol”) and a global leader in technology, electronics, and engineering. Samsung Electronics is its largest subsidiary, specializing in semiconductors, smartphones, and consumer appliances, reporting massive revenue of ₩333.6 trillion in 2025. It has a huge impact on South Korea’s economy, accounting for about a fifth of the country’s total exports.
